Travel Diaries #8: Bosnia

Hey everyone,

I've just realised I haven't blogged in a while and again in all honesty it is all due to school. I've been crazily busy and have really only got all my school work out of the way now which gives me some free time.

So, during my Spring Break, I decided to visit my good friend Saida in Bosnia. I had been saying for a number of years how I would go and visit her and I finally just booked the trip on a whim! I was so glad that I did because I really had such an enjoyable time.

Flying to Bosnia took around 7 hours and that includes transits. When I got there I was so amazed at just how green it was. I think I really appreciate the environment and nature more when I see it in a different country.

Even though I was only there for a few days, it was lovely. We talked and talked and talked about everything and anything! Bosnia is heavily influenced by the Ottomans, hence the Turkish style decor and influences with the food too.

She was so sweet and took me to eat lots of delicious food as well as visit some beautiful spots in and around Sarajevo. I officially love Bosnian food as it's so tasty but then again I am a foodie!

I would honestly recommend you to visit this beautiful country and also read up on the history too. There is a bridge in Sarajevo where Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were assassinated which instigated the First World War. I actually remember that from my history lessons at school and when Saida told me I was amazed! It is also home to one of the oldest synagogues in Europe too! I love history!

I definitely want to visit again, as there is so much more to see but for now enjoy my mini collage of some photographs below that I've taken from my instagram.

Lots of love,
Sara

Travel Diaries #7: Greece (Work Trip)

I'm on blog roll at the moment! I will end this evening with this blog and then write up more for next week.

So about a month ago, I visited Greece to attend a conference for teachers who are on the Senior Leadership Team in their school or who are new to the role. It was held at St Catherine's British School just outside Athens and led by Karen Ardley Associates. I had been there before when I taught in my previous school and it was a great experience. I was there for 4 days due to travelling, etc. Whilst I was there I met lots of familiar faces which was lovely. We all had a catch up and it was really good learning from one another, as some had more experience and some like me were new to their roles. 

We looked at what makes a leader and how a leader is different to a manager, as well as how to deal with difficult people and implement the school's vision along with your team. Overall, I learnt quite a lot and felt that it was a great refresher course too, as some parts were repetitive from last time. Oh yes! We had a competition to make a design/ideas sheet based on the learning during the course - so I went to town! I didn't think I would win to be honest as many entries around me were so creative and imaginative but I did and it was the book I wanted to read too! I haven't started it yet as I was mid way through another book, my sister recommended me to read which was pretty good too!

It's so important to participate in relevant CPD, I can't stress it enough especially abroad. It helps you to develop as a teacher as you learn from one another and also new and improved ways of ensuring your teaching is up to scratch. I've been lucky this year, as I've made sure I have attended ones which will develop me in my role. However, I am hoping to devise a CPD programmed for the teachers in my school at the start of the next academic year.

                                      

Whilst I was there, I fit in time to meet with my brother as he works outside Athens. So we met up in the evenings for dinner and shisha. It was great and we had a lovely catch up too! I was lucky enough to have most of the day free on Monday as my flight was due to leave in the evening. So I used that to go around the city and view some sights!

My brother Sulley and I in Monastraki

                                                      
   

A breathtaking view of the Acropolis