Life is Healthy

As you know I have worked for Vaughan for one and a half years now. In that time gone through some changes myself. But someone who has undergone and undergoing changes is Rob a fellow MC, and boy what changes he's making too.

If you have ever had the pleasure of Rob (and many have, just kidding) you will know the kind of person and lifestyle he was living, but a recent change (a lady) seems to of had a profound impression on him and brought about several chances - when you seem him now he is like a new man, no really you may laugh but its true.

The bohemian he once was is no more and now instead a respectable young man stands in his shoes - dont know if Rob knows that!?! So I ask that you send him well wishes and encourage him to keep up the work; as we all know, we need a little help from our friends.

On a further note - his creative juices have been poured into this project along with another he has yet to unveil - which I have seen and look forward to seeing more of!
But check out his current project and why not become a fan on Facebook by clicking this link.

Fan site on Facebook - WITHOUT A PADDLE
Personal Website - PROFESSIONAL BOHEMIAN

This week I decided to go back to Vaughan Town as an anglo just as I started one year ago - since then I have done 20 programs, and have enjoyed each of them, its good to see how much I've grown looking back.

The week was full of talented people from all over the world and each person participanted fully, which made the week fly by - as usual it hard to say goodbye at the end but there were a few 'master' students who I'm bound to see again as they have to do 4 programs before they finish.

So what did the week have install? Well we did a Christmas theme Vaughan Town - Marissa read Twas the night before Xmas in Spanglish! We had carols, a Xmas tree and eggnog!

I did my dance in a mask which was very funny - got a standing ovation; but nearly died in the process as i couldn't breath - and trust me doing 48 dances in 6 minutes you NEED to breath!! hehe - but it was SO worth it. Having thrown down that gauntlet Rob had to pull out something big - no not that!!!!

He did a portrait of yours truly in 5 minutes!! and it was awesome: its now on my wall at home - this was his present to me for Xmas which got me a little teary. Rob being Rob also gave something to everyone else - A VIRUS!!! This time it was just the flu - the antibiotics cleared up the other one ehh mate!?! (just kidding)

As usual the photos of the week are HERE

Where ever you are from - Feliz Navidad - Merry Christmas - Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année!

Okay so Richard Vaughan stuck his neck out to do a young adults program (well when I say he stuck his neck out) he asked for it to be put together and Rob, Marissa & I ran the program.

So was it worth it?? I must say there was a lot of speculation and apprehension before the start of the program - having worked with kids, teens & adults I tried to keep an open mind give them benefit of the doubt and see how it went, but I expected it to be full of energy.

I was too right for the most part. The week flew by with very few issues, the key factor for every night was the alcohol consumption (something I think will be monitored closer next time) as a few could not handle it or handled it badly. Although I'm pleased to say the majority were in fact well behaved and responsible: Well done guys.

So will Richard do the program again? I'm sure he will; A. theres a market B. there was no real problems. After all it was a success, only time will tell if there were any REAL issues - I reckon 9 months should be long enough to see ;)

All of them got involved and again I managed to see the magic of the program unfold as people slowly came out of themselves and their characters shone through. The already confident folks naturally blossomed and encouraged the others - and I am even more pleased to say that no ego's came with either group, which helped to build relationships quickly, although we have an MC in the making with Craig! Think about it dude!

All in all I was more than happy - although I must admit didn't offer 100% of myself as I was slightly distracted with issues back in the UK. I am due back in only 10 days now, and don't know whether I will get to see and have my daughter - which is really messing with my head. China I miss you so much baby and cant wait to see you and tell you all about my travels. I'm hoping for good news and to spend quality time with her; also after having my wallet stolen I have no recent photos so i need some of them too, I bet your real big now?!

As usual all the photos are posted HERE

Anyway only one more week and I'll be there, until then, bye for now!

Well, this week I'm back in Gredos not because I'm in charge of another program, but because I cant afford to be in Madrid without money, so I'm freeloading and helping out Rob (also picking up more invaluable tips).

The program is going really well, and yet again many friends were made as the week progressed. I was fortunate enough to see a very good friend come totally out of himself and grow into a star! Matt was on my first program and I managed to be with him through all three of his consecutive programs, it was a pleasure to know him and share the experience - I wish you all the best in the future and really hope our paths cross again; Dark Knight!

There was karaoke on Tuesday night after the Quemada; there was a small after party (so I hear, cough cough). I'm actually trying to learn to sing so a great opportunity for me to rock, the big party was on Thursday night which wrapped up early for me at least - then the folowing morning hit with mess in one of the rooms - what do you do!?!?

The weather wasn't on our side though last week and we had to make the best of it, which I'm glad to say we did. We tried out some new ideas for sketches and activities and Rob performed some sketches which he has now retired as he likes to keep things fresh (as do i).

We had quite a few "veterans" (people who had done the program before), on this program so it was good to keep it fresh for them, but after spending SO much time with them and getting to know them personally it does make it hard when they leave.

As usual the hardest part is the goodbyes - knowing we may never see these people again; and not so hairy Rob is camping in the wilderness so who knows what will become of him!?!?

If the weather holds out; which it wont & if the bears dont get him; and they might & if he survives the snakes; which I doubt: we may see him at some point, if not his legend will live on in Gredos Mountains!

Back in Madrid - I made a big error not booking a hostel, so unable to get anywhere to stay as everywhere was fully booked, after checking 12 places finally got one! I wont make that mistake again, he says.

We had one last crazy night in Madrid - met "RANDOM GUY" which we dubbed him for the night, had a real giggle and managed to get home, which was a bonus!

Well all the photos will be uploaded as usual for you to see what im up to and what ive been upto. Next week very busy sorting out, banks, NIE and somewhere to finally call home I have a week to sort it all - wish me luck; im gonna need it!

click to see PHOTOS - may the force be with you!!!!

BTW: when applying for a room I found this line in the ad - property with a view of the moon through window!! now that's amazing salesmanship - sea view is one thing but a moon view!! Just think what we could do to property prices with sun and moon views!!

Well after all my travels I have a few days to kill in Madrid, and this is a sample of what I've done and seen over this time. Thought as usual I'd share with you all, just in case anyone really cared.

Well I had to stay in the other hostel the other night met some cool folks and hung out in an Irish bar, and actually found 1 Irish guy there! Although the music was hip hop, in Spain and full of various other nationalities.

The next day I walked around Madrid aimlessly but no plan, then a friend from Vaughan Town came to the same hostel so we went round to Rob's and chilled there, and when i say chilled i mean it we got caught in a HUGE downpour! Lucky for me Cassey was with me so at least she knew where she was going, right!??! WRONG! It's up here, no here okay definetly this one, needless to say we were soaked, lol!

We got to Rob's street and it was flooded, and also a car smash (see photos). We got there then we went out for a meal and got stung big time!!! The meal came to 70 Euros far more than the 30 Euros we expected it appears they gave us large portions! Dam it, watch out for that one!

And today we wondered around taking in the sites and enjoying Cassey's company and easy chat, we walked around went to the pyramid (yes in Spain) and headed for a huge gallery but it was closed :(
But we did find a big park, so we played Hide and Seek; as you can see Cassey was rubbish!

Then hunger set in, so off we went in search for food, we found the perfect Indian Restaraunt , only to be told (by an Indian waiter) they dont do Indian - check out the sign outside and see for yourself, they certainly fooled us!?

Once fed from a Chinese (at least they knew what they did, although Cassey did make a meal of ordering a meal, lol) We headed back to the hostel, and my fav performer was out, you have to check this guy, he rocks like a rock concert with huge rocks!

I need a siesta now - it's been a hard day.

Cool Slideshows

Well yet another week comes to an end, and yet again what a week. Full of highs and very little lows (if any). It was a real pleasure to work along side Rob and Carmen, who's experience shines through what they do. I only hope to be half as good.

I got some excellent feedback from Spaniards and Anglos alike which really helped boost my confidence. I'm really looking forward to putting together programs and having MY programs spoke highly of.

As for Rob I finally got my revenge, by writing him a poem and reading it aloud to the group on party night (and there were a few of them, lol). It was reat to see that yet again the magic of Vaughan town working away, and I kid you not if you haven't experienced it you really are missing out!

Well I wont say too much as it will spoil the fun when you see it all for yourself. However I will of course post photos - they can be found HERE

So this week I'm in Gredos (Avila), shadowing a Master of Ceremonies called ROB. It has been good to see someone elses input into what Vaughan has to offer, I only hope I can live up to it.
It will be interesting because I know we will push each other and hopefully learn so much from each other.

Rob is extremely talented from painting to music and even doing some magic!

He kindly said to me that Tuesday was my day to shine - and boy did I try. First off we had a simple psychological game then a treasure hunt, and what fun it turned out to be. In the evening we had been preparing sketches for the night, and they were so funny!!!!

The Anglos and Spaniards did me proud. I also did something new, I painting a picture, that's all I'll say but the I was very happy with the results and so was the audience and the lady (Giovanni) who posed for me; she kept the painting.

At night I read the Quemada, and drunk plenty too. Then on with the karaoke which was so funny, I sang; well I say sang! Like a Virgin (and why not), I got very merry and had a very good night, although the mornings a bit of a struggle, if you know what I mean, lol!