Tuesday 12/01
After a rather sleepless night trying to sort out the jet lag we got up early and had a wander around the neighbourhood. Plenty of night clubs! Met Andy Hill for lunch at Luther’s our local cafe. We then went to St. Philip’s College to find our office and meet some of the staff in the Department of Philosophy etc. We got a very warm welcome.
Next was a shopping trip to get in some supplies only to discover how huge and spread out San Antonio is with its 1.5 million inhabitants. We had a bit of challenge round prices, sizes and measures.
Yvonne is wearing her sun glasses already. We have had clear blue skies and temperatures in the low 20C.
Wednesday 13/01
After a gentle start we had an early lunch with Andy and Matt Fuller who had just returned from NI.
Thursday 14/01
We were introduced to more staff at a seminar on “Ethical decision making” led by Andy. This was part of programme of staff development. The topic discussed was gun law and recently introduced “open carry” and its implications for educational establishments.
This was followed by lunch for all of the staff in the College. We were introduced along other new staff. This was followed by a line dance initiation for the new staff! We then had a four hour tour of the campus. They cover an impressive range of vocational and academic courses leading to qualifications from certificate to first degree level.
In the evening we went in to down town San Antonio where we saw the Alamo and ate at a restaurant on the impressive river walk.
Friday 15/01
This started with a department meeting mitigated by some culinary treats from the oldest bakery in Texas.
Catching up with your experiences since Wednesday. You’ve had a busy time, and full marks if you’re able to remember people’s names and where they fit into the network. Envy you the temperatures; as no doubt others have told you, there’s been snow here. Usual dusting, nothing too much of a problem, heralding in damp and cold really. Best wishes for the ‘working week’ ahead. Anna x
Hi folks, I ‘ve been able to get your blog!!! Miracle for me! Interesting, looks lovely. Would have been nice to have gone shopping with you. I envy your temperatures, it’s 5 degrees here, love Hazel and Roy.
Thanks Hazel. We woke up to a rainy day this morning but still a forecast high of 19C. Sunny weather back tomorrow. We are still waiting for our transport to be organised so shopping is not so straightforward yet.