What have Honduras, IELTS English language test, an out of date computer system, England World Cup bid, Chevening scholarships & a pub quiz got in common? Answer: Me! Hi my name is Mark Day, Third Secretary standing in for Julie this week whilst she takes a well-earned break with her partner Pete.
Since Julie's last blog, we've had a really busy time of it here in Guatemala, covering a variety of activities. Last Thursday & Friday we finally managed to host April's International English Language Testing System (IELTS) tests, which were postponed due to H1N1 influenza. That the examiner and invigilator are based at the British Council in Mexico City explains why the original tests had to be placed on hold. 29 nervy candidates sat the tests - the majority of which needed a score of 6.5 out of 9 to be considered for immigration to English speaking countries. They now await the results, the outcome of which will undoubtedly change lives.
Exam day nerves
Over the weekend I anxiously watched ousted President Zelaya on CNN Español as he approached his country's Las Manos border post from Nicaragua during his symbolic 'March on Tegucigalpa'. Thankfully the anticipated violent confrontations never materialised as he returned to Nicaragua for further consultation.
Monday morning presented every System Administrator's nightmare - no email or internet! Hurried resetting of servers, checking of UPS' and calls to the Help Desk had everyone up & running again with minimal inconvenience. Evidently, power went out in the building for 3 hours over the weekend. At least our good old IT system lived to tell the tale! The unsung heroes on our Help Desk deserve a pat on the back!
On Monday & Tuesday I had the pleasure of escorting Lucia Sanchez from the English Football Association (the FA) to various contacts & football related projects. Lucia was here on a reconnaissance visit ahead of the World Cup 2018/2022 bid presentation later this year. Most impressive was to hear the FA's approach to leaving a global football legacy should the bid be successful. Some of the ideas that Lucia came up with certainly opened some eyes. Learn more about the England World Cup bid at http://www.england2018bid.com/.
Felix showing his support for the England World Cup bid
On Tuesday evening I hosted a traditional British pub quiz for expatriates and locals. Whilst there is plenty in the way of entertainment available in Guatemala City, these events are incredibly popular. Once again we had a full house, with people from varying backgrounds enjoying the opportunity to mix. Whilst Delboy & Rodders running through the streets of London as Batman & Robin gained the biggest laugh of the night, the real stars were those businesses who kindly donated prizes. Thanks again to all.
Trivial pursuits..
Yesterday I had the pleasure of presenting Manuel Delgado Chavarria, our Salvadoran Chevening scholar for this year with his formal award letter. Manuel will be studying a MSc in Economics at Sussex University. Manuel has promised to email me from Brighton the moment he finds pupusas there. El Salvador is well-known for many things, not least of which is the scrumptious pupusa - a cheese-filled tortilla!
Posted at 10:45 30 July 2009 by Julie Chappell | Comments[3]
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