Cécile

When I was young and growing up in France, I had two dreams, the first one was to travel and the second was to become a teacher.

Dreams sometimes come true! In my late teens much to the angst of my mother (who at that time had rarely left the confines of Northern France) I hitchhiked all over Europe. After many months on the road, I entered Turkey, which in the late 60's unreservedly qualified to be termed exotic. I was fascinated by the various cultures and languages that I experienced along the way-I was hooked-and I knew then that I wold travel the world to satisfy my curiosity.

With my English husband of eight months, pregnant and penniless, we left the damp shores of England to begin a new life in Canada. We were to spend the next five years discovering the riches of North America before returning to the South Coast of England. Having itchy feet again, we decided this time to go to Australia.

Australia with its weird fauna met al my requirements of exotica. I have a passion for the deserts, the vastness of the landscapes, its solitude and the translucence of its night sky.

It was in Adelaide that I started to teach French. I taught all levels: children and adults alike from 3 years of age to 83 years young!

In my many years of teaching I had the pleasure and opportunity to meet some very nice people. We have many lively debates and there is never a shortage of topics for discussion. It is always fun and I think that is the reason for its success.

Teaching is rewarding not only in passing your knowledge to others but also in receiving and sharing knowledge. To take things in good humour, and to offer mutual respect to each other is the best way to build relatonships.

Cécile Parr (5/4/06