Early days in PB

Yesterday afternoon I managed to venture out for a wander around Puerto Banus, straight to see the sea and around the marina with all the yachts… very nice..! I very quickly spotted 2 Irish bars and an English pub – don’t they just get everywhere..?!! However, I am pleased to report that most of the obvious tourist spots (including the irish and english bars!) are currently closed for refurbishment over the winter – hurrah!!

A quick walk around and it is easy to spot the designer names, I decided not to go into Jimmy Choos for instance as I didn’t think the student budget would stand up to it!!

I fell asleep early last night didn’t make it for dinner don’t worry didn’t starve (as if I would!) I also found the ‘hypercor’ (supermarket) in Cortes Ingles, a large department store selling pretty much everything you can think of.

The apartment as you will have seen from the photos is well appointed however not that well equipped, have managed to negotiate crockery and cutlery in case I want to eat there but other than that the kitchen consists of a fridge, microwave and hob which doesn’t appear to work!! However with the option to eat at work it’s not really a problem. I think I may be nipping out later for some other bits as I have decided I need some coffee…although no kettle so will be making coffee in the microwave I think..!!

Right, down to the nitty gritty…. First day at work today… Began at 0800 while it was still very dark here (of course we are an hour ahead). Had a brief orientation to Sanyres how to find the gym OT room and client’s apartments.

In the morning I did some work in the gym with clients and had an interesting experience trying to teach a gentleman with dementia to fasten and unfasten buttons in Spanish – not sure who was more confused by the end of it him or me!!!!

I also attended a memory class with Psychologist again this had a mixture of Spanish and English speaking clients. Observed and assisted with feeding at lunchtime and then health back class as the final activity of the day.

I have been set homework of learning about pathologies and their impact on function, and I need to design activities for a mixed function cognitive group tomorrow for English and Spanish clients – eeekkkk!!!!

So, as you may be able to tell it has been a fairly full on day and I am shattered..! Another early night tonight I feel (after dinner this time tho!) I can’t take the pace. As many of you will know it is tiring being on placement trying to absorb new information, that on top of a language barrier is definitely a challenge, which I am sure will become easier….!

Thanks to those who are emailing it is great to hear from you and now that I have access to the computer at work fingers crossed communication will be easier..