The Fun We Had

‘This beautifully written memoir is akin to an enormous postcard from the jaunt of a life’ The fact that Carrie had lived in eight places by the time she was eight years old could have instilled in her a craving for a secure life, in which she could put down roots and enjoy some continuity. Not so. The pattern of her early years – a roll call of various schools, teachers, playmates and friends – came to an end the day after her last A-level as she headed off on a working holiday in the Swiss mountains. The trend of her peripatetic lifestyle was set. Returning to the UK between trips mainly to gain qualifications, she turned her naturally itchy feet to advantage circumnavigating the globe teaching English in language schools. She cut her teeth as a newly qualified TEFL teacher in Europe, following the sun when the northern climate got chilly – to Greece then on to Israel. And so it went, moving ever eastwards: Eastern Europe, The Middle East, Thailand, Taiwan and New Zealand – working, making friends, immersing herself in new cultures and new cuisines, always honing her teaching skills. But it was in Thailand that she felt most at home, its relaxed atmosphere and rich heritage the most fulfilling, in direct contrast to the restrictions and ‘Big Brother’ ambiance of the UAE, where having decided she would compromise her freer lifestyle in favour of a decent salary, she lived for nearly a decade. I was captivated by Carrie’s recollection of the minutiae of the life she has led, stored away for perhaps decades, that bring this whistle-stop tour around the planet to life. She conjures up each country’s particular flavour, its people and customs, so vividly and the anecdotes featuring the colleagues and friends she met along the way with such clarity. The back cover blurb proclaims: ‘A thoroughly enjoyable read that romps along from continent to continent…The Fun We Had is a tsunami of incident, gossip and character vignettes, an exploration of other cultures sure to entertain anyone with a fascination for human quirks and foibles. Quite so

I recently finished reading The Fun We Had by Carrie Evans and I couldn’t stop thinking about the story long after I turned the final page. Her honest and engaging reflections on school life, travel and teaching provide fascinating insights into intercultural experiences and the realities of everyday life and work across cultures. She discusses the fun and challenges of teaching English abroad. And, with courage, humility and vulnerability, addresses the cultural differences that many people notice but are often reluctant to discuss openly. Whether you’re a teacher considering working abroad, a traveller, or simply curious about how people experience different cultures, this thought-provoking read will not disappoint.

A Captivating Celebration of Humanity The Fun We Had by Carrie Evans is a delightful blend of humor, heart, and cultural exploration. Through vivid character sketches and sharp storytelling, Evans captures the complexities of human relationships and the joy of shared experiences. The book is both entertaining and thought-provoking, offering universal insights wrapped in witty, accessible prose. A must-read for anyone who loves rich, character-driven stories that celebrate the quirks and beauty of humanity.

There are very few books you read nowadays that paint such vivid lived experiences encompassing all five senses. This is one of those rare gems. I could see Carrie’s memoir making a very entertaining film.

From the very start right to the end, I found this an enjoyable, educational and easy read, written in such good style with excellent descriptive passages of the places where the author taught and of the students, fellow teachers and other people that she met - even the food she ate. I was sorry to have come to the end but am about to start reading it again. Such a unique journey, so many countries over such a long time.