Meet Alex!

Hailing from Hamilton, NZ, Alex, Al or “Big Al” is rugby mad and a PE teacher.  After moving over and falling in love with London, he fell in love with a lovely Irish lass (not surprisingly at a rugby game), put a ring on it, and has now made the place his home.  When he’s not packing down in a scrum, you’ll find him in the cafés of Shoreditch eating brunch and drinking coffee.

Tell us about your story with Vibe

When I first arrived in London I was with another Teaching Agency.  I felt like I was just a number on the books and hated it! I’d heard good things about Vibe through word of mouth, so signed up and haven’t looked back since!

What do you love most about working with Vibe?

I love coming to work everyday -it’s a great environment and there’s a great culture around the place.  My workmates will be lifelong friends!  It’s good fun meeting people from all over London and the world, as well as supporting teachers that have now become great friends.

What’s the best thing about living in London?

There’s always something new to do and see, and if not there’s always the local pub!

What’s your favourite area in London? Why?

Shoreditch. It’s where I live, and I love it.  Call it edgy or hipster if you like, but the graffiti, markets, coffee, food and loads of Op Shops make it a sweet place to hang out! I can’t get enough of Allpress Café and would recommend checking it out!

What’s your favourite pub in London?

The Owl and Pussycat on Redchurch St in Shoreditch.

What’s one of your best travel experiences?

I’m a big fan of the South of Spain.  I’d recommend learning the phrase “uno mas cerveza por favour” (can I please have another beer?).  I also loved going to the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final at Twickenham. Meeting my fiancé on a Bus to the quarter final in Cardiff when the All-Black’s played France was pretty alright too. We get married in the South of Spain later this year, so I reckon that will be up there too (if you can class that as travel experience).  Also, you can’t go past Dublin for the gargle (beer).

What are your top tips for teachers in London?

Have a go at everything! Don’t put up any walls to an opportunity!

What/who are you most inspired by?

My Mum and Dad! At work it’s Chris Cramer (Man, Myth, Legend).  He’s been at Vibe for a long time and has awesome relationships with his teachers and schools. Loves a shindig at The Slug too. (You can read about him here).

What is your Yearbook Quote/quote that you live by?

“Do the simple things better than anyone else.”