I return to China

There are moments when I question my sanity! When things go wrong especially. I have returned to China, and in my first few days have endured some frustrating events reminding me of the challenges I faced when I first arrived back in February.

In my apartment I have had trouble with Internet (well, I had no connection for two days), my hot water service is not working, the TV is not working, the toilet bowl moves, my mobile phone is not working, and so on. This is China. It is the beginning of the new semester and as the foreign teachers who have been before make their way back, or those making their first foray into this life arrive,things are not always going according to plan.

I like my new apartment - I no longer have to drag my things upstairs to the fifth floor. I am on floor one! I've met some new teachers. I've already met up with friends and acquaintances from my last visit that seems so long ago.

A new beginning though.

Today I went with some French teachers to look around the city. I visited some parts I had not seen before too. It is still warm and humid - but reasonable. The very hot and humid weather has hopefully gone.

Here I am for the next five months.

huttriver12's picture

It appears earlier than you said...

you will be away from family and friends again, but really claiming your independence, and building up resourses for a future book?

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Elly's picture

Certainly, my dear Hutts

Elly's picture

My city is Shaoxing

which is 200 kms south of Shanghai. The earthquake zone is some distance away, although on the day poeple reported feeling the tremors. One person I know was in a 20 story building and they ran out of the building as it swayed.
This area not known for Quakes although they did have one 30 years ago.

Elly

Adventures of an Australian English Teacher
About Housesitting

Wish you well

as you start Phase II of your China adventure. Even as you face the challenges, I would imagine that you will often be reminded of how much you learned on yor first trip.

Your timing is exquisite to compare China pre-olympics and post-olympics.

With all of the energy you will save by not living on the fifth floor, you will probably be able to help some of the first-timers find their way around.

djbtol

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Elly's picture

Thank you dbjtol

and I have already started as "tour guide" for the new teachers. Happy to do so. It is a real culture shock for newbies as I learned last time.

Elly

Adventures of an Australian English Teacher
About Housesitting

Jellen's picture

Elly, are you near

the area of the quake?

Familyfunandfaith's picture

Which city, Elly?

my daughter will be in Shanghai for three months, beginning later this month. she is studying to reach university graduate level fluency in Chinese, which mean improving her writing skills in the language.

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Elly's picture

Wow, I would love to spend three months in Shanghai

It is such a wonderful place. It is 200 kms north of here, and a three hour bus trip. There is so much to see and do. I hope and expect that you will enjoy the experience and your daughter will gain the language skills she needs. Do let me know if you visit Shaoxing.

Elly

Adventures of an Australian English Teacher
About Housesitting