Shenzhen Daze

I am at the end of my two days off and I am shattered. I have so much to pack into my days off that I end trying to do too much. That being said I did actually accomplish quite a bit. I finally got my internet access organised so I hope to be online a lot more often with more updates and photos. I also have been on a bit of a shopping frenzy. I went to Lohu, which is the sea port most tourists coming from Hong Kong go to. There is a huge shopping complex there with hundreds of items, clothes, jewellery, handbags, shoes, electronics and tailors (including a massive fabric market). I found some large size shoes at long last and got a couple of designer knock-off handbags at an outrageously low price! My working week starts tomorrow, I am currently averaging 28 hours teaching over 5 days with many hours in between doing lesson plans. I am still sharing my apartment but hope to have to it to myself soon. That's all for now, it's late and I must get some beauty rest. Love and God Bless! x

Hong Kong Spree

I finally made it to Hong Kong, this time last week I was pounding the pavement in search of some bargains. I certainly was not disappointed with Hong Kong, it lives up to it's title of shopping Mecca! I bought some wonderful clothes, cosmetics and other essentials. I spent most of the first day with a work colleague who knew HK well and showed me around. The second day I explored on my own after spending the night in a low rent hostel (cheap but clean!). The photos show the weather was a little dreary but my mood was very up and I enjoyed being able to converse with shop assistants in English and find clothes in my size at an unbeatable price. I hope to get away to HK again soon. On the homefront it looks like my flatmates are moving out so I will take on the apartment lease where I am currently living. It's 2 bedrooms, views of the park on the 10th floor, and very close to school. Will update my progress again soon. Love and peace to all! xo

Travels and Trials

So sorry for my delay in getting a new posting out. I have had my fair share of dramas recently as some of you will be aware. I am currently feeling a little more at ease with things but China is not an easy culture to get your head around. Remembering that they have 5000 years of history and stick closely to the old ways in a lot of situations is hard to comprehend at times. I've had issues at work, namely getting my visa sorted and also my accommodation has changed. Myself and the other teacher at the school apartment were asked to vacate immediately due to renovations the landlord needed to do. Unfortunately the alternate accommodation was very basic and we were forced to find something else. After the dust settled we were able to find a nice brand new 2 bedroom apartment to share. I will stay here for a while and then get my own place. I travelled to Guangzhou (new name for Canton) for my birthday after my New Year travel plans fell through. I spent 3 nights in a place called Shamain, which was lovely. It is an island in the centre of the city and has lots of park lands, old trees and old consulate buildings, I've included a couple of photos from the trip. I met a lovely Chinese Christian lady called Sarah and was pleased to find another believer in an otherwise seemlingly Godless society. I am hoping to get to Hong Kong next, as at long last I have my visa fixed up.
I have done a little shopping here in Shenzhen and with the help of a local found size 10 shoes and export quality and sized clothing. I also treated myself to some jade, which is easy to come by here and cheapish. Work is very busy, I have kids, teenagers and adults and am busiest on weekends. I still don't know much of the language but hope to get myself a phrasebook on my travels to Hong Kong. Thanks to everyone for my gifts, cards and emails of supports, it means so much to me to have all of your love and encouragement when I am so far from home. Till next time God bless. xo

My New Town

Thought you may like to see some photos my new town, Shenzhen. I haven't had the camera out too much as I've been working most days. As you can see the smog is fairly thick, this is due to Shenzhen being a Special Economic Zone. I'm told that up until about 20 years ago it was just a sleepy fishing village. The more traditional Chinese building is part of what is left of the Old City. The sunset photo was taken last night in Zhong Shan park. You can see the park in the overview photo, taken from the 32nd floor balcony of the apartment I've been house-sitting. I am hoping to travel over Chinese New Year,which is coming up on February 18, so will be back with more photos and an update then.

Students

The attached photos were taken on Friday 01 February 2007. I took one of my classes to the local park for our lesson. We played games and enjoyed afternoon tea together, along with some of their parents and grand-parents. We watched a man drawing Chinese calligraphy using a wet sponge, and counted the numerous kites that were flying over the park. I wish every class I have could be so enjoyable, but if that was the case I know that I wouldn't relish these opportunities half as much.