Boracay

I am astonished at how friendly and kind Filipino people are. The island of Boracay is one of the most beautiful and friendly places I have ever been. The nightlife is great. At night my favourite thing to do was sit on the chairs, listening to live music, gazing up at the pitch black sky filled with stars. It was the most beautiful sky I have ever seen. Absolutely incredible. I traveled here alone, but quickly made friends with the cheerful locals who were very welcoming. Once I stopped being so suspicious of everyone being so friendly, I was able to relax and have a good time. They showed me the best clubs and bars, and taught me to skim board. My favourite part of the day was right before sunset. The locals finished work, and would head to the beach. There were families, kids playing football (soccer) and Frisbee on the sand. Everyone was relaxed and friendly, and all having a good time.Manila was a bit scary at first and everyone expressed astonishment that I was traveling alone. I didn't get to do much there, but managed to go to the Mall of Asia- the largest mall of Asia and it kicks Square One's butt! It rivals any mall in us and Canada that I have been to so far.

The people are so warm, friendly and inviting. I was even invited to a native home on another island for dinner! If Only I had more time to spend in this wonderful place. I definitely would love to return. I have made so many local friends who I will miss dearly, even though I only spent four days with them. People are non-judgemental, relaxed, and live a simple, yet content life. Though the island itself is really touristy, I am fortunate I got to experience another side of it, and got a glimpse of the life of the people who actually live on the island. I have only wonderful things to say about this place, and I recommend it to everyone.

Final Days in China- My Thoughts

Well here I am in Boracay, Philippines four months later. Wow. I cannot believe it has only been four months. It feels like ages ago since I left Canada on February 13th. I have done so much, seen so many things and grown so much over the past 5 months. This experience was nothing like I ever expected. Then again, I didn't really know what to expect. Sometimes it is so much better not having any preconceived notions about what things are going to be like. This experience turned out better than I could have ever imagined. I thank God for keeping me safe and giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. I can honestly say I have NO regrets! (Except maybe not spending enough time in Thailand!) I say this despite the fact that some may find me conceited or arrogant, but I'll say it anyways: I love my life. It is amazing. Ok there. I said it. And along with that, I must thank my family and friends for being so supportive and encouraging about my decision to move to China, because I can honestly say that is the best decision I have ever made in my life. It probably wasn't easy to listen to me contemplate my decision over and over while you listened and made helpful suggestions (while probably thinking, will she please shut up already?!) But to every single member of my family and each one of my friends, I owe huge thanks, because without you, this would not have been possible. I feel like I am making an acceptance speech. Well, in a way I am, with the reward being the rich life experiences I have had the incredible friends I have made (cheesy, yes I know)

Not only have I had an incredible teaching experience, but have been to so many places in the span of four months. Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guilin, Thailand, Manila, Boracay, and there are many, many more that I want to go to. Four months is nothing. One year is not even enough. I want to explore more of Thailand and the Philippines. I want to go to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. I want to visit many, many more places in China, including Yunnan and Sichuan to try to do something worthwhile.

When I began teaching in China, I was overwhelmed with all the work us teachers had to do, and the amount of time we had to spend with the students. But as my teaching year comes to an end, I am filled with sadness. The students are like none I have ever met. Sent to Huamei, a boarding school from a very young age, most of them grew up there. They are kind, caring, respectful and overall wonderful. They are so innocent and sweet. So unlike students from other parts of the world- they have not been tainted by the same temptations the Western world is exposed to. Leaving China, and saying good-bye to the friends I have made and my lovely students fills me with despair and sadness. I am about to embark on a new adventure, but my heart aches when I think about leaving. Though nearly impossible to communicate with many people, their warmth and love really shines though. I will miss hearing the friendly greeting of "Nihao" as I walk 10 minutes in the sweltering heat to work. Or seeing the man at the local fruit stall brushing his teeth in a bucket at the side of the street. I am filled with sadness when I think of the people I am leaving behind; the births I will not be able to celebrate. I will miss stopping on the way home to "chat" with the guards at my building, or play with the baby who lives across the street. When I got here I never thought it would be this difficult to say good-bye. I know that one day I will return.