Had a lovely New Years Day. Was taken to Cheng Bi Lake scenic spot by my senior FAOs family which is a short drive from Baise. Although the day was a little misty and cool it was still enjoyable to see the scenery, smell fresh air and walk on a dirt track (not concrete for a change). After spending a few hours there I was then taken to a local restaurant which was booked out by the family for their celebrations. As usual there was a feast to feed an army, too much baijiu, and everyone chatting to me in Chinese!!! All in all a fairly usual dinner for me here. One of the older ladies took a shine to me and spent most of the time holding my hand and telling me about the family (once I got it interpreted I understood) - it didn't seem to matter how much she was told I could not understand Chinese she insisted on talking to me so with lots of smiles and head nodding we had a grand old time!!!

New Years resolutions for me......learn to have a conversation in Chinese and learn Tai Chi ...... so I have made the BIG decision to return to China!!!!

Yep that's right folks I will be back in Australia for all of 2 weeks before I head back to China again. I have accepted a position teaching at Nanjing Medical University. I will be teaching both Nursing and English so am VERY excited!!!! The university is one of the key universities in China, recognised by the WHO and has 15 schools, 18 affiliated hospitals and 30 teaching hospitals!!!! I won't know myself. Nanjing is a bigger city (about 6.8m) in the eastern provinces, about 1-2 hours from Shanghai by train. I am told that it is a pretty city renown as an educational and cultural centre in China so I will look forward to exploring all the city has to offer in my free time. Looking at a few websites it seems to have everything - lots of shopping, restaurants galore and an ever expanding expat community - oh how nice it will be to have other westerners around when I want to de-brief!!!!.

Only 2 more weeks to teach here so today I've sent off most of my belongings. Some to the University via express post and the rest back to Aus via the slow boat from China - far too expensive any other way - just hope all boxes arrive where they should!!

So for those who want to catch up with me I will be back in Aus from 8- 23 February!!!!

Thats my news for this week. Bye for now. xx