Well today is officially the last day of my contract so I am busy packing up my thing ready to return to Australia.

The past few weeks seem to have been a load of farewell dinners. First I finished teaching the Young Medical Expert Program and for our final class we all went our to a Western restaurant for lunch. As well as tasting western foods (for many this was a first) we also had a talk from the owner of the restaurant about international cuisines and customs from around the world. We had lunch on both Saturday and Sunday at the same restaurant but the food is so good I didn't mind and could find different choices. The Saturday class were a bit of a let down as many did not turn up despite us checking their availability....typical Chinese - no respect for the customs of others!!! The Sunday class were the complete opposite and we ended up with a few extras. They gave me some beautiful flowers in appreciation for the classes and all told me how much they had gained from the program - a lovely ending for me!!

Then it was off to Hot Pot with Shirley and Roshan for a final luncheon. These 2 people are very special to me as they have been my lifesavers in China. Shirley has become a dear friend who I am sure will remain so for life. Roshan has given me so much assistance with everything - even when it is not his job but because our FAO is useless - whenever I could not deal with something in Chinese Roshan has been there to help. Its friends like these that we all need in life :)

Last Monday night is was the farewell dinner with the nurses. Started the night with Shirley dressing up in a wig and hat and going to the restaurant early to greet the guests. The looks on their faces when they saw her were priceless!! We then sang a rendition of Waltzing Matilda - despite neither of us having great voices - and got all the nurses to sing the chorus with us,,,they loved it and were so happy we shared a bit of Australia with them. It was a night of pure fun - singing, dancing, karaoke (in both English and Chinese,). Everyone enjoyed their dinner with most of the nurses having a steak for the first time ever!! Had to teach a few how to use the cutlery but they all said how much they enjoyed the night. I wore a qipao which proved to be a challenge when it came to dancing gangnam style but the nurses loved the fact that I had adopted their national dress for the occasion. One thing is for sure...no matter what the country Nurses know how to let their hair down and have a good time :)

Our dinners were clearly a success as we have had feedback from the restaurant owner that he has had several of our guests coming in with their family and friends to try out more Western food......only problem is they wanted the special price menu that we had negotiated for the dinners!!!! Luckily they have been obliging and allowed them to have it but I think something got lost in the translation........

No more for now...must pack my bags and see how much excess baggage I have.

Bye for now. xx