Arrived in Xi'an at about 1330 to be met by my guide Johnny who tells me what a lovely day it is and only minus 1 degree!!! I have to admit the sun was shining so the city looked lovely but there was definitely a bite in the air. I feel rather famous as I’m being driven around in this big van all to myself with Johnny and my driver Mr. Sun. Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi province with a population of about 6 million people and is one of the most important...

Arrived in Chengdu at about 2030 hrs on Friday night, I was met by my guide Billy and taken to my hotel ready for an early start in the morning. My hotel is in the Tibetan district so I see monks wandering around the streets and the Wuhouci (Temple) is just 50 metres walk from my hotel. Hotel is VERY average with a "box" breakfast and cold showers….only 2 nights thank heavens. Chengdu is the Capital of Sichuan Province and the 4th largest city in China (po...

The last few days have been one of many students in tears saying goodbye to me…even the teachers have been commenting on the impact I had on their students and how much the students will miss me – kind of sweet isn't it???!! Was taken out for a farewell dinner and the ubiquitous KTV for my last evening… and yes I had to sing ABBA again!! Then had to have photos taken this morning in front of the school for some purpose…who knows where my p...

I officially finish my contract today (even though I have not taught for 4 days) and I confess it is a day of mixed emotions: happiness to be embarking on a new adventure but a tinge of sadness at having to say farewell to some of my new found friends. But today is also a very special day on a personal level. 10 years ago on this day my father was taken from us but it still feels like yesterday. So today I am dedicating my blog to my father who I hope is proud o...

Well I have taught my final class here at Qifu, although in typical Chinese fashion I did not know it was my final class!! I was told I finished teaching on 15 January so obviously assumed I would be teaching all this week.....off I go to my 0730 class on Monday morning and take the class - thought the students seemed a little pre-occupied but put it down to exam nerves. At the end of the class a few students came up to me and said didn't I realise that there wer...