About 6 months ago, I was sitting at the dispatch console at work with my partner in crime for the day, the lovely Lyn, musing to her how I'd love to go and teach English in China one day when the kiddos are all grown up. A little while later, Lyn mentions that her uncle is coming to visit on Friday. Making small talk between radio calls, I say to her 'Where is your uncle vising from?' She replies, 'China'. Oh. 'What does your Uncle do in China?' 'He runs an English School.' What???? 'Well, is there any chance I can take you guys to breakfast whilst he's here?' (Who doesn't like free breakfast, right?)
So, a few days later I find myself seated at a cafe with Lyn and Uncle Brian discussing what it means to be an Aussie ex-pat, owning and running an English School in a small city of around 3 million citizens just outside of Shanghai. Brian's been there for 7 years and is looking to return back to Australia with his Chinese National wife and their daughter. However, whilst waiting for visas and sorting out all the bits involved in moving countries, his wife Susan and he could do with a Native English guest teacher to come help out. Do I know anyone? Well, at the time I didn't consider that I'd have the chance to go, with my work and family commitments, so I left our cosy and delicious little get-together promising I'd try and think of anyone I know who might be suitable.
A few days later, I found myself sitting in my boss' (Brina) office talking about possibilities of me being released for a month to go teach English in China.
Brina has been a fantastic manager ever since she took over the role. We began negotiating over my already-granted leave and we managed to work out a time that would work operationally with our roster and before I could say 'Peking Duck', I had was released to go!
With the promise of help and support from my dear friend, Robyn, and my Mum & Dad in Innisfail, I was able to make arrangements for my teenagers to be supervised whilst I am away. (Mind you, I couldn't ask for a more responsible and mature girl than my Sequoia Jayde)
It all seemed such a long time away, but before I knew it, I was renewing my passport, sending said passport away 😊 and most joyously receiving it back with my chinese visa affixed. Yay!!!!
I can't wait to meet Brian's wife, Susan, and their sweet daughter Julienne. And all those little cuties I'll be teaching! I have been working through my Diploma of TESOL (Teaching English to Students of other Languages) in anticipation and am already looking for things I can bring from home to enhance my lessons.
Brian and Susan have sent me some pics where I'll be living and working:
The front of the school building
The back of the School Building (no guarantees the pool will be filled whilst I am there due to it not being quite full summer)
And the building where I will be staying:
Jiaxing (red tag) is a city about 1 hour out of Shanghai and within vicinity of Suzhou and Hangzhou:
I am really looking forward to exploring Shanghai with Susan when I arrive and then taking the opportunity to explore some of the water towns and other cities/towns around our city.
Apparently China has Walmart. I can only imagine how crazy that is going to be...and it will be my pleasure to share all adventures here with you.
I've also had the opportunity to spend some time with Sheralyn (whom I work with) and her fiancé Ben, in the lead up, who have shared some of their pics and stories of their visit to China last year. Thanks guys. Also, Ben's parents live in China and I appreciate the tips and tricks that Ben's Mum, Rhonda, has shared. (Note to self - wear shoes outdoors at ALL times)
Well, I'm not quite approaching peak excitement just yet, but the next few weeks will be filled with preparations and I know it will speed past in the blink of an eye (except the hours between 1-4am on night shifts, I'm sure! Haha)
I'm happy to take requests of things you would like me to check out whilst I'm there. Just let me know. This will be my first trip in many years that I haven't done all the planning for and I'm a bit excited about leaving most things in the hands of my wonderful hosts, who have been very generous and supportive thus far. I love the idea that I will get to see the modern and the ancient, and to really experience what daily life is like, so different from taking a tour or just visiting all the tourist sights on a whistle-stop visit. Hopefully I'll get to try Thai Chi at dawn with some elders in the local park, learn how to barter like a pro in the local markets and cook up a chinese storm, and also find some fabulous calligraphy implements (a skill I have that I've sadly neglected for many years now). Bring it on!!!!
The back of the School Building (no guarantees the pool will be filled whilst I am there due to it not being quite full summer)
And the building where I will be staying:
Jiaxing (red tag) is a city about 1 hour out of Shanghai and within vicinity of Suzhou and Hangzhou:
I am really looking forward to exploring Shanghai with Susan when I arrive and then taking the opportunity to explore some of the water towns and other cities/towns around our city.
Apparently China has Walmart. I can only imagine how crazy that is going to be...and it will be my pleasure to share all adventures here with you.
I've also had the opportunity to spend some time with Sheralyn (whom I work with) and her fiancé Ben, in the lead up, who have shared some of their pics and stories of their visit to China last year. Thanks guys. Also, Ben's parents live in China and I appreciate the tips and tricks that Ben's Mum, Rhonda, has shared. (Note to self - wear shoes outdoors at ALL times)
Well, I'm not quite approaching peak excitement just yet, but the next few weeks will be filled with preparations and I know it will speed past in the blink of an eye (except the hours between 1-4am on night shifts, I'm sure! Haha)
I'm happy to take requests of things you would like me to check out whilst I'm there. Just let me know. This will be my first trip in many years that I haven't done all the planning for and I'm a bit excited about leaving most things in the hands of my wonderful hosts, who have been very generous and supportive thus far. I love the idea that I will get to see the modern and the ancient, and to really experience what daily life is like, so different from taking a tour or just visiting all the tourist sights on a whistle-stop visit. Hopefully I'll get to try Thai Chi at dawn with some elders in the local park, learn how to barter like a pro in the local markets and cook up a chinese storm, and also find some fabulous calligraphy implements (a skill I have that I've sadly neglected for many years now). Bring it on!!!!
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