And so it begins....*Day 2*

Day 2 Sunday 17th May

Once Susan and I met up, we made our way to the Metro (local underground) for the first part of our journey out to Jiaxing. The first leg saw us easily nab some comfy seats, which my poor tired traveller body was grateful for. Before long, it way time to change trains. All I can say is silly me. I will put it down to sheer exhaustion, but I should have taken the cue from the shuffling punters pushing their way to the front of the line to enter the carriage when it arrived.

Before I knew it, we were carried by the current into the newly arrived subway and I watched with dismay as each and every seat was snapped up instantly. Mind you, this was still very early in the morning and there really wasn't much of a crowd around. I mumbled something to Susan about hoping to grab a seat if anyone got off. Little did I realise that the previous leg was just a mini-ride compared to the hour plus ride we had just signed up for.

As each stop was made I noticed that no-one was hopping off, but an extraordinary number of people we cramming themselves in at EACH and EVERY stop. Apparently there are people employed to push people into the trains as they stop!

I knew I was in trouble when I found myself almost making out with a wall while contorting myself around my suitcase and trying to make sure no one helped themselves to my other easy access travel bags. Fun times! Just as my legs were beginning to completely fail and I was considering swapping phone numbers with the now intimately acquainted wall, finally Susan indicated that we were at our stop.

I'm not completely sure how I managed to get myself through the throng and out the doors, luggage in tow no less, in the 10 second pause at the station, but just think plankton out of a whale's mouth. Not pretty and not even remotely pleasant to experience.

Next it was time to purchase train tickets for the next stage of our journey. In China, in order to travel any real distance you must produce a citizen's card or passport. Rather than both of us battle the crazy throngs upstairs, I handed Susan my passport and sat downstairs comfortably with my luggage. I had no idea how long it would take but after about 20 minutes I started to have a little think to myself...what if she doesn't come back? I know this is absolutely ridiculous, as the Deeckes are relatives of one of my workmates and they are trusting me just as much by welcoming me into their home and school. At the 30 minute mark I began searching every face that came back down the escalator. For the second time in the space of hours I had an almost tearful  joy upon seeing Susan approaching me. How could I doubt so much?

The train out to Jiaxing was quite surprisingly luxurious and comfortable.

Very comfortable - complete with trolley service 

Chinese countryside

Arriving in Jiaxing it was time to brave a taxi. Not too bad a ride, but although there was a shoulder seatbelt strap, there was no receptacle to click it into. Maybe to cage is the preferred collision safety feature?

Finally, we were pulling up at Cambridge Gardens, my home for the next month!

It is a quite lovely sprawling complex with lots of green common areas. 

Although they have now built stage 3, completed over several years, they must have pre-manufactured all the 'do not walk on the grass signs'. They are right throughout and somehow the translation has not been amended with the expansion. Oh well!

The Deecke's apartment is on the 17th floor of building 25-2, just to give an idea of the size of the complex. But that does make for pretty spectacular views:

Time for a delicious lunchtime welcome feast:

After lunch, I just took the time becoming familiar with my new home, taking a wander through the complex and checking out the rooms where the school operate.

Street from the front entrance:

Front entrance sign - not entirely the intended meaning, but maybe 'Do not look?':

Entrance in school - families are often playing sports in this area:

The office/nerve centre of the JJ Time English School:

The first night passed uneventfully, which I was grateful for after my big adventure to get there. But I was eager for the morning to arrive and to go out and explore!