The question that people pose the most is why
China. The truth is that I thought it would be an interesting experience.
In that regard I was right - it was different. But hey how many people
can say that they climbed the Great Wall of China and have pictures to
prove it?!
I loved Beijing!
Beijing rocks! Tianamen was eerie (no getting past that), dead Mao (well
what can I say?), The Forbidden City...all of it was great...but I recommend
avoiding the tours unless you are fluent in Chinese or have paid an exorbitant
amount to tour with the other foreigners.
Yuangshuo is a must for any foreigner. It is picturesque
and the prettiest spot I saw in all of China. Besides, where else could
you meet the 3 1/2 foot Banana Lady up in the corner?! I planted rice
in the fields (no, I was not aware of its breeding ground until after
the fact!), cycled through the countryside, climbed a few mountains like
Moon Hill on the right, went Pomeran fishing at night and drank excessively
for peanuts (maybe I shouldn't admit that in public). For your information,
the statue picture is of a mermaid who is the symbol of Zuhai (pronounced
jew-hi). It's an ocean city close to Macau and after Guangzhou a relief
to see the civilities of street lights and order. For travel tips on China
click
me!
In case this is of interest to anyone, the teaching was
hard work. At one point I had 6 schools and over 200 students. In terms
of the teaching, I guess it's like any other teaching position: there
are good things and bad. As a female in China, I faced more than a few
challenges. But for posterity, I had to include a picture of a few of
my favorite students. Anybody thinking of taking the plunge my advise
is to do thorough research on your employer first. Good luck. Feel
free to drop me a line if you have any questions...
