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Published: August 23rd 2009
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At last . . .
Well I've finally gone and done it. The travel blog has begun. Hopefully.
It's been nearly 2 weeks now and I have been promising so here is a start.
I arrived Tues 11th August 14:30 local time. It was hot and I was tired...
The first half of the flight, well, flew by as I was chatting to someone else bound for Shanghai. She was heading here to do a couple of weeks training before heading out elsewhere to teach English with the British Council.
After a brief stop off in Doha we were off again, although this bit seemed to drag. Even with my trusty travel pillow (a present from the Crumblies in Huddersfield) I found it hard to get comfortable and sleep. Time was getting a little confused in my head, and so when we were served a full hot meal at what I estimated to be breakfast time, I was a little baffled but ate it never the less.
After several more films and hours later, we arrived at Shanghai Pudong airport. We were greeted with quite a long immigration queue and what some thermal scanning cameras
(I think). It took some time to get through, but eventually I bid adieu to my new British Council travel buddy and headed for the gates.
Pushing my trolley through the arrivals doors I was greeted by a sea of faces and name cards. I had been promised that mine would be there on an A3 Sheet of white paper so I was hopeful. Eventually I spotted my name and headed towards it. A member of school staff had come to collect me and led me cheerfully to the yellow school bus.
Although it was overcast and grey the temperature was stifling, and I was starting to regret the jeans/t.shirt/ hoody combo I had travelled in. My escort told me to feel free to ask any questions about the school but I spent the hour or so journey through Shanghai staring out of the window, and at some points, having a bit of a nap.
A short while later I was dropped off at my hotel with a Chinese Sim and travel card, and the promise of a city tour on Thursday. At this point I made my emergency phone call and within 10 minutes my new colleague Joanna arrived with her family to rescue me.
Since then, the T-B's have done an excellent job of feeding and looking after me.I was whisked away to a veggie friendly restaurant for food and drinks, and plans were made for further orientation activities.
Thursday arrived and myself and some other new staff were collected on the school bus for our city tour. We made our way into the city centre passing many an impressive skyscraper along the way.
Our first stop was the Shanghai World Financial Centre. This building, from now on to be referred to as the bottle opener, is the tallest in China, and 2nd tallest in the world. It's design has led to it's nickname of the bottle opener (look it up or have a guess).
We then went on to the 'Old Town' at Yuyuan to investigate the many narrow lanes with tea houses, gift shops and dumpling stalls aplenty. Although hectic it was nice to walk around and experience the bustle, and to watch the fish and terrapins in the ornamental pool in the middle (famous zig-zag bridge).
We would have done more but everyone was pretty exhausted so we made our way back. Until another day...
Since then, life has been a whirl of apartment viewings and meeting of new people. Staff training has begun so that has spoiled the holiday feeling somewhat but I have still found time to get out and about, ably supported by the T- B crew.
I have been in and out of the French Concession, which is a very nice, diverse area of town. Bars, restaurants and street stalls aplenty. Also managed a leisurely brunch in Xintiandi (translates as 'new heaven and earth') and a relaxing stroll around the galleries and workshops of Taikang Lu. Disregarding the volcanic heat I also managed to get to Shanghai Stadium for a climb with Anya and Co. The tiny 17m wall seemed no problem until I realised that I was going to need someone much bigger and stronger than my current, petite company to billet me. Even when a suitably stocky fella was found, I quickly realised that climbing chalk and sweaty hands do not make a happy combo.
Happily, I have survived to tell the tale, although it deed feel doubtful at one point. Looking forward to the next one!
Since then it's been apartment hunting and staff training days with a few long lie -in's thrown in as I'm always exhausted! Sure this and apartment issue will be resolved in next few days though (well I'm hoping). Time has also been taken up with pondering my many mozzy bites (I'm obviously just tasty) and my crazy, outward curling hair (must be the humidity, fingers crossed it's not permanent)
Have helped some friends move into their new apartment, and helped celebrate a 30th birthday so it's all go. Today there has been some amazing thunder, lightening and rain.
All in all I am having an amazing time. It's fab here, and is just a shame I have to spend some of my time working! I've met some brilliant people already, the T-B's in particular deserve a special mention for all their help and advice.
So folks, what do you think? First attempt at blogging, not sure yet if I'll be able to upload photos or not.
Any takers for a second installment???
Lots of love to all, You know who you are
Jo xxxxx
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Katie Empsall
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keep it coming my dear! hope its all you hoped for Katie xxxxx