pinch punch first day of the month and no returns...

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Aah is it October already? Means I've been in China nearly 2 months!

Us 'laoshi' went out last night to celebrate Ally's birthday at Carol's Too, a bar on Renmin Nan Lu, yep, bit of a meat market (i.e. some old Western dudes picking up cute Chinese girls, depressingly, with success) but there was a promotion on and a free bottle of wine for the birthday girl, so....what you gonna do?

So a great time was had by all...there was even a massive birthday cake for Ally to share amongst the punters and many a glowstick to be had...of course there were a few casualties of the night, namely Sarah who went home not far after midnight having had a few too many tequilas and not enough food (line your stomach people!!) but hey, a party's not a party without at least someone being sick!

The night did not end well i.e. I realised that my wallet had been nicked probably on the bus on the way into town. Luckily I didn't have much cash on me but all my cards were in there eg youth card, UK bank card and Chinese bank card. I managed to call my bank in the UK via Skype and cancel my card, and although the Chinese may be disorganised in many things, banking is not one of them! I went to the bank today, just one on the corner of where I live, and within 20 mins I had a new account, checked that none of my money in there had been taken out by the thief and had a new card. Unlike bloody UK who send you stuff 'within 5 working days'. Love China! Anyway, so hahahahaha to the thief whoever you are. You only got 50 kwai off me! (and my v cute monokuroboo purse but never mind)

After teaching yesterday (yes, Saturday would u believe) we are finally going on holiday! to Songpan, in the mountains, to do some horse-trekking, camping and generally get out of the city. Will write next week when I come back, if I can still walk (horse riding makes your bum and thighs extremely sore!!)

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Photos

Iona, me and Daryl
..at Carol's Too, for Ally's birthday

Felicity, me and Alice
...yep, we're very mature (well, glowsticks brings out the child in you)