Yesterday I went to the Special Administrative Region of China called Macau. Just an hours ferry ride from HK. It was an interesting place..... They say it is a taste of Europe in Asia, but I failed to find that really, felt more Chinese. After a long queue at customs, we saw the main sights such as the ruins of St.Pauls and the main square. We went to the A-Ma temple, which is a pretty little place amongst some rocks, like an open air temple you climb up through. We tried the 'egg custard tart' that the region is apparently famous for, and it was tasty. In the evenings Macau lights up....Many many Chinese people go to Macau....to gamble! There are lots of casinos and the ones we went inside were all buzzing. The lads had ... read more

For the first time in four years, I went to school today! Lots of hellos and smiles to all the children. They were all on their way to the "opening ceremony" in the school hall, one for the lower years and one for the upper years. All the teachers sat on the stage, and the principal Linly gave a speech, and then the “flag ambassadors” marched in and the wind machine was started to blow the flag out whilst everybody sung the national anthem!! Then all the teachers were applauded one by one as they were introduced. There are about 900 students in the school, and it is quite a religious school. Schooling here seems a lot stricter than at home. There seems to be more pressure on the children, with lots of exams, and they ... read more

So...I have only been here for about ten days, and yet a lot seems to have happened! I am nearing the end of a weeks orientation, during which we have been teaching primary school children. It has involved many silly games, and acting out stories. Each day we have been playing with the children during recess, and then teaching a 45 minute lesson in groups, getting them to speak as much English as possible. It can be quite challenging when Brian at the back just wants to go home and play computer games, and Richard seems to spend the 45 minutes making strange noises and the odd cantonese remark! The kids here often choose their own 'english name' so some are quite unique, such as Kinki, Queenie, and Bobo?! (No joke) Today I was helping teach ... read more

On Sunday I am off on my adventure to Hong Kong, to teach English to 6-12 year olds! Having just finished uni, it is time to do something exciting and challenging...so this is it! I've set up this blog so I can send an update every now and then, to let you know what I am up to! Lots to do before I leave....best go and pack! JHG (If you want to be a subscriber, I can add you to the list so it just emails you when i add something to the blog, or if not, there is the web address if you'd like to look at it - just let me know!)... read more