It has been almost three months since I moved to this vast, spectacular and culturally rich country, and I feel I have lived and experienced more than many people do for years. During this time I have made many new friends, started to learn two new languages and travelled to a large range of astonishing – both famous and hidden – places that many would not have dreamed of seeing. I feel very proud and privileged to be here, at No.42 Middle School in Shijiazhuang, working as an English teacher and living in harmony with my colleagues and students.
      Back in August I arrived to Beijing having never taught before in my life and attended a training camp where for the first time I stood in front of a class of school students. During my short time there I made excellent friends and together we tackled the hardships and enjoyed the good times. Sorry to say goodbye yet eager to start my new life, my teaching career continued when I moved to the buzzing and busy Shijiazhuang. Armed with confidence, I came to each class willing to show my improved teaching skills. Every week I see over three hundred faces, yet as time goes by I feel more connected to my classes and the atmosphere becomes more and more friendly. With every lesson I teach, I feel I am learning more about myself and the world around me – my students aren’t the only ones being taught!
     When I have time aside from teaching, I spend it learning Mandarin and Japanese, finding new facts about the history and culture of China and of course visiting many places. After having enjoyed Beijing’s world-famous parks, buildings and other spectacles such as The Great Wall and The Summer Palace I was lucky enough to visit the rural mountainous landscapes around Shijiazhuang, the famous CanYan Shan and Baoduzhai; as well as the beautiful temples found in Zhengding village. I have yet to explore more nearby areas in Hebei province. During the National Holidays (which incidentally falls on my birthday) I visited the stunning metropolis Shanghai and some of its surrounding towns and cities, including Hangzhou and Suzhou. From seeing some of the world’s largest skyscrapers to dainty and peaceful gardens, from witnessing the wide and murky Yangtze River to the narrow canals of ancient Zhujiajiao, I know I have been very lucky to have had such an unforgettable holiday.
I am very happy to be here, Shijiazhuang, and look forward to the coming year.