I am enjoying the food here very much. Although it's all Chinese food, there is so much variety and it's all delicious - I haven't found anything I don't like yet and I love to try new foods. It's all so different, even to the Chinese food we have in England - this is more southern Chinese food and it is often altered to cater to western tastes. It's also very cheap which means I can afford to try it all! In China I am always very interested in the culture when eating at the table or in a restaurant, it's very different to Western culture. The biggest difference is having food in the middle of the table to share - in England we order a meal each and it's very uncommon to share your food. I prefer it in China where the food is shared - it means I can try more food and I don't miss out on any!

      I'm currently trying to learn Chinese (I think you have to speak Chinese in Shijiazhuang!), I think the language is very pleasant-sounding and I beginning to think that it's an easier language to learn than English - teaching English I have begun to appreciate student's hard work because I have realised that it's quite a difficult language! All the students have been so welcoming. They are all extremely talented, hardworking and enthusiastic and I thoroughly enjoy teaching them!

      I've settled into living in Shijiazhuang and China very well and I have really enjoyed my time so far, the only thing I would change is the pollution - but I know this will be improved soon and all countries have this problem to some extent! One of my favourite activities here in Shijiazhuang is walking through the parks - there is always something going on and people enjoying their free time - singing, dancing, playing instruments or sports - this isn't common in British parks and I think it's a shame - we should all be more relaxed and free in the parks to express and enjoy ourselves!