Another weekend of teaching down and 2 days of relaxing is now stretched out before us. It has come so fast, just as the end of term is. With only a month left to go in Ningbo, the struggle now seems to be fitting everything in.
I ended on a high note with my teaching today and visited classes consisting of students around the age of 12-15 years old. Usually this age scares me as I feel too young to be standing infront of them trying to convince them that I know what I’m doing and prefer the younger children instead.
Today was good though as the students all got into my lessons which made me really enjoy what I was doing and become a better teacher because of it. Leaving the School building with a grin I decided to wander home through some little side streets instead of taking the bus.
This past week I have been having moments which have taken me back to the feeling of my first few days in China. Those “Wow, I am actually in China for real!” moments.
Walking home today was no exception of this feeling and being in such a good mood I couldn’t help but chat to the old man who excitedly pronounced “Hello!” as I walked past. I must say I’m pretty excited about how I have picked up Mandarin. Now I’m not talking fluent in any way shape or form but I can hold a small conversation and pick up some words through Chinese people jabbering on to me.
So this old man was a character. After motioning to me and his friends that he wanted to have dinner with me and pulling out a stool for me to sit on; Him, his friend and I sat and chatted a liitle and it was lovely. He could speak a tiny bit of English and after bringing out a handbook I have with a few Chinese sentences we were having a great time. It was just a simple thing like that which made life seem great – getting to be a part of this beautiful country and make friends with its people.
So as I was saying we only have a month left in Ningbo…where has the time gone? I have almost constructed a plan for after teaching. This involves going to a TibetanMonastery in the North West of China with a friend. This place looks amazing.
From the info I’ve gathered I’m imagining lots of Tibetan monks dressed in colourful robes and even more astounding head pieces, millions of stars at night, incense burning and spiritual chanting along with a cosy hostel, yak milk and friendly locals. So excited!
After that I’ll be heading to Beijing to celebrate the Spring Festival and meet up with friends I’ve made on the internship before jetting off to Cambodia to travel and volunteer for a while, hopefully finding work along the way. Cambodia has always been a top destination for me to go to so booking the flight on Friday was an amazing feeling.
With only a week before Christmas both me and my flatmate are missing home a little. Saying that though we found tinsel in our local supermarket and have spread some Christmas cheer around the apartment. I have also watched Love Actually (Whilst playing the ‘drinking game” with a friend) and have been teaching the kids about our extremely popular holiday. We are heading to Shanghai on Christmas day to meet a couple of other interns and hopefully find some roast potatoes somewhere which is something to look forward to. Not only will it be my first Christmas away from home but my first Winter Christmas aswell. Speaking of which Ningbo has gotten cold...much colder than I’m used to.
Although its nothing compared to Northern China or even Europe I am not used to having to wear gloves everywhere I go. Chinese people also believe that keeping windows open during Winter is in someway good for you so spending mornings in the office hasledme to bringing my hot water bottle. Cambodia’s warm temperatures will be amazing!
I cant believe the new Interns are so close to coming. I remember that feeling of both total excitement and total nervousness mixed together. I am excited for them as If its anything like my journey (which im sure it will be) there will be so many great memories made.
Loading recent content...
What do you think?
Add Your Comment!
Log in to leave a comment or Create an account
Its funny, Im living in Leeds and working in York right now. And most people around me would say that what they really want in life is promotions, decent salary (by western standards), big house, expensive cars etc etc ect but not me. For now, what you have described is what I want.
I cant wait to get out there and actually talk to locals and learn some of the local lingo.
Enjoy your last month and the adventures that are to follow. I am so excited!
Reading your post makes me so excited for my pending trip to China! I leave in 4 weeks and it still feels a little unreal. But I know soon I will be waking up and working in China and have a moment when I think "Wow, I live in China!"
» Comments RSS