Well exams are done, marking completed, results submitted and ready for a holiday. That was until i was informed that the students who failed will have to sit another exam which I will have to prepare!!!! Who is being punished here I ask?!? Not only that, i have also been informed if they dont pass the second exam they get a third chance....guess who will all be passing the second one....not ricket science to work...

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Hope everyone has had a good Christmas Day.....all quiet here in China - very much business as usual. It still seems strange to see students sitting in class on Xmas day!!! Spent Xmas eve as a guest foreign teacher at a very small private primary school and was made very welocme by all the students. Thety do not have a regular Engllish teacher so were more than happy to try out their english speaking skills...

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It is so hard to believe that 8 weeks has passed since my memorable trip to Tibet. I still look through my photos with wonder at the spectacular scenery and am in awe of the wonderful Tibetan people that I met. On a positive note the tour company finally recognised the error of their ways and have given us a 25% refund from the trip......naturally mine is earmarked for my next holiday!!! I continue to...

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Having lived in China for over 12 months and not picking up the language via osmosis I made the decision to take lessons. I am not looking to become an expert I just want to be able to communicate freely with the local people and be able to read a menu so I have some idea of what to choose to eat.  Fortunately the Uni I work for has allowed me to join in the...

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Now wasn't there a movie by that name.....hmmm.....no that was 7 years...never mind!! I have just had the most amazing trip to this wonderful region over the National Day holidays. Despite the tour company being absolute crap and almost destroying our precious time in Tibet we managed to keep strong and overcome the obstacles placed before us. Nothing could prepare me for the sights, sounds and experiences of Tibet. It is truly like no other...

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Well it will be the National Day holidays starting at the end of this week and THIS year I know I'm on holidays for 10 days!!! Woo hoo...... Last year I ended up with 10 days off but wasn't told in advance so could not plan anything. This year is a completely different story......starting with dinner on Thursday evening as a guest of the Provincial Governenment and then......wait for it.... Boy am I making up...

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It is so hard to believe that I have now been living and working in China for over a year....13 1/2 months now to be precise! Where has the time gone......as I sit and contemplate all that has happened in the last year it is with joy and happiness.....this just confirms my thoughts that making this big move was the best thing I've ever done! I've taught in senior high school , at a private...

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After having the 2 month semester break I am once again beginning my journey back to China. I'm currently sitting in the airport lounge in Australia about to farewell my home and country for another 12 months. I've managed to only be 4 kgs overweight with my baggage so I think thats not too bad given I'm carrying a years supply of many necessities I cant get in China. I'm looking forward to returning to...

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Well I am a month into my summer holiday from University and where do I go........back to visit friends and family in Australia where unfortunately it is winter!!! Needless to say I have been FREEZING after leaving the lovely warmth of Nanjing (30+ everyday) to be met with 8-10 degrees in the daytime and down to the minus degrees overnight...brrrrr...... Apart from the weather I have to say it is nice to catch up with...

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Well in the space of a few months I've gone from being a teacher to a Professor and now a TV star apparently. I was asked to judge the Provincial Final of the CCTV Outlook English Talent show which I was happy to do in the interests of promoting the English language. Unbeknown to me it was being filmed and my students saw me on CCTV!!!!! Imagine my surprise as I would never have known...

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