I just read this now and I am a bit envious you got placed in Sanxiang （三乡）, of all places.  You see, part of the reason I am learning Chinese and went to China, was because my grandfather was Chinese, from Sanxiang, as a matter of fact.  I really have a desire to learn about my family history.  He spoke the local dialect, which I'm sure you now know is way different from Mandarin.  My cousins, aunts, and uncles still speak it.  Even though my Mandarin improved greatly from being in Zhejiang province, I felt almost like a traitor to my family for trying to speak Cantonese in Guangdong and then haveing to resort to Mandarin when I failed miserably.  I know it's silly, but that's the way I felt.

Anyway, always a pleasure to read about your experiences. I miss China very much.  I hope you're doing well back in the U.K.