Well, here I am, finally in China after months of anticipation! We’ve all just been out for a welcome dinner, and I’ve now just watched some fireworks from my window in the hotel with Becky. After flying in today with a few others from Chalkboard, we have met so many new people – my head is spinning somewhat! I think this will soon just be a familiar feeling, as everything is going to feel strange for a while...but in a good way. Some interns from the last semester are here, helping to organise things and it has been wonderful hearing about their experiences, and how much they have loved it! Many are carrying on teaching; I just can’t wait to start now.

After (surviving) our taxi ride from the airport earlier, we arrived and have spent the afternoon getting to know people, lots of photos for the whole visa extension thing, and also found out where we are going to be spending the next 5 months!!! Exciting stuff! Becky and I were delighted to discover that we were both in the southern province of Guangdong and will be heading off to warmer lands very soon. I’ll be in the city of Zhongshan, teaching in Sanxing Bilingual School. That’s all I know for now, but will obviously be able to say more next week.

It’s been lovely being able to start finding the other people who will also be living and working nearby. Overall, most people are so looking forward to moving onto where we will be calling ‘home’ until July. I think that’s when it will truly start to feel real. My head is still in the clouds today, not helped at all by serious sleep deprivation! Early night tonight, as we have our orientation workshop and lecture tomorrow, followed by the signing of our contracts. Need to recharge my brain so I am once again coherent. You would not believe the nonsense I’ve managed to speak today. I haven’t understood myself, let alone anyone else having a chance! Attempting to learn some Mandarin phrases in this state was, um, interesting. I have managed a few basic phrases tonight, not that I understood the answers to my questions but it was a start! I have no doubt it will all get easier.

Anyway, goodnight all. I am once again cosy in my pyjamas and slippers! (yes it’s true, I was also wearing them on the plane...complete with panda eye mask – thanks to Becky! Hehe)

• China Internship 2010