Rite guys, firstly, im sorry most of the pictures dont work, i dunno wat thats about, but im working on it. also, sorry i havent been in touch that much, but have had major phone problems (china mobile is practically our 2nd home!) So Simao.... we are definately settling in. Its beautiful here, the school is pretty, the kids are so cute ( the other day one stood up in class and said 'i dont like turtle' (we were doing i dont like...)), and everyone is friendly. We're starting to form a bit of a social circle, and me and Romy are getting on really well. However, just stepping out of the apartment is a bit of trial- driving here is insane, its like there are no rules!!! all drivers ignore pedestrians, most ignore traffic lights, and all of them beep all the time! overtaking involves indicating left and driving on the other side of the road for as long as possible (and who cares if theres a blind corner ahead!) But, generally its reasonably safe mum! we're gradually picking up chinese (and chinese names- mine is Si Si, wait til i get back to try to pronounce it!). i can now say i love you, do you miss me, i am full, some numbers, how much, thank you, and a few other things. Its starting to become a LITTLE less alien. However, the food is still pretty odd. I'm glad i can cook, cos otherwise id be living off rice and bamboo. Everything is generally spicy or meaty. BUT I ATE FISH!!!!!! i think i will try meat soon, it often looks quite tempting. on the other hand theres a fast food place called DICOS where we ate tonite! Kareoke is the main thing here. its so much fun, i love it! They love really old cheesy songs, Westlife, backstreet boys and my heart will go on! also there are so many english songs that are only famous in china (Yesterday Once More anyone? or My heart goes sha la la la?) i love the way you have your own little booth for kareoke, and the waiters bring you a whole a tray of beers, popcorn and fruit. Theres a big tv screen and you sing your heart out. The way they drink beer is fantastic! little shot-type glasses, and wenever anyone cheerses you (or says Gamb bey) (which is all the time) you have to down it. Rom cant do it, but im getting there! Yet to try the rice wine, think im gonna steer clear of that for a while at least! So today was amazing! I saw yak, and paddy fields, and huge mountains, and bananas, and chillis growing, and the biggest pig you can imagine! we went to a small town about 50kms away where we ate with the town leaders and were shown around, and then we drove to a tiny little village on the edge of the mountain, inhabited by the dai people, who were really interested in looking at us! It was really hot, but kept raining really heavily, very tropical. we climbed up through the town and it was so beautiful, really picturesque. saw the source of a river which theyd directed to run through the town, and walked along little pathways through rainforest type land. it was amazing, and tom was so very sweet to us. tonight we walked down into town, i've bought more stuff to send home to you all, and then in the main square, we were beckoned in to join in a very slow circular dance with the old people! it was a bit like a chinese sardan mum, crossed with the okey cokey. but slower, and simpler. really calming. they were all so eager for us to be involved and these old ladies held our hands and taught us the steps. Wow, that was long. I'll send something home soon. Lots of love to you all, keep telling people to check this site. em xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx