Hi darling girl, have been off line for two weeks, now on yahoo I have missed my e-mails so.
Really enjoy reading your journal, I am amazed by it all, take care, miss you muchly, grandad sends his love xxx

Hi Emily

Glad to hear that you are OK and embracing life in China. It all sounds so different. Enjoying the teaching? Found your vocation? Its wet and grotty here in Sheffield. Your Mum starts her new job today so I'll be all alone and lonely - not one to grumble with! Just think of how quiet it will be here! Keep up the good work and enjoy every moment. love Alyson x

glad to hear your having fun. how much money have you spent on this weeks trip? i cant believe u are doing this.
keep having fun em. call me if u want to talk.

hey em. hope all is good with you. havent heard much from you in the past few days.
i miss you.
xx

Thanks for the journal entries - it all sounds, and looks, wonderful! I'm sending copies to Hilda who says she has written to you. And Rose has sent copies to Grandma. Keep working hard and loving it, sweetheart. Matha, Marvin amd Mary send their piggy love.xxxxx

hello emily, wow china does sound very strange, im glad u still sound happy tho ( i think maybe seeing a baby pissing might change from seeming new and weird to just being pretty sick in the next few weeks (hopefully not tho lol)). i think your doing somthing really amazing. keep up the hard work.
i think im meeting up with your parents tomorow so maybe we will write a list of things we need to send you.
my next package will be on its way in 2 days. its very cool. i love you.x
take care

Greetings from a rain drenched thundery Croatia

I've never seen weather like this!!!!The storm we experienced in Korcula made Croatian national news and newspapers! 160litres of water in an hour! (which translates to 8ins in a bucket in 8 hours as far as I'm concerned)After the most terrifying journey of my life wWe're now in Cavtat and its still raining...........

Emily you look so happy and thanks for all the photos. Countryside looks amazing. I have some questions: why do you call Romy "pig face"; who is Jimmy; where are all the quiet reserved Chinese we read about; what's in a Chinese kebab and what on earth is Duncan on!?

How are you getting on with the phone problem? Presumably no better.

We're off to find more fish to eat and somewhere dry to shelter. Rumour has it that the sun may shine again on Wednesday.

Tell us about Tai Chi, Emily - and more about your living accommodation - and more about food. And just more in general cos it sounds so brill! Although I do agree with Joe about Robin Hoods Bay.

Sending loads of love

Mumxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (and Dad- who's missing his Slovenian pal)

raate sounds like ure having a blast. Ive never met so manhy people up for a party in one place as here, ive already embarasses myself once or twice now. say hello to the people of china for me, and knock down that big f***off wall will ya...theyd be so angry it'd be rate funny.

keep living the dream, xx

Bonjour Emily,
Thanks for including us in your e.mails. We couldn't believe it when we found out you were heading for China. WOW! You are so brave, facing all those kids and those "interesting" toilets. The photos are brilliant. How is your Chinese coming along? Better than our French I hope! Enjoy the experience Emily and keep us posted.
Lots of Love
A bientôt
Pam et Alan

yo yo yo,
sounds great. but where are the pictures? and postcards? lol
hows teaching going? what have u done with the kids? how old are they all?
china sounds good and all. but robin hoods bay is where its at.
i love you.
xx

I always told you you were beautiful Emily-me and x millions of Chinese are not wrong! It was great speaking to you today - get stuck in to the Tai Chi. We are off to see the famous sword dance of Korkula. When I bought the tickets a man told me not to sit in first three rows as it could be very dangerous!!! I ve had a fab birthday so far (weird using Croatian keyboard, the z is where the y usually is!) and I know its going to be even fabber tonight. We'll eat yet more fish and drink a little wine and then be entertained by dancing men in dresses - bliss. Put some photos on when you can I want to see the karaoking head master as soon as possible. ILUM.xxxx

Damn right i am proud of you!!!! what kind of exciting souvenirs?! how much did you haggle le prix down from?! and oh my god chinese aerobics! with all that vengaboys fun i expect you to be super fit and (relatively) healthy when you come back! Haha, not surprised you were such a tourist attraction with your 'english rose' (or pale and burnable) skin! I hope you have invested in a good parasol!! (you know i want pictures of that btw).
Things here are as uneventful as ever. I went to see the accommodations people today, and they said im on a waiting list. You'd think with all the lottery money they get they'd build enough bloody houses for everybody. I miss ranting with you! lol.
Ol has got himself a course to do! a-level photography at longley park college - starts tomorrow! very excited for him.
Is the picture on your journal entry one you've taken?! its very pretty anyway. Im glad there's some history around and that you're getting on well with Romy (she has such a cool name!)
Have fun and take care my biscuit fiend!
lots of love, Em xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
P.S. got a lovely good luck text from your mummy and daddy the other day! i aime them!