HARBIN, Heilongjiang Province: Today was a free day, a nice break after the stressful TP week! Had a lazy morning, and then went to try out an English-style cafe that Warren & Teresa had heard about - they'd heard they did fry ups!!! It lived perfectly up to expectations - I had a lovely chocolate and hazelnut milkshake, and chips with TOAST and BEANS!!! Amazing stuff! Later on I went to food street with Claire, meeting a few of the others there, and w...

HARBIN, Heilongjiang Province: Today was Public Welfare day... It wasn't quite how it'd had been described before... It just felt like a massive publicity stunt. It was organised by the school that where we'd our TP week, and was basically a very mini obstacle course in which only about 10 of us competed in. We were all given free orange hats though, so that made it better! Afterwards we were all taken to a beer festival, which was a bit of a let-down a...

HARBIN, Heilongjiang Province: Last day of TP! Although it was quite sad saying goodbye to all the students, it was a relief to know I didn't have to do any more teaching for a while... Really worrying I'm not cut out for this! We'll see... TTC had organised a night out at a roller disco, with a neon clothing theme, so in the afternoon I went out with Claire and some others to buy some crazy clothes. I bought the ugliest top I've ever seen hehe (Silver spark...

HARBIN, Heilongjiang Province: Yet another day of TP. Yet another day where the water's being switched off! I don't this hotel likes us to shower... I think it must be every week that the hot water (or all water!) is switched off for between 24-36 hours.... niiice Teaching Practise was much easier without the stress of Joakim sitting in, but it was still pretty nerve-wracking. I really hope I can get over this!

HARBIN, Heilongjiang Province: Eep! Assessment day for TP today! I was so unbelievably nervous, I honestly thought I was going to be sick! Joakim was really nice about it - very encouraging, but the thought of being observed just made me all wobbly! I think the lesson I taught went OK... If I'd've been less nervous it may have been better, but I think it's going to be a while before that happens. If I can't cope teaching 9 kids in front of 5 adults, how I am g...