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Hello once again!
Well, it's certainly been a hectic day! I missed my alarm to get up at 4.20 and so the hostel receptionist woke me up once the taxi had already arrived at 5! Perhaps going out with the Americans last night wasn't such a great plan after all. But I am very proud to say I was up, downstairs, fully clothed and packed in 4 minutes. And this time the taxi was a sensible fare…
So, I met Josh at the airport at 6.30 and we tried to check in for the flight. That was fun in itself as it took us around 30 minutes to find where we needed to go (even though it's all in one room) and we still had to ask 5 people. It must be said the Chinese are very willing to help, but we did get sent on 4 wild goose chases.
Unlike me, Josh has only just flown into China, and so not only has he not slept for around 25 hours, but hasn't eaten as he is allergic to wheat and gluten. That's a tad of a problem in itself as noodles and soy sauce are now out the window. We finally had breakfast at the airport which consisted of waxberries and an assortment of fruit a pitying hostess had given to Josh. We also found free water coolers in departures, but instead of cups they have paper envelopes for you to drink from. This of course provided lots of entertainment as not only did it dribble everywhere, but eventually the bottom fell through and I got a soggy lap. Note to self; drink instantly next time to avoid weird looks from the airport staff because It looks like you've wet yourself!
We were fretting on the plane because even though Josh had organised someone to pick us up from Changsha, we didn't know if they actually would and then we'd be abandoned in the middle of nowhere, Luckily a lady called 'Flower' picked us up; she's another one of the English teachers (but surprisingly not fluent). We then drove to where the school is to unload our bags and see our accommodation. As it turns out, the school is on a 'campus', but the campus also has ordinary people's houses on it… very confusing, The buildings themselves are 4 story concrete abominations, but I thought ' I can survive for 4 weeks'. That was before seeing the rooms. I had completely forgotten that Josh had never been out of Europe before, and so after seeing our slightly urine-smelling rooms it was a big shock for him to see the bathroom- I can quite safely say that 'hole in the floor' toilets are not pleasant. Not at all. I think the concept of not flushing and not putting paper In the toilet is stupid. And very smelly. But on the bright side, we do have functioning hot water showers. J
Having toured our rooms, we were then taken for lunch with a whole group of high-ranking Pingjiang people. The food was incredible, and I definitely ate too much- but after not eating well for 4 days, I was looking forward to free food. :p It was quite soon apparent that, even though it was only 1pm, everyone was hitting the rice wine hard. I don't know if it is just this particular area, but everyone seems to have the habit of making toasts with people every 2 minutes throughout the meal. It was humorous at first, but after my 6th round of wine toasting I just wanted to sit the hell down and eat whatever the brown round thing was in my bowl was. It was also quickly apparent that the sole reason we had been brought to lunch was to be shown off like show animals. But I think it's fair to say we really didn't mind as it was the first decent meal we had both eaten in too long. Looking back at it, I think it was a bad decision to go from 3 days on an empty stomach to full on Christmas-roast type quantities.
After waddling back to the apartments we had to check in with the police ti say we'd arrived. There was also wide-spread shock as the police announced my age. Obviously no-one had been told I was under 18 (as you're not meant to work in China till over 18), but after a lot of talking I was allowed to stay. It was a very tense 20 minutes as I the thought that I may have come all this way, just to be sent home again was devastating.
After having a 'heart in mouth' journey home, including Flower stopping and talking on her mobile for ages in the middle of a busy junction and turning the wrong way on a road, we were given 2 hours off. I missed those 2 hours as as soon as I sat down on my bed, I fell asleep.
After missing my free time we were then escorted to dinner by Flower to another group of high-rankers. Once again we were shown off, but I don't remember a lot as I was a little woozy after my sleep and feeling like a stuffed pigeon. I remember lots of people taking pictures with/of us and Josh's face when given rice wine to drink. I think the strength of the wine surprised us both, as we couldn't take one mouthful, but everyone else was drinking it like water. At the end though it did look like we were sitting at a table of lobsters. Very funny. We excused ourselves early and were asleep by 8. I can honestly say that it was the best night's sleep so far as it was the first night I haven't woken at 2am due to jetlag. Happiness is a good night's sleep.
Our aim for tomorrow is to go buy Chinese phones… but whether we'll be successful is debatable. I have a feeling that we'll probably just end up being laughed at. I hope not. Also, a message to anyone who's going to text me on my GB number- don't. It's functioning now, but extortionate cost wise for the both of us. Email me instead. J
Finally, unfortunately all my posts may be a little staggered from now on as the school has no internet. We're going to have to venture in Pingjiang to use internet-cafes every now and again instead.
P.S. It's 30*c here. Enjoying your rain Britain? :p
- comments
Mum x She writes a very entertaining travelblog. That's my Girl x
dad Well done Millie, sounds superb and such an experience. We are all watching your blog including G & G.. Keep up the good work. Dad x