Lots seems to have happened since I last wrote my blog a few weeks ago; time is disappearing and I feel like I'm going to be home for Christmas in no time at all (..something which I hadn't planned but now can't wait for a little break at home!).

We have been to Lamma Island; this is the third largest island in Hong Kong and named after it's 'Y' shape. It is a peaceful and slightly 'hippy' island with no high rise buildings and no cars. Although we didn't get time to walk the popular trek to the beach we did get to look around the main town centre. The main town has lots of little shacks selling homemade crafts and also many many restaurants. We had lunch at a seafood restaurant on the waterfront; the food was so fresh and accompanied by a lovely view.

Last weekend we went to Big Wave Bay, pretty much as the name suggests and a surfers paradise! We went late afternoon and managed to catch the sunset as we were on the bus ride; pictures can be seen in the new album section. It was without doubt the most beautiful bus ride I've ever taken. At the beach we went to a local bar, recommended as one of the top beach bars in the world. It was effectively a small shack with seating but the atmosphere and view show why it is one of the best.
On Sunday of last weekend we went on another beach trip, this time to Discovery Bay. This is a popular tourist and holiday part of Hong Kong although we were surprised by how quiet the place was (probably as the weather is beginning to cool down). There was an outdoor market which we walked around before lazing on the beach and burying Pam in the sand. Finally we had dinner on the waterfront before getting the boat home; such a lovely tranquil place.

There has also been the National Day public holiday since I last wrote my blog. Unfortunately due to the protests (some photographs in the album section) all of the celebrations for the festival were cancelled, but we did manage to make it to the first horse racing meeting of the season. Whilst we weren't quite expecting Ladies Day we were definitely over-dressed for the race meeting which we attended. It costs the equivalent of £1 to enter the races and you can start your bets at as little as you want. It was completely different to the UK but an amazing experience and I made half of my money back which wasn't bad! :)

Beginning to feel more of a local in Hong Kong now. We have discovered £6/hour foot massages which are the best thing ever and very quickly developing in to a two week habit. We have also discovered the most amazing place to eat in the local wetmarket. Armed with our order translated into Chinese, Lauren and I managed to find the stall... you can see a picture in the photo section but we got 3 pork meals with rice and a whole box full of pork for £5! It's some of the best food I have ever tasted and I think the guy was impressed that we were some of his first western customers!

Yesterday, we had a chilled day and walked down by the bay along Hong Kong's version of the Avenue of Stars, albeit I only recognised Jackie Chan. We then had a little taste of home and sat in a British/Aussie Pub where I had a beer and a full English; perfect. Yesterday afternoon we went to a local rugby match with Pam's brother and some friends which was also pretty awesome.

School is going really well but is crazy busy at the moment. My co-teacher has been off for the last month but hopefully will be returning soon. Unfortunately this has meant that I've been left to write progress reports for all of the children which is probably how today will be spent. Last weekend we were interviewing for next years intake of children; how it is possible to interview 1 year olds I will never understand!!!!! Finally, the funniest moment of my time in Hong Kong came on Friday... having vowed that I would never wear one, my principal insisted that I wear a face mask all day. So many of my children are off school with colds she is so worried that I might get ill and as she can't afford to lose me, I styled out the face mask all day. Dad suggested that it was quite an improvement, cheers! (photo attached).

That's all for now, I'm off to enjoy a chilled Sunday brunch before hitting my school reports. Can't wait to see everybody at Christmas. xxxxxxx