So Here Comes Goodbye!

Hello Everybody!

I am very happy to tell you that things are looking up since my last post, still no placement though.

I had a brilliant day yesterday, Mandarin lesson 8-11am (only 5 of us came, commitment!), then I headed to the Forbidden City!

I was a bit disappointed with the Forbidden City, it was vast but there is only so much Chinese architecture that one can admire before getting bored. I did get approached by a scam artist though, a beautiful woman who talked to me in good English who tried to persuade me to join her for a tea ceremony. TTC had warned us of these scams so I turned her down.

I went to Jing Shan Park after the Forbidden City and was blown away by the views of Beijing. I am glad I came on a clear day because you could even see the mountains in the distance! It was beautiful!

Next I headed back towards CAMIC because Kathryn had organised a farewell meal for our group in an all you can eat hot pot restaurant called Hot Pot Hot. For those of you who don't know, a hot pot restaurant is somewhere where you cook your food in a kind of soup. I chose mushroom and once it had got hot enough added loads of seafood (squid, octopus, prawns, etc.) and some vegetables. It was certainly quite an experience! They also provided entertainment in the form of a band who walked around singing and playing their instruments, so naturally all 20 of us got up to dance with them! It was so much fun!!!

Beth and Eddy

Alice's Unorthodox Cooking

A whole squid to myself!

Chicken Feet! Surprisingly Nice!

Oh and the TOILETS, not only did they have HEATED SEATS but they also sprayed water and air dried your bum! Quite a shock if you weren't expecting it!!!!!

Next we headed to the Irish Volunteer (the local Irish bar, £1 beers) for a final farewell. We had some fantastically heartfelt speeches (Lewis did a very good one). It was really sad!

Eddy, Me, Lewis, Dorothy and Evelyn

Ellie, Louise and I

Katheryn and I

Rachel, Me, Sarah and Tom

Rachel and I

Mark, Sam, Luke & I

Brad and I

Some people left at 5am this morning (Mark among them), Owen left about half an hour ago and everyone is set to leave at various points throughout the day. It is sad but I know we will stay in touch!

I still don't know where in China I am going, I might not know until MARCH. Not too happy!

Until next time!