Xining- The First Impressions

HELLO EVERYBODY!

I SURVIVED!

For those of you who don't know I found out on Saturday where I was placed in China, Xining in Qinghai Province (West China on the Tibetan Plateau). This also meant a 22 hour long journey from West Beijing Train Station to Xining.

There are seven of us in total, 4 girls and 3 boys. The girls consist of Deena (Swindon), Siziwe (London/ South Africa), Cecila (Sweden) and Alex (South Tyneside) and the boys consist of Will (Exeter), Mike (Doncaster) and me.

Alex, Deena, Will, Mike, Siziwe, Cecilia and I

Getting on the train was 'fun' with my two huge suitcase and my rucksack (which fell apart). It was stressful and the Chinese people were just shouting at us because we were in the way. TTC had booked us a hard sleeper which was better than a seat on the train, at least we had beds. What we didn't expect was the absolute lack of any space to put our bags! We managed it though, just. Next challenge were the bunks, we were expecting a top and bottom not a top, MIDDLE and bottom! Naturally I was booked onto the top bunk but Alex said she'd swap with me. That girl is a life saver. However I was still on the middle. Needless to say I had EVERY Chinese person in our coach watching me attempt to scramble onto my bunk. I was graceful as always...

Sizi on the TOP bunk

Deena & Siziwe

The journey itself wasn't that bad, I read my book (The Big Over Easy by Jasper Fforde), listened to my audiobook (Is it just me? by Miranda Hart) and slept. The toilets were foul though!

22 hours later we pulled into Xining, our first impression wasn't good. The smog was atrocious and the city seemed to be either a building site or a pile of rubble. However we were met off our train by someone who appeared to be expecting us, his name was Matthew. He shepherded into his minibus and we made our way out of Xining to our accommodation.

We are staying at the Practical Training Base of Xining for School Students on the outskirts of Xining. The campus is gorgeous and comes complete with its own lake, motorcross course, climbing wall, high and low ropes courses, gym, basketball court, canteen and teaching buildings!

Fresher food than CAMIC!

Motor Cross?

The accommodation is really nice and they have WESTERN TOILETS! I am currently sharing with Mike but should be getting my own room soon (I hope). Only downside is that there is no storage whatsoever! However there is now WIFI!

This is probably a good time to point out that I still no nothing about where I am teaching in Xining, what age group or what ability level. However having talked to Matthew, we might not be starting teaching until next week. Matthew has set up a project regarding international influences on Chinese education and wants us to help him with it. We are not really sure what it entails but I don't think we have much choice!

Now it is definitely time for bed!