Today I made my first solo bus trip out of the city to the surrounding countryside. It might not sound like a big deal, but for someone who actively avoids busses in my home country, getting a bus in a foreign country where I don't speak the language seemed pretty daunting. Nonetheless, I found out bus numbers from one of the local staff at school and took a trip to a place called Siming Lake. It was about a 40 minute journey on two different busses and only cost me 3 kuai ea

I figured it would come at some point- the dreaded homesickness. I had been so busy since arriving that I suppose I hadn’t had much time alone to really think about missing home. During this past week it really hit me that I’m not going home for at least 15 months. This realisation, along with the pressures of my new job and responsibilities I was feeling, almost made me want to pack up and leave. Then I realised something else. I was looking at the smaller picture, letting l

Happy New Year! Yesterday marked my fourth week in China, and the first day of 2017. To mark this momentous occasion, I have decided to compile all blog posts so far and actually edit and publish them. Before I begin, I want to talk a bit about my trip to Hangzhou for new year. It was my first proper holiday since arriving, as well as the first trip out of Yuyao. I’d heard great things about Hangzhou, and was really looking forward to some green space and time to relax. We ar