Less than one month ago I was still in the UK awaiting the news that my visa was ready.  Just two days after I collected my documents I was at the airport waving goodbye to my family and setting off on my Chinese adventure.

I didn’t know what to expect as I had never heard of Anqing before.  As the plane descended into the airport I could see the city and countryside for the first time.  It was beautiful and the land looked so green.  From the plane I watched the farmers tend their crops and the city came into view.  It looked like an interesting place to live and explore.

I was nervous as I left the plane but was greeted by Joanna, an English teacher at the school.  She was so friendly and told me all about Anqing as we made our way to the school campus.  She made me feel very welcome and my nerves began to ease.  When I arrived at the campus I was introduced to Tiger and the staff.  Just 45 minutes after my arrival I was taken out to dinner with the other English teachers and the principal.  They even made me sing at the KTV!  I had such a good night.  It was the perfect first day because everybody had made me feel so welcome.

The best thing about being an English teacher is, of course, the children.  I remember my first day of teaching, getting mobbed by lots of kids asking me “whats your name?” and “where are you from?”.  They were so friendly and enthusiastic.  When I walk to class in the morning I hear shouts of “hello teacher” from all around. 

This is now my second week at the school.  I have met some great people and have already made some good friends.  I am very happy here and hope that the next few months are as fun, exciting and interesting as my first two weeks have been.

I love my new life in Anqing.