a few recent Chinese observations

• chinese people aren't as small as I thought they would be.
  
• however everyone is about a size zero; the "fattest" teacher is probably about a size 8.
  
• HOWEVER, some of the kids are enormous. adding a whole new meaning to the phrase puppy fat.
  
• you can't ever get too used to something as normal as it can be shot down in the blink of an eye. for example, one day you may have perfectly working internet and the next it is gone (perhaps for good) with no apparent explanation.
  
• but, things can also go from bad to good in just a few seconds. earlier today, I walked out of possibly the worst lesson I've taught since I've been here. the class wouldn't listen and when they did I just could not get anything through to them. walking through the school grounds (sulking), three of my lovely grade one students ran from the other side of the forecourt towards me screaming "Raaaaachel! Teacherrrrr How are you!" and gave me a running hug from all angles. It's pretty difficult to be in a bad mood after that :)
  
• a large, tasty meal can be bought 5 minutes from our apartment for the equivalent of 30p. goodbye, awful canteen food.... hello dumplings!
  
• although we are living in a "tiny suburb village" of Dongguan itself, we have 3 McDonalds, Starbucks and KFC all within walking distance. not to mention tescos on our front doorstep!
  
• MANDARIN IS REALLY HARD. we started our mandarin lessons with the school last night and I'm still completely lost by it all. but I'm determined to master it at least at a conversational level by the time I leave!