Preparations to return to Shenzhen (at last)

Family farewell - tears from me

Beer with Duncan.. Cheers

Well, the delays in getting my work permit approved allowed me to be home for Christmas and the end of the year and spend time with family and friends.

My working days were spent between preparation for return to SZ and some OHS and Human Resources project work. Some ergonomic assessments, workplace inspections, risk assessments on a TAFE programme and analysis of the administrative instructions for safety in preparation for an audit in 2009.

Having some bonus time to be fitting in all the things i would miss by being in SZ meant trips to the wineries, trip to Melbourne to see Billy Elliot & Jill, Sturt softball, Mum's bacon sandwiches,

listening to dad play jazz, walking with Jen & Lucy the kelpie at the beach...short rides on Bike Friday (Freedom Friday) , dinner at Mr Dinh's with friends and a bush boxing day.

Chester and Louise were involved in the Stonehaven Cup sailing competition at Largs Bay Sailing Club and I hung out there to catch up with all the family (Duncan was the organiser).

Chester is in the Cadet dinghy with SA 180 sail number

New Years Day arrived and Paddington and I departed Oz for Hong Kong then Shenzhen with Jen and Deb waving us off ( I don't do farewells...drop me off and go is my preference!).

SA Icons Padd works out how to get hotel bus

Currently sitting overlooking HK Harbour from my room on the 32nd Floor of the hotel (upgraded to harbour view without asking!). I went out to HK Central and found Dymocks, bought some novels which are very rare in SZ. I was going to explore using the MRT but its underground so you don't see much of the landscape. Decided to head home and get 100% value from my hotel room given that it was a treat to myself and a bit extravagant.

The next phase starts tomorrow - Saturday when i get myself to LoHu in SZ (mainland China) via train where I will be met by a representative from English First (EF) to get to the hotel that EF use for incoming teachers until they are settled in apartments or homestay if they chose (not). Apartment hunting Sunday, (hopefully catch one, tame it and move in same day or early in the week). Teaching Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday as the new career becomes a reality.

Here's to my Mandarin improving alond with my mathematical calculations from $AUD to RMB via $HK to be accurate until I get an idea of the value of money in the new world. My Bank of China ATM card works, my China SIM card works....here goes...boots and all...SZ Nanshan Kids School - here I come! 2009 Return to SZ.