It's life as usual, with unusual thrown in for good measure...

"What's up?"

"The usual. And you?"

"Yeah, not much."

This is the kind of mind-blowing conversational English that I get to pass on to mainland Chinese folk. I know you're thinking, "Wow, you must be some teacher!"

And yes, I am. I also suffer from high self-esteem.

The month of July is nearly over, and so will be my first stint as an English-as-a-2nd-language (ESL) teacher for adults. So convinced am I that this kind of teaching rocks my world, I pulled out of my future Kindergarten stint that I had lined up, and signed up at another ESL institute for August-September with the option of further work thereafter. And ok, there was the added benefit of a salary that came up trumps compared with the Kindy work. Richer, happier, food on the table, work that gets my creative juices flowing, and a chance to see full-grown Chinese do the Hokey Pokey...it's a win-win.

More on the teaching side of things later. By the way, the lotuses are blooming.

More news:

Yesterday our cousin Abby from Port Lincoln arrived in Beijing, and will be staying with us for two weeks. After all the talk of the crappy weather here in BJ, it seems she brought the clear skies with her all the way from SA. Now she thinks we're just having you all on. But really - it's true. I mean, these 2-days-in-a-row of clear blue skies are just a complete rarity. I keep looking up and thinking, '...wow - cool. Is this the same city?'

I know that sounds weird, but if you lived here you'd know what I meant.

So anyway, today Michelle took the day off work and with her new bike and my not-as-new bike, she and Abby have set off of a discovery of BJ, and what a day it turned out to be for them. But it won't last. Not that I'm a pessimist folks, but the million cars and counting won't rest until the skies are hazy.

Other than the usual, there's other stuff going on as well.

Yes, the lakes are getting all fished out.

Anyway...

Guess what? We've started a little business on the side here in big Beijing. Michelle saw an oportunity, and as it turns out, has grabbed it. By now you're just hanging out to hear what it is right? Well it's a secret.

These little tackers wanna keep it to themselves.

Though we reckon some more icecream will go a long way in getting them to spill the beans.

Kidding.

Ok, so you know the photos that I've been taking? Michelle reckoned that some would make really great greeting cards. And she did some show n' tell, and others reckoned the same. There is a bit of a 'greeting card' market gap here that is waiting to be filled, and Michelle being the entrepreneur that she is, wants to fill it. So production is under way. And well, we'll keep you updated. The first place we'll attempt to sell them will be the OZ Embassy. Here's a little poster we did up to advertise our new product! Feel free to make an order...or answer our little poll that's on the right of this page.

It's another win-win. I get to keep snapping away with my Olympus, and Michelle gets to stick photos onto cardboard. Like I said, a win-win.

There really are endless photo ops here. And oh, I just love the colours.

Plus it saves time painting. Snap...or brush? I'll go with the snap. But two thumbs up to anyone willing to take up the brush. (Hi Nanna and Grandpa!)

Well, like I said, Beijing is just a minefield for photographers. Here's a sample. I took these last Saturday.

Before I sign off, I'll let you know that we'll be heading off this weekend for a 2-day hike of the Great Wall, and staying overnight in a village somewhere up in the mountains. Can't wait. But you'll have to wait for the next blog for that.

Ok.

This is China.

Dig it.

Storms Clean the Air

This is a tribute to rain, clouds, thunder, lightning and views from the 15th floor. We haven't seen better skies and breathed cleaner air than a storm that just passed over us produced, and so we're raising our glasses to the raging elements that treated us to a taste of home away from home. Even the sun tore the sky apart, reaching out with a cup in its rays and clinked our chalises.

Mmmm...I just relish using the English language when the occassion happens upon me.

Bike riding. Oh yes, that reminds me. The last three days I've spent hours on my little red riding bike. But what big handlebars it has. I've been attempting to get lost in this big city, but doing a hopeless job of it...since I AM a male and all. I just can't help but be un-disorientated. It's frustrating, but some of us have this burden to bear and I'm not going to start complaining about it. Well, guess what I found on my journeys? The new olympic stadium that's what.

It's still got a long way to go, but the WOW factor is there. Plus the 'what-was-the-architect-on-when-he-designed-this?' factor. See it though in its future glory by clicking HERE.

Done? Impressed?

Well, that wasn't all I stumbled upon. Say hello to this little beauty...

...Look, but don't touch!!!

And along the way...an ancient alley adorns an avenue...

...and a red lantern ridden road really rocked my ride...

...while a topless gardener garnished green and gold geranthiums with good ol' H20...

...and delivery dudes dine on delicious dishes discussing daily duties*

(That's why there's no one in the picture)

That reminds me. Today Michelle and I ordered a second bike for us - the same one but blue - so that we can go riding together and really live it up! Can't wait to pick it up from the bike shop tomorrow and unfold it...(see my previous posting for the 'unfolding' video).

Michelle is also looking forward to her first haircut/colour in Beijing, although with some apprehension. But the hairdresser came recommended by others in the Embassy so there's nothing to lose...except prehaps years of great haircare...

English teaching. That reminds me. This week I've started English teaching and I'm loving it. I have 11 students in my class, all in their 20s and above. I work 9am-1pm Mon-Fri. So far the students are really advancing - they now know that although kangaroos make for great postcards, they also make for great steak.

Also, we're really looking forward to our cousin Abby (Hi Abby! Excited?!!) coming to visit us from the 18th of July for two weeks. We were hoping our spare room would pay off, and at $50AUS/night we'll be making sure it does. (Kidding Abby!!! hehe)

We took another trip to the flea markets today and got a bit itchy, but took some rather good shots...so check out my National Geographic for more photos and if you get the time, check out the rest of the site.

Ni Yo!

GOODBYE CHINA, HELLO OZ,

GOODBYE OZ, HELLO CHINA!

Now where am I again?
Oh yeah...just one look out the window and whola! It's as clear as...mmmm.
It's good to be back from my OZn'BACK trip where I crammed as much in as I could in the little time that I had, while breathing in as much fresh air as I could in the little spare lung that I had. Yes, a spare lung. Got one at the corner store here for a little under $15 after some serious bartering. And now I make daily withdrawals from it as the need arises. Nothing like a breath of clean Aussie Air when you need it. (Mmm! I wish!)

Oh China...we love your cheap prices, we love your dishes,

We love your people, we love your language.

But we're confused - is it cloudy or is it smoggy?

The air we breathe - tell us - what's the receipe?

We can look directly at the sun,

And watch kids do a number 1.

As for flem - better out than in,

All spit for the National Anthem.

But all in all we love that you're full of surprises,

And bikes, cars and many kinds of rices...

We love being additional guests in this populated land of yours,

And love that there's always a story or two million to tell.

So we'll stay here singing and believing,

China - you're OK - ryhme or reason!

Perhaps I have too much time on my hands!

Well next week I start working to the relief of at least one person, including myself. I'll be taking up an English Teaching job for the month of July, helping company employees become confident and reasonably comfortable in conversational English. Then in August I'll start working as a Kindergarten teacher and what a blast that'll be. They won't know what hit 'em!

Hey, guess what happened when I arrived back in China at 7am Wednesday morning?
I took the taxi to our apartment, pulled my heavy luggage into the elevator (half of which I swear was Cadbury chocolate and Allens lollies!), was greeted by the elevator-man who went off about something in an ancient form of Chinese while vigorously pointing out the entranceway, while I, being in a zombie-like state and wanting just to dump my stuff and see Michelle just shrugged and pointed up. Then of course, up we went (are you following this?!). Anyway I got to our door, pressed the doorbell...and...nothing. Was Michelle fast asleep? I kept ringing, then knocking, then banging, then calling out... Where was she? I was hot and bothered. 20min later, our next door neighbour came out to my little commotion, and offered me the use of her phone. So I called Michelle's mobile phone, which she immediately answered, and I said "Where are U?" to which she said, "Where are U?".

"I'm outside our apartment."

"Oh... ok...well I'm outside waiting for you."

"OK...well I'm here. How would you like to come and let me in? (said with lots of love)"

Well the story goes that Michelle wanted to surprise me by being outside when I pulled up in the taxi. But she had just left the elevator seconds before I got in, and she went out the right entranceway, whereas I walked in the left entranceway. Bizarre really. And poor elevator-man...he really meant to help.

Changing topic again. Guess how much that cost? All those drinks, water, icecreams, crackers...? About $8 in Aussie bucks. Of course, these weren't for us... But the point is: How cheap!

Changing topics again: The weekend before I left for OZ, Michelle and I went to a 'Food and Rhythm' festival which Dora helped organise (my Chinese Language School classmate). I would describe it as a mini-Woodstock. A different scene to what we're used to, to say the least. But a good night was had. A bit of music, (Dora was DJing a bit), food, drink, games and friends.

That's Dora pumping out the rhythms.

And the cook...And Alex, Nuno and I playing bochi.

Well, that'll do for now! The weekend is beckoning.

To all that I had a chance to catch up with in OZ - cheers! ...it was great doing so! See you in about a year's time! Or pack your bags and head on over here for a great time in a great land!

PICS FOR KICKS

Unfolding our new bike!!!

Ni hao!
There's always a photo opportunity around the corner here in China. So here's some 'pics for kicks' as there's not much to update you on this week beside the fact that I - P-J - am coming back to OZ next week and as you can guess from above - we bought a brand-spanking new bike that is all the craze here in China. It just about fits in my pocket!

Well I've seen the weather reports for Adelaide and it looks to be c-c-c-c-c-o-o-o-o-o-o-l-l-l-l-l-d-d-d-! I'm actually looking forward to wearing a jumper since I'm having a double- here and won't be having winter until November. By the way...while I'm away from my better half why don't you all keep Michelle company through SKYPE, MSN, Email, SMS...whatever! Anyway - onto the photos...

Two Kings and a Taylor...Eating out at the Houhai Lake District
It was great having our Uncle and Auntie here for a week.
Boating on the Houhai Lake - great atmoshere and lights at night.Michelle and Judith enjoy some shopping in the Houhai Lake district...

Interesting name for a bar...More than interesting rules for this bar...
Sights of the Houhai at night...
Confusius say: When woman go shopping man kept waiting.... Silk on the go...

The most sun that Michelle has experienced since arriving in China...
(Not suprised that even the sun is sneezing though!)
*This picture was taken inside a cafe.

Now for a couple more photos taken from our 15th floor window...
OK...That's enough show n' tell for now. Hope you enjoyed it...

Once again feel free to check out the extras on the sidebar and down below. View the links, pictures, MP3s, videos and more.

I'll be seeing some of you next week!

(I arrive on Tues morning and leave the following Tues arvo)

Don't try this at home...

G'day G'day!
Time has just flown by since we arrived in China, and before I know it I - P-J - will be back in OZ for my mate's Mark and Fi's wedding which I'm really looking forward to. Not to mention Fish n' Chips, Meat Pies, Roast dinner...and catching up with friends and family! I'll be in OZ from the 18th-25th June. And upon return to China I should (all going well) be beginning work as an English Teacher at a local kindergarten which is opening up in July! That's right - P-J the Kindy Teacher! I've had one 'gig' already with them - helping them to promote their kindergarten, and this Sunday I'm having lunch in the park with all their staff. Most of them are young and fresh out of Uni, so it'll be a great environment for me to work in and I'm sure it'll help my Chinese language abilities go from strength to strength. I'm really looking forward to working and mixing with the locals! My Chinese Language classes actually wrap up on the 16th of June so the timing is great.

This week we have the pleasure of catching up with Michelle's Uncle and Auntie (John and Judith) who are taking a holiday both here in BJ and around China. It's so good to have them here and be able to show them where we live, work and of course...eat! They even had the pleasure of finding an English Language newspaper for me - 'The China Daily'. I always wondered where they might be found - if only I had the sense to look in a hotel frequented by foreigners...
Michelle is finding work enjoyable, challenging at times, and really good for making new friends, speaking some Chinese and finding new resturants to eat at. I went to an Indian one with her and her workmates and ended up mistaking a green chilli for peas in a pod, and they witnessed a guy almost in tears! Don't try this at home.

But do try this at home... This is Michelle making her second meal at home since we arrived. Good Aussie tucker. Rissoles!

And guess what? We've just joined a GYM! Ok, yes, it's harder to imagine me in a gym than Michelle, but there's a first time for everything. I feel a bit like my bro, Matti T!
I might be dreaming but I think that coming out in Dec 2007 is...
THE RETURN OF THE 6PACK! Go on - tell me I'm dreaming!
And it goes without saying that we got a great deal: it's about AUS$200 each for 18months! And it's a really nice, new gym with all the gear, classes, and sweat to go.

Last night I went out to the movies and dinner with my past Chinese Teacher - 'Nana' and her huband David. We saw TMNT (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). And as much as I'm ashamed to say it - I really enjoyed it. I'm just a kid at heart anyway! The dinner afterwards was great too. They took me out to a classical Chinese resturant and believe it or not I ate....are you ready for it?...
BLOOD SAUSAGE.
It's just as it sounds. Just blood with a bit of whatever, somehow solidified/cooked in the style of a sausage and then cut into slices and put around the outside of some vegetables. I just had 1 slice just so I could say I've tried it! By the way - don't try this at home. I don't recommend it. How it stayed down I have no idea. According to one website: If you’ve ever pricked your finger and sucked, you pretty much have a sense of the flavor of blood. But magic happens when blood (typically it’s pig’s blood) is cooked and combined with meats and fats to become sausage. There’s a blood sausage variant in almost every culture. I might emphasize the almost and de-emphasize the magic part. I know you can get them in some places in OZ - but not in the culture I grew up in! (It just happens that I lay claim to a certain cultural group).

Anyway... Hope this finds you all well! If you're up to it - check out the side bar for more new stuff/ photos/ things to listen to or watch and more. Right at the bottom of the page look out for the latest 'Nooma' video (13min) entitled 'YOU'. Click on it, sit back and enjoy!