China Dreaming - KatrinaB
Well I'm off to China in August to teach English to kiddies on Dongguan. I'll be leaving with my courage in one hand and my nerves in the other!

Not quite there yet
Geelong West, Australia
Only 7 days of work to go, Hallelujah! I'm looking forward to no more 6am starts and 1 hour trips to work.
I haven't figured out the days yet til my departure, I'm taking one milestone at a time.
Starting to feel scared, WTF am I doing leaving my well paid job and heading over to a sub-tropical climate and getting paid in a month less then I get in a week here? Must be loco :)
written by  KatrinaB on July 19, 2006 from Geelong West, Australia
from the travel blog: China Dreaming

Nearly there
Kerang, Australia
Only 7 days til I head off to China :)
Since finishing work I've been busy moving, packing, making lists and getting over a horrible bug that's gone through my entire family.
Thanks for everyone's encourage and belief in my dream and I look forward to sharing all my experiences (good & bad) with you all.
Cheers!
written by  KatrinaB on August 17, 2006 from Kerang, Australia
from the travel blog: China Dreaming

I've arrived!
Dongguan, China
Howdy!
Just a quick note to let everyone know I've arrived safely in Dongguan, even if it was 2 hours late.
It's bloody hot!
Thinking of you all back home.
written by  KatrinaB on August 24, 2006 from Dongguan, China
from the travel blog: China Dreaming

Day 2
Dongguan, China
Hi everyone,
I've uploaded some photos onto my flikr account of my apartment.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/katrinab/
I woke up quite early, due to time differences, so I unpacked EVERYTHING and then went back to bed for another hour or two :)
I had lunch with the foreign teachers that have landed (still a few to arrive) and spent most of this afternoon trying to figure out my digital camera (pressie from the fam) and uploading and updating 'stuff'.
The below photo was taken from my balcony and in the middle of the shot you can see a very colourful building which is a Winnerway Campus, just not sure which one! -UPDATE - this is the Winnerway Kindergarten
I'm about to get a tour of my campus and then head out for 'Brazilian' for dinner with the other foreign teachers.
Love
Katrina
written by  KatrinaB on August 25, 2006 from Dongguan, China

Day ???? Haven't got a clue!
Dongguan, China
Hey everyone!
Well I finally feel like I've settled in, though there are still moments that I feel like I'm in another universe.
There is a great bunch of teachers from all of the world who are going to be a great support network when I start feeling 'fragile' :)
I've spent the last few days getting to know the other teachers, discovering the surrounding district and buying DVDs for Au$2!
Orientation starts on Friday (which I think is the day after tomorrow) so the fun is nearly over and the hard slog starts. After 3 days of training we then go into a 5 day working week, so we're all going to be exhausted by the weekend and won't feel like going out at all!
There are a couple of nice 'foreign' restaurants and bars but they cost 3-4 times as much as chinese restaurants. One of us always seems to have a phrase book with us so it's not too bad.
I had a lovely day today with Klara, Kathryn and Olivia having our nails done at the Walmart centre (picture below). It cost about Au$8 to get a manicure and flowers painted on my nails! I think it might be a once-a-month treat.
We're going out again tonight, so I'll try and take some pictures of Nancheng (my district) Walking Street and post tonight or tomorrow on my flikr account.
Love
Katrina
PS. For some reason, my a's are being capitalised when followed by an u. Strange.
written by  KatrinaB on August 30, 2006 from Dongguan, China

Walmart
Well, it's another hot night at Dongguan. Outside feels like a sauna and only air conditioned cabs, shopping centres and home make it bearable.
Most of us went to dinner and Walmart tonight for a little retail therapy. I need to buy a Mobile phone and there are so many choices in China! Walmart (below) has a great selection but some are really expensive. Decisions Decisions.
Tomorrow is the first day of work and is an 'easy' day, thank God, because I haven't used my 'working' brain for a month! I think it may hurt :)
Spoke to Michelle from work today on messenger and I started missing home, my work colleagues (hi guys!), friends and family. I'm really missing my nephew Will. I have to keep reminding myself of all the reasons why I'm here.....to have an amazing experience and spread my wings.
Need to go to bed now, early start.
Miss you all.
Love
Katrina

A goodbye poem
This is a poem that Mum wrote for me while in the back seat on the way to the airport!
Update: I have removed this poem because Mum thinks I'll get deported! If anyone's interested, please email me or leave a comment and I'll forward it on!
Just to prove the strange things China does to you, check out the photo below....I'm now drinking ...............?
LOL
PS. I am going to take some more photos and load them onto Flikr...just not sure when :)
written by  KatrinaB on September 1, 2006 from Dongguan, China

Ouch, my brain
My first full day of 'working' for over a month and I'm knackered even if I didn't teach.
We spent the morning going over lesson plans, games, activities and discipline (anxious nibble of finger nails!).
In the morning the children do their exercise out in front of the school. Photo left (taken by Olivia).
In the afternoon Tamzin & Geno (2 teachers from last year) demonstrated lessons for Grade 4 and Grade 1 students. It was great to watch and I tried to take in as much as possible but it was hard because either I was laughing or trying not to melt in the heat.
Tomorrow we will sit in a demonstration class for Grade 6 students (phew) which I will be taking notes in as I'm teaching Grades 5 & 6.
The new teachers are really excited and very nervous at the same time, so I'm not alone in how I feel.
Bring it on......gently :)
I found the below item in the corner store. I've never seen this product before but damn it tastes good. I have no idea how much sugar is in it because it's written in chinese...ah well..what can i do? ;)
written by  KatrinaB on September 2, 2006 from Dongguan, China

First day is over, Hallelujah
I am knackered, my feet are killing me and my head hurts.
I taught 3 classes of Grade 6 with varying results. I'm going to have to come up with discipline methods for one of them, man, they were hard work.
Tomorrow I'm teaching 4 classes of Grade 5 and have yet to write the lesson plan. I might wait til after dinner.
All the teachers are going to dinner to 'de-brief', relax and get ready for another day. I have 4 classes on Wednesday, 5 on Thursday (yikes) and 3 on Friday.
I'm drinking my pineapple beer and thinking of lovely, familiar home.
I'll let you know how tomorrow goes.
Note: RIP Steve Irwin
written by  KatrinaB on September 4, 2006 from Dongguan, China

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Day 2 is over and I've lost feeling in my feet. I didn't get to sit down for any of my classes and I had three in a row this afternoon! I'm definitely going to have to plan lessons where I can sit down :)
They tell me the 1st week is the hardest and they'd better be right. It can be rewarding and horrible all in the same lesson, some children make it worth putting up with the other little horrors.
Tomorrows lesson plan is on Class Rules and it should be interesting to see how it goes down! I Hope some of them challenge me so I can get them into trouble....I don't think I should feel like that LOL.
Hey Michelle M, did you get the poem?
Hi to Beans and Kel, missing Thomas Street and going down Pako with you for coffee. I dream of Gloria Jean coffee!
I'm going to put my feet up now and mentally prepare myself for tomorrow.

What a high!
The afternoon sessions today were my Class Rules! lesson plan and it worked by george!
The first lesson was quite funny because I didn't even get to the 'consequences' part of the lesson because they kept breaking the rules I'd written on the board! The other two classes (including the 'difficult' one on my first day) worked like a charm. I made sure we ended on a fun note though and played hangman with them, . It was hilarious because they screamed when they didn't get a letter right.
Now I have to make their name tags and make sure I follow through on my discipline. I don't think that's going to be a problem :) Stop laughing!
Have to go, I'm going out to Metro (a wholesaler that's not overcrowded) to buy my name tags, 9 boxes in all!
I can't wait for tomorrow!
Love you all

End of the first week...sigh...thank god...sigh
Well, the first week is over and they didn't make me cry! Yay for me.
Most of the teachers are going out for dinner and drinks to celebrate and then tomorrow is Teacher's Day, which is HUGE in China. We had to go to the Winnerway Hotel this morning to practice speaking and walking onto the stage. I'm taking my digital camera and I promise to take pictures and post them on Flikr. Promise!
I still need to get ready, so good night.
Love you all.
Note: RIP Peter Brock...disasters come in 3s, I wonder who's next?

Happy Teacher's Day
It's Happy Teacher's Day in China and all the foreign and Chinese teachers are going to a 'do' this afternoon put on by the Winnerway group (which is a very big corp in Dongguan).
The foreign teachers have to get up on stage (in front of hundreds of teachers) and say 'Happy Teacher's day, Winnerway Foreign Language School is a great place to work.etc etc' in different languages...I'm speaking Australian! I need to look up slang on the computer. The teachers get plastered though I'm refraining from drinking except for the first toast because we'll all probably go out afterwards.
FYI - my computer is being looked at today to see why my microphone won't work so I may not have it for a couple of days...don't know.
So, have a great weekend and I'll chat later.

The strangest experience of my life
Saturday was Teacher's Day in China which was the strangest, most surreal, parallel universe, craziest experience of my life.
It started when we had to get to the Winnerway Hotel (where it was being held) 1 1/2 hours early for no apparent reason. Our table was great, 3 from the front of the stage and central which I think has to do with us being foreigners and that we're interesting specimens to be viewed.
Here is a photo of myself and two other teachers, Daniel and Klara from Germany.
The ceremony was okay, all the foreign teachers had to get up on stage and say 'happy teacher's day and have a nice night' in different languages, mine was 'Australian'. It kinda went 'G'day everyone, Happy Teacher's Day and I Hope you gave a beaut night, hooroo'. MMMMMM. We were then pulled up onto the stage (twice) without any notice to hand awards of excellence to the Chinese teachers...such is the Chinese way.
Then came the food...suffice to say I only ate from 3 dishes out of ten and if you look at the below picture you'll understand why. Yes that is a boiled chicken's head...all we wanted was McDonalds!
After many toasts and drunk Chinese teachers telling we're beautiful and handsome we headed to a private room at the hotel for the 'after party' which was the strangest part of the night. The room was amazing and we had Chinese people come into the room that we didn't know and then they'd start singing Chinese Karoke...bizarre.
Left to right: Daniel, Olivia, Tamzin, Klara, Kathryn, Aine, Ville and Charles.
Then...then...one of the attendants opened the door with another foreigner next to him and ushered him into the room. This poor foreigner is Andreas (who is Swiss and lives in Beijing) and he only asked if they could show him somewhere to have a drink...they thought he was a teacher too! Very surreal. However, Andreas has a great sense of humour and after we insisted he join us he had a good laugh as well. Andreas works for a company that has the rights to televise Chinese basketball and was in Dongguan for a match but it was cancelled. This is the great part of the night..Andreas offered to get us tickets for a basketball match in October and if we're ever in Beijing, we can stay with him! How great is that!?!
Left to right: Aine, me, Andreas & Klara
This is all part of the 'China experience' and I'm having the time of my life even though I'm missing my family, friends and Oz.
I'm adding more photos to Flikr (see previous post for address).

Hong Kong baby!
TGIF!
Wow, this week has flown by!
Only one more lesson after lunch and then we're off to Hong Kong for tonight and most of tomorrow.
It's been an okay week, still finding my feet and learning the children's names...which is hard because I have 12 classes of 35-40 children!
I have had two Chinese lessons with a lovely teacher named Wendy who is very patient with our terrible pronunciations and horrible use of the different tones.
I'm taking my camera tonight so there will be lots of photos on Sunday!

Hong Kong...an oasis
Hong Kong (historical), Hong Kong
What a fantastic city! Hong Kong was a wonderful break from China even though the timetable was crazy.
Firstly, the bus trip to Hong Kong was a NIGHTMARE!!!!!!!!! instead of taking 3 hours it took 5 because of bad weather, lots of traffic and stacks of accidents. We didn't get to our 'digs' until 11pm so dinner was at 11.30pm! We had the best Indian I have ever had, delicious! We stayed in Kowloon in a guest house call 'New Lucky Hotel',(picture of the room is on Flikr) mmmm....not! at least it was clean :)
Olivia shared a room with me that you could barely turn around in!
After an early start in the morning we headed to hand our passports over to get a new visa (business) and spend the day shopping. We went to Hong Kong Island were all the main shopping chains are. I bought some books and a beautiful pashmina from one of the side alleys.
After dragging my aching feet everywhere we had Japanese for lunch then rushed to pick up our visas then catch the 3pm bus back to China.
As much as China can piss me off (being stared at constantly and the chaos) it was good to get home and have an early night!
What I loved most about Hong Kong was that I didn't get stared at...wonderful! It's amazing what a difference it makes...next holiday..Macau!
written by  KatrinaB on September 16, 2006 from Hong Kong (historical), Hong Kong

1 month anniversary
Well, it's been an amazing month with experiences that would have never happened if I'd stayed home in Oz.
I miss you all but I know this is something I have to do for myself. Thank you for all your support and well wishes that you've sent by email and comments on this blog.
On a happier note, this is the last week of terms (!?!) We're all looking forward to time off from school and a mini-break from Dongguan. 5 of us (Ville, Aine, Kathryn & Olivia) are heading to Macau for 2 nights mid next week. We still have to work out the details but we're all really looking forward to the trip.
Well, now I have to do lesson plans for the week, so have a great week and chat soon.

Mooncake
Hey everyone!
I had today off due to the poor students have their monthly exams (I have to make up for in Saturday!) so I have time to add an extra blog entry this week and the topic is Mooncake.
Mooncake is given to people as gifts for certain celebrations in China. At the moment everyone is celebrating 'The Mid-Autumn Festival' even though it's still hot! Though, at least I'm not leaving pools of it where I stand anymore :) (er..I'm not kidding).
Back to Mooncakes; well I've heard about them from the other teachers and was advised to throw them straight into the bin. I, of course, wanted to try one of them and was really excited when one of my students gave me some....I'm not sure if it was a respect thing, she was sucking up or her family had too many:)
Kathryn (another teacher) told me she liked them and that they had seeds in the middle so I was prepared and knew what to expect..well, mostly.
I've put all the photos of my adventure (LOL) on Flickr because I'm having problems uploading them onto the blog.
Needless to say, the majority of the teachers were right...never ever eat Mooncake...blah!! phewy....blah! I couldn't spit it out fast enough. The texture is revolting, the flavour foul and the smell nauseating. Sorry if I offend anyone that actually likes Mooncake...you can make fun of me..I love Vegemite :)
So Michelle...I hope this gives you another insight into the weird and wonderful (no... scratch the wonderful)...just the weird food here. Oh, and yes...I'm still drinking my pineapple beer but only once or twice a week now it's not so hooootttttt!
Also...to Lisa, Al and Jack...thanks for the USB stick for my farewell pressie...I use it every day in class and my students are very impressed because it's 1GB!
There are only 2 days of school to go to school holidays and on the 3rd, Aine, Ville, Kathryn, Olivia and myself head to Macau for 3 days (2 nights) for a well earned break. We purchased our bus tickets last night and we can't wait to do some more travelling. We were actually kinda dancing in the street..LOL...it doesn't matter what we do, we're going to be stared at anyway!
I now have to print off my lesson plan, so have a great Friday everyone!

Macau - photos
Macau, Macau
Hey all,
I've put a stack of photos up on Flikr and I'll post an entry tomorrow...lots to tell.
written by  KatrinaB on October 6, 2006 from Macau, Macau

Having one of THOSE days
Hi all, still have to write a post about Macau, i've been busy trying to do lesson plans but my computer is playing up..sigh...and I woke up this morning to the toilet cisterns overflowing...it goes on and on.
I'm definitely having a drink tonight and it's not going to be pineapple beer...something much stronger is required.
Gotta go back to school.
written by  KatrinaB on October 9, 2006 from Dongguan, China

Lovely Holiday
Macau, Macau
Hey everyone!
Sorry about the absence of new blog entries, it’s been the week from HELL!!!!!!!!!! (maybe it’s just worse because I don’t have access to good coffee!)
But, I shall tell you about Macau. Macau is a gorgeous place full of other foreigners and fantastic shopping and food. It was the first time we got to do the ‘tourist’ thing and take photos and visit ‘touristy’ places. For anyone out there that has ever been to Dongguan, it’s not exactly a tourist paradise. Dongguan is more geared towards business development.
So….after booking our bus tickets the week before, we head to the pick up point at 7am to catch the 7.40 bus. We’re all supposed to meet at 7am in front of the local gym and catch a taxi. At 7.10, we are still waiting for someone! We call and their alarm didn’t go off…SHIT! Nervously we catch a taxi (4 of us) and head to the pick up point feeling very anxious about the 5th person not making it in time! We get out of the taxi and we do an ‘items’ check: i.e. camera, money, undies, PASSPORT! Oops, someone forgot their passport DOUBLE SHIT! While the 4th person takes off in a taxi to go back home, the rest of us head into the hotel (pick up point) and hand over our tickets so that we’re registered and that there’s seats on the bus for us.
Phew, 4th person makes it back in time but we’re still waiting for person number 5! We decided if they didn’t make it in time they could catch the next bus to Macau at 8.40. It’s now time to get on the bus….except someone (another hotel) has double booked seats and there’s not enough room for us…FUCKING TRIPLE SHIT! (Mum, you’ll have to edit this for Grandma!)
5th person arrives very stressed to hear the news that we don’t think we’ll be able to get on the 7.40am bus. Now we’re really pissed off. We make a big stink, person number 4 is very scary when pissed off and there’s yelling between the hotel staff, the bus driver and ticket company rep. After half-an-hour, we generously decide that we’ll catch the next bus. Actually, it’s already 30 minutes late and we don’t want to get on the bus to boos and hisses! 
Ah, finally we’re on the 8.40 bus and it leaves on time (a near miracle in China) and we’re all happy again….until customs.
I have realized (after Macau and Hong Kong) that getting out of China takes a hell of a lot longer than getting in. There was 1 queue for foreigners and it was moving at a snails pace. I head on the news after I got home that visitors from mainland China to Macau was up for 30%. We all finally get through (I think it was an hour) and we’re finally through to Macau! YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.
After making our way to our lovely and clean hotel, we head for a walk around Taipa, which is the island in Macau on which we’re staying. It’s pretty, quaint and we’re not being stared at…brilliant!
We spent the rest of the 1st day of Taipa, testing the local sangria and coffee. YUM! I spent more money on the food than anything else! It was heaven.
Day 2 was spent on Macau. Macau is where all the main hotels and casinos are, lots of historic tourist sites, and where the best shopping is. We spent the day looking around the shops, smelling wonderful cheap perfume (which I later bought) and checked out different historical ruins and beautiful gardens (photos on Flickr) in the middle of the urban jungle. Though the one bad thing about Macau was the lack of taxis! It took us an hour to get off Macau, walking around looking for an empty taxi. It was very frustrating, very hot and we all just wanted to go back to the hotel and have a shower!
Day 3 we went on the 3rd island, Coloane. Coloane is very quiet compared to Macau and Taipa but was a welcome break from the noise and crowds. It was also were the first egg tart was made. Egg tarts are huge in Melbourne and it was amazing to stumble across such a find. I tried the tarts too, delicious!
It was now time to head back to China and planning school lessons. We were not enthusiastic about leaving Taipa at all! LOL.
The trip home was uneventful and surprisingly I was quite happy to get back home to Jingfeng Gardens.
This coming weekend; xmas shopping in Shenzhen, where the shopping mall is 6 levels of retail therapy bliss!
Love you all!
written by  KatrinaB on October 15, 2006 from Macau, Macau

Shenzhen - Retail Therapy
Shenzhen, China
Hi all!
Well it’s been a busy week and we’re all looking forward to this weekend because Halloween is HUGE in China! There are lots of parties on, I’ve purchased some devil horns and that’s the extent my dressing up is going to be.
I had a great weekend with a day trip to Shenzhen (90 mins away) and shopping heaven! We left Dongguan at 8am (on time!) and were let loose on Shenzhen for 3 hours of shopping!
In the first two hours I did 90% of my Christmas shopping; I’ve never ever been this organised before! Obviously I won’t be putting pictures of those up on Flickr :) There wasn’t a lot for babies or toddlers so I couldn’t buy anything for Will, I’ll have to hit the shops in Dongguan.
After lunch (yummy Dim Sum) we had another hour to shop, this time for me! LOL. I need to buy a pair of shoes for school and another for casual… tick. Need to buy a watch so I don’t have to keep using my Palm Pilot to check what time it is in class….tick. Need to buy something frivolous for me…tick :) I love my jade (I think) bangle. Pictures of my purchases are on Flickr.
Now for all those who have never been shopping where being ‘a foreigner’ means you have loads of money (which we know is not quite true) there is an interesting…annoying habit by the shopkeepers. They see you coming and all you hear is ‘missy missy missy you buy watch, clothes, handbags, jade, crystal, wigs, shoes shoes shoes!!!!!!’. Some actually try to physically drag you into their shops! It’s constant and they’ll even follow you on the escalators and down other corridors! We had one of the lovely Chinese staffers from school, Zoe, come with us and she’d never seen anything like it! She found it annoying and they weren’t even talking to her. LOL.
The sad thing is though; I find this less annoying than the staring back in Dongguan. We got back to the bus station in Dongguan and as soon as we got off the bus, it started AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! People actually stop talking and stare as you walk past…I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it.
Messages for people at home:
Happy birthday to my brother Ben and friend Michelle! I hope you both have a fantastic day and I’ll be thinking of you.
Gill, hope you feel better soon and I’d love to catch up with you and Gary in Honkers if you fly through!
written by  KatrinaB on October 24, 2006 from Shenzhen, China

Computer repair
Hi all,
FYI - My computer is in need of some TLC and is being taken this morning for repair. It's been running really slowly and might have a virus, so the school IT teacher is going to have a look at it.
So, no blogging or emails for ....... I have no idea! It could be a day or a week.
I now have to move everything i want to keep onto my usb stick (thanks again to Lisa!).
Bye!
written by  KatrinaB on October 31, 2006 from Dongguan, China

SORRY!
Hi all,
Sorry about the absence of entries, my computer has been driving me nuts. It's still not working properly and is extremely slow.
I've added some more photos onto Flickr with comments.
It's been a busy 2 weeks with Halloween, school exams, excursions and some big nights on the town (and recovery time!)
Not much else to say! I have to still do a lesson plan for tomorrow and think about what I'm having for dinner...v. exciting.
Love you all.
written by  KatrinaB on November 12, 2006 from Dongguan, China

Xmas is coming :)
Hi everyone!
YAY! Xmas is coming! I spent last night with my boyfriend decorating the lounge room and it looks fantastic...photos are on Flickr!
I snuck that one in didn't I....LOL. His name is Charles; he’s American and also a teacher over here but at a different school. We've been seeing each other for about a month and I'm having lots of fun :)
Sorry about the lack of blogging, I haven’t had a lot of free time nor the energy to think about what I’m going to write about: I think I had food poisoning (along with 4 other teachers) and Charles also takes up some of my free time.
I’ve also put photos of Charles cooking in my kitchen for the first time. After 3 months of living in China I’ve finally started cooking due the absence of cockroaches YUK. Charles did all the cleaning (aren’t I a lucky girl!) because it was during my bout of ‘funny tummy’ and I wasn’t much use to anyone. The kids got to do what they wanted for a week because I didn’t have the energy to teach a lesson plan; just sit at the front of the class glaring occasionally if they got too loud.
There is also a photo from this morning when I finally had my first cup of coffee since coming to China. I purchased a coffee maker as an early Xmas present to myself and managed to restrain myself to having a coffee ‘til this morning. I also had vegemite toast (cooked on the frying pan), Sunday magazines from home (saved for two weeks) and it was heaven! Thanks to Jen for the vegemite and cup and to Mum for the magazines. I could have been home :) I have been to Starbucks but I have Mocha fraps (yes Kelly, they are delicious) because I’m a Melbourne coffee snob and I tried a cappuccino at home (Melb) once and it wasn’t good :(
Not much else to say except that living here feels normal now and we’re all looking forward to having Xmas day off not to mention New Years Day as well.
Also, happy birthday to my Grandma Gray for tomorrow!
Better go and do my lesson plans for tomorrow…..sigh…LOL
xxoo
written by  KatrinaB on December 3, 2006 from Dongguan, China

Merry Christmas
Hi everyone!
Well, nearly to Christmas and I’m coping surprisingly well because it’s doesn’t feel like Christmas at all!
Usually the last 3 weeks would be organizing and attending Christmas functions, seeing all the girls and having work lunches left right and centre :) We are having a ‘Secret Santa’ with the teachers and we’re all heading out to dinner on Christmas Eve to Calzone’s which is an Italian restaurant and then probably a bar/pub crawl ‘til the wee hours of the morning. I’ll spend Christmas morning with a hangover and on Skype with the family opening presents and watching Will have a Field day! The afternoon will be with Charles, opening more pressies and getting ready to work the next day…weird!
New Years Eve will be spent at an expensive hotel (well, not if you convert to Aussie $’s) with Charles and ordering in Room Service, watching decent TV (I hope) and having a bath! I can’t wait…..bliss.
The last two weeks have been madness. The foreign teachers have to put on a ‘performance’ on Friday at the Christmas Festival, which should be a hoot! I’m about to head to Geno’s to practice and tape the vocals. Hopefully someone will be able to take photos and I’ll put them up on Flickr! We also had a film crew at the school last Monday and Tuesday for a promotional video for the school. I was taped one 4 different occasions; teaching a class, participating in an English Corner, a ‘forum’ with the Chinese English teachers and walking across the oval for an hour! Funo! We should be getting a video or DVD and I’ll be sending that home for everyone to laugh at enjoy.
I’d like to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year and may 2007 bring you love, joy and happiness.
Thank you for all your support and I promise to put more photos on Flickr!
Katrina xo
written by  KatrinaB on December 18, 2006 from Dongguan, China

Hi
Hi everyone,
Happy New Year!
I haven't been able to post because of unrealiable internet connection due to the earthquake on Boxing Day off the coast of Taiwan. We actually felt the quake here, nothing big just a bit of vibration and swaying xmas decorations :)
I'm now on holidays and loving it! Mum is arriving in Hong Kong on Feb 5 so I'm preparing for her arrival and spending time with Charles. Tamzin, Aine and Ville have already left Dongguan to explore more of China. Kathryn and Olivia leave permanently at the end of this month and it just won't be the same without them :(
I'll put the latest of my photos up on Flickr and I'll post again soon. I don't want to tempt the Internet Gods by writing a big blog!
written by  KatrinaB on January 18, 2007 from Dongguan, China

Happy Australia Day
Hello,
A quick blog to wish everyone a fantastic Australia Day tomorrow and a great long weekend :)
I'll be thinking of you all tomorrow in the glorious Australia heat while I'm shivering in Dongguan. I'm not sure what I'll be doing to mark the day, maybe lunch somewhere or a beer at dinner. LOL
I'm having a great holiday, watching lots of DVDs and visiting Starbucks every second day for frappaccino and cake.
Below are some Singapore Orchids that Charles bought for me (though I did pick them out, didn't want Carnations!). These are the first flowers I have ever received from a boyfriend and I thought I should mark the occasion :)
Happy birthday to Beans who's birthday it was yesterday and Jen who's birthday is on Sunday.
Lots of love
written by  KatrinaB on January 25, 2007 from Dongguan, China

Bye to Kathryn & Olivia
Hello :)
Yesterday two of our teachers left to graze on greener pastures. Kathryn and Olivia have left China and I'm really going to miss their quirkiness and their engaging enthusiasm for living :(
Kathryn left first at about 9am to head home to study at Uni in Hobart and Olivia has gone home to QLD for a 3 week holiday before flying to Beijing to study the Chinese language for a year or so.
I helped them carry their luggage, watched the taxi drivers struggle putting Kathryn's suitcase into the car and took photos of their last moments out the front of Jinfeng Gardens. I've put the photos on my Flickr account (www.flickr.com/photos/Katrinab).
Mum is coming next week, YAY! So Charles and I are busy preparing the apartment and thinking of things we can do in Dongguan and places to show her.
I hope you all had a lovely and hot long weekend.
written by  KatrinaB on January 29, 2007 from Dongguan, China

Happy Chinese New Year
Hi everyone,
Just a quick entry because I've been on this computer for the last 3 hours doing my first lesson plan from the semester and uploading new photos onto Flickr. I'm now ready to through this computer out the window!
I've had a great holiday with a visit from Mum and a trip to Guilin.
I'll write with all the details later.
All you are all well and safe.
written by  KatrinaB on February 23, 2007 from Dongguan, China

First day back
Well it's the first day back at school after a 7 week holiday and I'm knackered! My feet are killing me and I feel like I could sleep for a hundred years.
We're teaching for 9 days straight and even though my birthday is on Saturday I have to work :( It's the most 'unbirthday' birthday I've ever had. I'm not excited at all, just looking forward to the 9 days being over and a break at the end. 8 days to go :) Charles is taking me out for dinner but it won't be a big night because we both have to work on Sunday. We're going out for Korean Barbeque which is one of my fav types of food here. It's Tamzin's birthday on the 8th so after payday (15th) we're going to have a pissup to belatedly celebrate our birthdays.
I'd like to say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" to everyone back home who celebrates their birthday in March especially Maddy who turns 1!
Well I have to go and wash to dishes then do some lesson planning, bluk.
Miss you.
PS. Note to family, I have NOT forgotten that Will turns 2 this month, I am currently wracking my brains on what kind of present to send to him! any ideas?
written by  KatrinaB on March 1, 2007 from Dongguan, China

Weird weather
Happy Easter! You can forget here when Easter is because there's just about nothing to remind you. Charles and I saw some Easter Eggs at Metro (wholesale shopping warehouse) last week and that's been about it. I hope you all have a lovely long weekend at home and think of me at work on Friday and Monday :)
There are now 4 weeks to go to May week (1 week holiday), which we all can't wait for! I've been a bit under the weather with a cold that the students kindly passed on :( Last week was a bit of a struggle and I did NOTHING on the weekend to try to recover quickly. By the end of today I was ready to collapse onto Tamzin's couch (in her office) and not get up again. I was so tired my eyes hurt LOL An early night for me!
Here is a photo of the present (mentioned in my last post) that I sent my very cute nephew Will for his second birthday.
I wasn't quite sure what the purpose is of the weird shape of Chip, but it seems Will is putting him to good use as a foot rest LOL
The weirdest weather 'thing' happened this morning. We (the teachers) were all at school for the Monday morning flag raising ceremony at 8.30am. It started to rain as soon as we gathered outside and we had to rush back indoors so we didn't get drenched. Most of us stayed as it's not worth going back home before our first class starts. So Geno, Freddie and myself were chatting away in Tamzin's office and it started getting dark outside. At first I thought it was just heavy rain clouds but in about 5 minutes you couldn't see anything outside the window and it was pitch black. We went outside and were greated by an amazing view of an eerie orange glow, rain, gusting winds and darkness. It was 10am and it looked like mid-night. Geno and Freddie think it must have been an eclipse of the sun but I haven't been able to find anything on the internet about it. There was a site the said there was an eclipse on the 19th of March, maybe they miscalculated. I'll see if the news has any info on the weird weather. It was actually quite an experience and I wish I had my camera so I could show you. It only lasted about 30-40 minutes but the rain didn't go away LOL
The rainy season has begun and I can look forward to pouring rain, splashing through puddles and drooping with the humidity :)
I hope Autumn is treating you all kindly and I wish you a safe and happy Easter.
written by  KatrinaB on April 2, 2007 from Dongguan, China

Birthday greeting
Hi,
A quick message to say happy birthday to my Mum.
We were thinking of you today.
Katrina & Charles
written by  KatrinaB on April 16, 2007 from Dongguan, China

The final countdown
An update to let you know what's going on.
I'm on May Day holidays for a week and then the final countdown to the end of school beings :) The weather is starting to get nasty (high humidity) so I'm not looking forward to the classrooms which only have fans. YIKES!
Charles and I went to Shenzhen where we suppose to stay for 2 nights but unfortunately some work issues came up so we had to come back early. We're heading back to the Sheraton next weekend to make up it. Can't wait.
My Grandma died a few weeks ago from cancer so I'm glad I said goodbye before I left. My new niece or nephew is due TODAY which is giving us all something to look forward to and my cousin Trac has her third baby due in a month..so new babies everywhere :)
I'm planning to visit Oz at the end of July for 3-4 weeks but I'll post the dates when I know for sure. I'm looking forward seeing you all!
Happy birthday to Kel of Thomas St, Geelong who's b'day is on Tuesday and my sister Bron who's b'day is on the 12th.
I've put more photos on Flickr (www.flickr.com/photos/katrinab).
That's about it really :)
Bye
written by  KatrinaB on May 4, 2007 from Dongguan, China

New Arrival
Hello all,
I would like to announce the arrival of my beautiful niece, Ruby Leila, who was born at 7am on May 11 weighing 8lb 7oz.
Ruby has lots of black hair and looks like her father! Bron and Ruby are doing fine and Mum has been teaching Will how to say Ruby :)
This morning I'm off to buy lots of little pink girly clothes for Ruby...FUN FUN FUN!
written by  KatrinaB on May 11, 2007 from Dongguan, China

Summer again
I'm sitting on my couch typing away on my new notebook (b'day pressie from Charles) with the air conditioner on high.
Summer is here with a vengeance and we're all feeling exhausted and lethargic. The temperature if 30 degrees but real feel is 36. You walk outside and 2 seconds later you break out into a sweat....yuk. One day last week it was 31 with a real feel of 41! Not much fun when the class rooms only have fans, we all hide in Tamzin's office because it's air conditioned :)
We finish school on the 10th of July and I'm planning to come home for about 3-4 weeks depending on flight availability. I'll send emails when I know for sure and arrange catch-ups!
Not much else happening, just counting down to the end of school and everyone is getting excited about going home.
Ruby is doing well and Will is coping with his new little sister LOL
Better go and so some lesson planning...looking forward to NEVER having to do that again!
written by  KatrinaB on May 26, 2007 from Dongguan, China

Thunder storms galore!
Hello all,
With only 4-5 weeks of teaching left, we're all getting excited about the prospect of going home.
The wet season as arrived and we're getting thunderstorms just about everyday which gives us a brief respite from the revolting heat. The thunder is so loud that my teeth rattle and I can hear the crackle of the lightning! I love it...as long as I don't caught in the downpour :) They're over quickly and heat come back five times as bad because of the extra moisture in the air...just can't win. My air-con at home is getting a work out.
There's a lot of pressure on the students and Chinese teachers now that the year-end exams are coming up so I'm trying to make my review classes fun. It's a bit hard because of the heat, it's makes the students lethargic and all they want to do is watch cartoons and listen to music. The students are huge fans of Bugs Bunny and Tom and Jerry.
I've put some photos of the school up on Flickr (www.Flickr.com/photos/katrinab) for anyone who is interested in joining the Winnerway team for next semester. I've really enjoyed my time at Winnerway and while I won't miss lesson planning (like anyone else who's sane) I will miss the students (well, most of them) and definitely all the friends I have made here. You learn a lot about yourself and it has been the one of the best decisions I've ever made (coming to China and choosing Winnerway) and the only regret is that I couldn't instantly zap myself back to Oz for my Grandma's funeral. Well, I think that's enough free advertising for school :)
Back to me....still not sure when I'll be home but at this stage it looks like late July and I should be there for about 3 weeks. I'll probably make the booking this weekend.
Ruby is doing well and Will is adjusting to his little sister.
For all those people who were effected by the Kerang rail tragedy that happened this afternoon, I'm thinking of you all the way over here. To my knowledge no one I know has been hurt and I have my fingers crossed. God bless those who didn't survive and their families.
written by  KatrinaB on June 5, 2007 from Dongguan, China

The final countdown......
Howdy!
Quick Update: I'm booking my flight on Monday so I'll soon know when I'm coming back to Oz and arrange times to catch up with everyone. I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone :)
I can't quite believe that there's only two weeks of school left and then everything changes again. We're in the middle of our Oral English tests which I was over after the first day! I'm not sure what the last week will hold but it will no doubt involve chaos :)
Congrats to Trac, Andy, Hannah and Charlotte on the arrival of Eva Lily, granddaughter number 6 for Uncle David and Aunty Judy :)
See you all soon!
written by  KatrinaB on June 23, 2007 from Dongguan, China

Last day!
Morning!
It's 4.30am on my last day of teaching at Winnerway and I'm having a bout of insomnia so I thought I'd write an update.
I can't believe I'm finally here, the last day of teaching. The kids have been a touch crazy this week even though they have their big end-of-school year exams on Friday. They're all looking forward to the long Summer holidays.
I have finally got my act together and I'm flying into Melbourne on the 26th of July. I'll probably be there for 3-4 weeks before heading back to Charles and China. I still have to figure out when I'll be where (ie. Kerang vs Geelong) so when I talk properly to Mum and Bron (who is kindly making all sorts of appointments for me...most important to see Lisa my hairdresser!) I'll send emails to try and arrange times.
It's all a bit sad too as Aine, Ville, Daniel and Klara are heading back to the 'real world' permanently :( Sounds scary lol
Well, I'm feeling a little bit sleepy now so I'll try the bed thing again. I don't have to get up til 9.30 so I can still get another 4 hours sleep or so...crazy I know! I vaguely remember having to get out of bed at 6am in Geelong to work in Melbourne...don't miss that at all :)
See you all soon.
written by  KatrinaB on July 4, 2007 from Dongguan, China

Home Again :)
Kerang, Australia
Just a quick note to let everyone know I'm back in town!
After a very very long flight with no sleep I am finally feeling human again and ready to send emails and arrange times for catch-ups.
It's great to be home even if it's only for a little while though I do miss Charles :(
See you all soon.
written by  KatrinaB on July 29, 2007 from Kerang, Australia

Back again
I can't believe it's been over 2 months since I posted! I've been back for a while but haven't had access to the internet.
I had a fantastic time back in Oz and managed to catch up with nearly everyone. I was sick at the end of my stay so I decided it was best if I recovered in Kerang. I had a sinus infection, conjunctivitis and lots of cold sores! Not fun.
We've found a nice apartment right opposite my old apartment block so I'm in the same complex with is great. I don't have to learn the mandarin for a new apartment complex which is great! I had to think for a few minutes to remember how to say beef and pork in mandarin not to mention a bit of pracitising on how to get to Walmart, Metro and Dongcheng walking street.
Charles is as busy as always so I'm trying to occupy my time. I've done a bit of work for Tamzin at Winnerway but at this stage i'm spending my time cleaning, sleeping and watching DVD's. I know...poor me...but it can get a bit frustrating when there are things to do but due to my terrible chinese I have to wait for Charles to do them.
Charles and I are fixing up the kitchen and i'll post some photos when it's all finished!
That's about it really, not much happening....sorry!!!!
written by  KatrinaB on October 4, 2007 from Dongguan, China

Xmas Countdown :)
Hey everyone,
Well, not much has happened since my last blog except for the passage of time!
We (me + Charles) should be home in 6 weeks to celebrate Xmas in Oz. We're staying for about 3 weeks at this stage. I really missed the Xmas season here last year and can't wait to get home and be bombarded with Xmas consumerism!
Charles and I are celebrating 1 year together (sometimes it feels longer LOL) by going out for Japanese tonight...yum :) I'm going out at the end of the month for Thanksgiving dinner too, thought I should start since I'm dating an American.
I've got a Facebook account which I spend a huge amount of my time on, so look me up (Katrina Barton, China) if you like. It's easier to stay in contact that way.
That's it, boring I know but things should get exciting and busy next Jan/Feb when we leave China and start a brand new adventure together.
written by  KatrinaB on November 5, 2007 from Dongguan, China

Hi!
Hi all,
I've just put some photos up on my Flickr account:
www.flickr.com/photos/katrinab
Cheers
written by  KatrinaB on November 13, 2007 from Dongguan, China

Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas everyone :)
Well I'm flying out tomorrow to spend Christmas in Oz with the family and Charles who is joining me on Christmas Day...maybe I can re-enact a scene from Love Actually :)
Charles and I will be home for about 3 weeks so he can meet my family and friends while also seeing a little bit of Australia.
Hopefully we can catch up with everyone and I'll send emails when I get home to try and arrange times.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.
written by  KatrinaB on December 19, 2007 from Dongguan, China