Well the updates will happen but not as often as you think...

Sure...sure. Everyone has the best of intentions when writing a blog. Life here in China has gotten warmer since we got back from Perth, Australia. Thankfully we have not experienced any of that cold weather we witnessed on the news in Oz.

I'll start uploading some pictures of Perth and China and probably the Philippines too. So what's the hap here in the Middle Kingdom you may very well ask.

• We got back into teaching on the 18th of this month. It was a shock the first class but by the end of that blessed 40 minutes the rhythm had begun to swing. It was probably helped by the students also getting back into their own school life beat.
  
• Perth, Australia is a "nice" place. It's not as exciting as the East Coast. Neither touristy as Queensland, busy as Sydney nor cultured as Melbourne, but it has its own unique flavour. Some might refer to it as 'banjo country' but after many visits I really appreciated the laid-back lifestyle. We literally pitched our tent at Dyan's sister's place. It might seem barbarian to some, but with Perth's warm nights it was a fantastic. We went camping for a few days and really enjoyed the vastness of Australia. A 12-13 hour car trip in New Zealand could perhaps see you travelling from the top to the bottom of either Island. In Oz, it barely gets you out of the State.
• The Philippines was a new experience for us. Our first South East Asian visit. If your Polynesian and you get home sick but are stuck in Asia, go to the Philippines. It's an island lifestyle that will seem very familiar but the cost of living is cheap.
  
• KL is back at school but really enjoyed her trip to Australia. Her Aunt Shelley's dog and bird have given her a new reason to get China over quickly. Because when we finally settle back to 'normal' life, these two items are at the top of her 'to buy' list.
  
• Dyan is staying healthy with exercise. We watch the "Biggest Loser" from both Australia and America which actually motivates us to try and eat right and exercise right. Her friend Dawn (a fellow Canadian teacher) has inspired her take up the guitar again. Self learn/ self taught. The internet is a wonderful tool if you are wanting to learn the guitar.
  
• Poli (as I'll talk about myself in the 3rd person) is doing OK. Over indulgence in BBQs and lack of any exertion has added 10kgs while being on holiday.

So here some pictures. If you have facebook you could look me up 'lone jafa' but these are scenes of our 2008 Winter Holiday.

A school. A flag. Students wearing good old fashion 'catholic' uniforms.