Basically I agree with you SB. I was initially stuffed into a seedy hotel reeking of tobacco, and then when I finally settled and relaxed after a long aeroplane journey from the UK I was harassed by this FAO woman. Although fair is fair the next day i was installed in a massive flat with all electricity and Internet paid for; although I will have to make up the rent by 180 yuan each month. By the way together with my passport today I was paid my round air flight ticket money in advance of finishing my contract. On the grim side again they have given me three hours of English corners to do each week which was/is not on my contract.

Having said that aren't the Chinese people so kind generally speaking? I went to a funeral today (I was a little concerned as I was the only person taking photos) and afterwards i was given a slap up feast in the centre of the street- many courses of viands, salads, a liver hotpot, ending with sticky sweet potato and beansprouts in a sort of long white bready bun. Isn't their food just amazing? No sight of any girlfriend or wife yet sadly. But I have been invited to my new friends in their village on my days off next to spend the night and learn how to play a game called mahjong. So not all bad.