Let's clear a few things up!

After my last post I feel there's probably a few things I need to clarify!

1. I can get tea out here. Just not 'proper' milk. Dairy is scarce out here.
2. The reason I have metal chopsticks is a) they're easier to maintain and b) they were part of a cheap set 😂
3. The agadoo is a classic and will remain that way.

 English Club: if doubt, just dance around!

The reason for lack of dairy is that (apparently) 80% of Asians are lactose intolerant. It would make sense seeing as it's not common out here. The only cows they rear are for beef, and pork is more popular choice anyway. If you got into Macdonalds or Burger King here, most of the burger options are either chicken or pork. Any beef burger is automatically in the most expensive price bracket.

English Corner with Grade 3

Speaking of food, China is slowly becoming more western in it's preferred food choice. I spent a Sunday morning observing Taz's lessons and in one of them the (teenage) children expressed their love of pizza and burgers. Wendy also happened to be there and stated she did not like any of those things. It appears the younger generation are being heavily influenced by us westerners - so much so a second KFC has just opened in the mall!

There's also considerably less sugar in the fizzy drinks out here. Actually less than half the amount found back in the UK. There is a real concern over Type 2 Diabetes (I've been told that the Chinese are more prone to it) so the sodas here aren't as sweet. It actually makes them taste nicer. Which is good because you can't get any diet drinks out here at all.

Part of the school grounds.

This makes it even stranger that most of the bread out here is sweet. Their equivalent of a hot dog is like a sweet bun, drizzled with with extra sweetness and a hot dog sausage on top. There is literally no separation of sweet and savoury here!
And continuing the weird food; the choice of crisp flavours is one of the strangest things I have seen. The other day I had lime flavoured crisps. They tasted nice but still felt odd to eat. I've also seen yoghurt flavour and cucumber flavoured crisps. I have not been brave enough to try them yet.

Christmas is everywhere!

A little explanation about all the different English activities: English corner is an interactive club that is run every Wednesday (mixed grades) and every other Friday (one grade at a time). English Club is twice a week and us four teachers take turns to run it. It is a real mix of grades and abilities. English Day is on a Wednesday and allows children who are apart of a special group to practice their English with us. They have 10 min breaks between lessons and if they can talk to us for 2 mins then they earn points. They have special red armbands attached (just for Wednesdays) that are supposed to say English Angel, but actually say English Angle. They need a new translator 😅

English Day: surrounded by children!

And lastly, I've been told that the Head of English loves the Agadoo and we're continuing with it. My work here is complete.

Now for a week off adventuring (weather permitting - there's thunder and rain at the moment).

Zàijiàn 😛