Classroom

Finally, after a week of work from me and my amazing TA, my classroom is ready. I've tried really hard to incorporate the EYFS environment into the Year 1 classroom and I'm feeling pretty happy with the result.

Promotion

Today is the first day back at work but this time I'm not going back as just a teacher, I'm going back as Assistant Phase Leader. That's right guys, the job I applied for back in May, I got it! I'm a mixture of terrified and excited all at the same time. I want KS1 to be a success, I'm determined to make it a success. I have one more year in Beijing, let's make it count!
 

Nantian Spa

I've never been to hot springs before. I hate hot baths so I wasn't too sure I would enjoy it.

Shooting Range

The only time I have been to a shooting range was in Thailand when I completely kicked Paul's ass. Being ex army, he was mortified so this was his chance to get his own back. Shooting a gun has never exactly been on my bucket list or anything but I loved the idea of kicking Paul's ass for a second time so I was most definitely up for it!

Water Fun

What a day! Lying on the beach, sweating our asses off, we decided it was time for some water fun to cool down. I've always wanted to have a go on a jet ski so I was so excited and I absolutely loved it! Ok, so I was a little bit terrified at the same time but it was great fun!

 

I was a little wary of the banana boat as my only experience of one was in Spain when I was a child and let's just say it wasn't a pleasant experience. After being tipped into the sea numerous times while a bunch of guys tried to climb onto the boat, I cried and ended up being taken back to shore on the back of the jet ski. So naturally, I was a little worried as I'm not sure I could pull of the tears at 28 years old. It was great fun too though, phew!

Yanoda Rainforest

As soon as you mention rainforest, I instantly think of bugs, snakes and all sorts of creepy things that I really don't like! A rainforest is so Paul's thing though so we decided to head to the Yanoda Tropical Rainforest for the day.

Bowling

Can you believe that at the age of 28 I have never been bowling before? So today, we decided to go bowling!

Monkey Island

When you see a place advertising cute little monkeys, of course you have to go! I was so excited!

KTV

Ah, KTV, China's answer to a good night out. The only times I have been to KTV usually involve me not even remembering it the next day because I was far to drunk so when I spotted a KTV in Sanya I just had to go, much to Paul's disgust! It didn't take long for him to join in the singing too though. It was so much fun, I'm not sure I've laughed so much in ages. If you ever visit China, a KTV visit just has to be on your list! You are guaranteed to have a great time and laugh until your tummy hurts!

Nanshan Buddhism Park

I wanted to visit Nanshan Buddhism Park after seeing it listed in CNN's Most Beautiful Places in China article so seeing that it was so close to beautiful Sanya, it was the perfect opportunity to go.

Beach Day

Today we spent the entire day lying on the beach, catching some rays, reading, napping and completely relaxing. It was bliss! Some days there's nothing better than doing absolutely nothing. It really helps that I have a view of paradise! I can't wait to do more of nothing this week.

Room With A View

What a wonderful feeling waking up to this view! Sanya is truly beautiful. Every morning when I wake up I feel as though I'm on a tropical island somewhere and not in China at all. We booked the Holiday Inn which is just amazing, I couldn't ask for more! Now as much as I'm loving this beautiful view, it's time to go and explore it!

Beautiful Sanya

Living in Beijing, one of the most polluted cities in the world, it's difficult to imagine China having such a beautiful place as Sanya. Seeing the blue sky, breathing in the fresh air and feeling the sand between my toes was definitely a welcome experience. Bring on the next two weeks of sun, sea and sand before the start of the new academic year, I plan to enjoy every second!

Moving Day

In fitting with our fresh start, we moved to a new apartment today and I just love it! It's the perfect size, modern and everything is new. It also helps that bills are included, we get a maid twice a week and we have free use of the gym and pool. What more could you ask for from an apartment?

Fresh Start

This year has been a tough one for us! Between working hard to lose weight and pay off our mountainous credit card debt, we basically wrote off life so that we could get our lives together.

I am so excited to be back in Beijing and starting the new academic year off with a bang! I am 5 stone lighter, debt free and we have big plans this year! Finally, we are going to start living the life we have dreamed of and I can't freakin' wait! Stay tuned to read all about my new and happier adventures...