{"id":29185,"date":"2017-03-06T08:51:34","date_gmt":"2017-03-05T19:51:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nzcfs.adminmouse.co.nz\/?p=29185"},"modified":"2017-03-06T08:51:34","modified_gmt":"2017-03-05T19:51:34","slug":"six-months-in-shandan-i-made-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nzchinasociety.org.nz\/six-months-in-shandan-i-made-it\/","title":{"rendered":"SIX MONTHS IN SHANDAN! I made it!"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The following is the \u00a0third report of Michelle Elia who is ‘our’ teacher at Shandan Bailie School<\/a> (SBS):<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Michelle at top of the Bailong elevator – Wulingyuan Scenic Area – Zhangjiajie, NW Hunan province<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Six months and I’ve made it and what\u2019s even better is that it is officially springtime in China! \u00a0I actually<\/em> survived the winter. \u00a0Although it\u2019s still cooler than Spring in New Zealand (it\u2019s 1\u00b0C as I\u2019m writing this report), anything is warmer than the -20\u00b0C I experienced in early winter. \u00a0So I\u2019m grateful for anything above the 0\u00b0C mark.<\/p>\n

Both Christmas and New Year\u2019s holidays aren\u2019t really celebrated in Shandan\u2026 \u00a0However, my fellow colleagues made an exception for me! \u00a0I was wined and dined for both holidays! \u00a0I definitely missed my family during this time so it was a little hard, but I made it a priority to call them on Skype during the holiday season. \u00a0Christmas and New Year are also not public holidays here at SBS! \u00a0I worked right through! \u00a0Which was totally okay because my students (oh, bless them) threw me a party as well. \u00a0How spoilt am I? \u00a0It was exam period during Christmas and New Year as well, so I was very appreciative of the efforts they went to just to make me feel at home.<\/p>\n

On a side note, I\u2019ve just had the longest holiday in history. It\u2019s currently 23rd of February and my holiday started on the 10th of January. Yes \u2013 you read right! \u00a0I wasted no time when it came to travel plans. \u00a0I made my way to South China: Chengdu, Yichang, Zhangjiajie, Changsha, and Wuhan before making my way back to Gansu. \u00a0The highlight of my trip? \u00a0I saw the pandas! \u00a0I visited the Research Breeding Centre for Pandas in China [near Chengdu<\/em>] and I was the happiest person in the world as soon as I arrived at the front gate. \u00a0My second highlight of the trip would have to be visiting the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. \u00a0I\u2019ve never seen anything like it. \u00a0The mountain peaks are so beautiful and I even got to go on the Bailong Elevator which holds the world record for being the highest outdoor elevator! \u00a0I made many new friends in South China as well and I\u2019m hoping to see them again soon.<\/p>\n

In my spare time (I\u2019ve had a lot of spare time over the last month!), I read books, exercise, watch documentaries, and try out new restaurants in Shandan. \u00a0I also go to Zhangye, which is about an hour away, when I feel like exploring the big city. \u00a0Shandan really has everything I need, so I don\u2019t need to go too far. \u00a0Before I came here, I always thought that I needed to make trips to the bigger cities to buy necessities but there\u2019s no need. \u00a0My next wee holiday will be in May so I\u2019m going to head up to Dunhuang (I\u2019m SO excited!) to celebrate my 26th birthday! \u00a0By myself! \u00a0It\u2019s going to be fun!<\/p>\n

So until then, here are some pictures to feast your eyes on. \u00a0My next report will be when I\u2019m in Dunhuang<\/a>\u00a0[famous for its Buddhist caves]. \u00a0So keep an eye out for that!<\/p>\n