This is one of my older classes. Great kids... ok, they're a bunch of hooligans, but thankfully, I've yet to become sick and tired of their petty shenanigans.

Oh, I kindof bought a motorbike. The scooter rental just wasn't doing it for me. I love this thing. A means to explore the island.

It's Mantis!

To the moon and back

So what’s been going on with me in the past few weeks? Well, I’m happy to say that things are looking up a bit. No, my life hasn’t suddenly turned around completely. I haven’t seen the light, but I have found some twigs and a bit of tinder. I have a few friends, I’ll get my first paycheck in a week, I’ve learned how to order a few more things to eat and drink, I’m a little more confident in my teaching and still loving the kids, and I’ll be starting Chinese lessons this week. I’ve even been getting some exercise, playing some basketball and going for a swim on most days. I’ve also started to decorate my room a little bit with some hangings I bought in Thailand. I’m still having problems sleeping… so maybe when I get paid I’ll find something more comfortable than a bamboo mat. I’ve been playing Mahjong for the past couple of Saturdays, and I think it’ll be a weekly ritual. The Chinese teachers at my school are the nicest people and have been going out of their way to help me out with things, and I am very much indebted to them. I’m starting to learn my way around, though I still got lost a couple of days ago (zigged when I should’ve zagged). Mike bought some speakers last week, so we have music in the apartment now. And if any of you know me, you’ll know that it makes all the difference. The friend I went to visit in Thailand, Anna, will be coming in a couple of weeks to live with us until she gets her own place. So I think it’ll be nice to have someone to show around and possibly explore with. I won’t be the new blood anymore. What else? Oh yes! I took my medical and didn’t pass out, which is sweet. The last time I had blood taken was when I was a wee lad, and I was feeling so sick and they took like six vials of the stuff, so I was not looking forward to the experience. I’m not sure what else to say at the moment. So I guess I’ll leave it at that. Thank you to everyone for your concern over the past little while, and I’m sorry if I’ve been more than a little distant. It seems more like I’ve been on the dark side of the moon, than the other side of the world. I’ve been bad at responding to people, and I am sorry, but please write me again. I’m in a better place now.