Wuxi - the Paris of Asia???

Another interesting week has nearly ended - It is hard to believe that it is nearly Christmas holidays already. Today we are farewelling one of our class members - the economic crisis has also hit Wuxi and some of our Korean students have to return home. So, it has been a slightly sad week for the Kookaburras as we say goodbye to Selina.

My Christmas tree in my apartment - the only tree in the store that didn't have neon glowing pine needles!

There is always something happening in Wuxi and last night was no exception. My teaching assistant invited the international teachers to a 'youth salon' opening with the promise of free food and beer. Of course we went! As all Chinese functions are, there was the introduction of the VIPs, several speeches, many photos (Amy and I spent a good 5 minutes posing for the cameras as the token laowais), and glossy books. The way the Wuxi people describe their beloved city is somewhat different to the way the foreigners see it. The book we were given last night described Wuxi as 'a city of ulimate glamour' and likened it to Paris.....um, where are they hiding that part of Wuxi??

Farewelling Selina (in the middle). And then there were nine.