Back to the land of rice ....

I've been back for nearly a week now and already I feel like I'm back into the swing of living in this amazing land of rice, MSG and crazy traffic. Firstly, apologies for not having written earlier, the internet is being remarkably slow which is odd given that the Chinese government are so keen to have contact with the outside world! Even as I write, I am unable to load photos. Patience, patience, patience. I'm quite surprised at how good it feels to be back here. I was slightly nervous to come back, a little worried about how I would react from leaving the fresh air of Melbourne and coming back to the smoggy air in Wuxi. But, as I stepped out onto Chang Jiang Lu on Monday morning, I got a real buzz at being back on the chaotic streets (or maybe it was just a rush of toxic air hitting my brain?!). Already, I'm seeing unusual things as I go about my daily business. For example, this morning I was making myself some toast in the kitchen (in my underwear, having just got up!), when a Chinese man abseiled past my window! I'm not sure who was more shocked, him at seeing a white girl in her underpants or me at seeing a person at my window on the 26th floor. I also ventured into the gym this week and for once, I wasn't the only female in the weights room .... the other woman was wearing gold stilettos and dressed for a night club, not a gym. Very funny, although it made me feel slightly unfeminine in my shorts and t-shirts, sweating outrageously. So, my second year in China has begun and I'm incredibly excited about the upcoming year - the travel opportunities, visitors from home, soaking up the Chinese culture and the expat lifestyle, as well as being challenged and inspired in the work environment. Stay tuned for the second year of 'Anna's Adventures in China'!