When I arrived at school this morning I discovered that the school would be closing at 12:00 because some areas of Beijing would be shut down by the government so that they could rehearse for an enormous parade that is planned for October 1st. That date is the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China and many celebrations are planned.
So Paul and joined some of the foreign English teachers for a few beers at what they call the “pavement bar”, which consists of some chairs pulled around a table outside a store which sells beer. Our teaching contingent of the elementary panel consists of people from the UK, Denmark, Australia, USA, Mexico and Canada – our own little United Nations.
It was great to get away from the school and relax with people who are in “the same boat” as you. After a few hours relaxing and chatting we decided to go to the pool hall located above the beer/grocery store and we played some pool. I lost both of my games but it was a lot of fun! (Paul didn’t do much better – lol!)
At around 5:00 we headed back to the hotel having made plans to meet again at the same place next week.
What a life. Half way around the world and still drinking !!! Life is good, no life is great. Take care of yourselves. I dreamt about you and Paul last week, a stupid dream that didn’t seem to make sense, but it must been my bragging about you and Paul and how fortunate you are to be on the once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Hope to see you soon.
Judy Rudy
HI Babs & Paul
Wow! what a fantastic adventure!
I love the idea of the website, it is great.
It will be fun to see china through your experiences.
What grade and subjects are you teaching?
I am glad that you found some Tea, otherwise I would send you some, not sure that that would be possible, but I would try. Ilove my cup of tea.
Take care and be careful!
Rita
Hi
What could be better than an afternoon of a few beers and a game or two of pool !!!
Roz
Judy: I’ve had some weird dreams lately myself. Actually I was drinking green tea.
True story !!!LOL
Rita: Great to hear from you – yes it has been quite an adventure and one we will never forget. I just found out from my teaching colleague Jeannie that there is a store here selling Tetley so I’m saved! Thanks for the good wishes.
Roz: Glad you’re still with us. You never know what you might be doing here – even playing pool!
We love to read all your comments. Keep ‘em comin!
Hi Kathy,
Now that’s a surprise I’d like to get when I arrived at school! I’m sure the celebrations will be something to see. It would be interesting to compare it to what you’d expect celebrations to be in Canada.
Take care,
Judy
Yes, Judy things are very different here.I think the celebrations are going to be massive – and there will be huge crowds in the central part of the city. I will be blogging about it for sure.
I hope things are going well for you. Are you still planning on retiring this year?
Babs,
It is so great to see your adventure, and feel a little bit like I am experiencing it as well. The food looks great, and from the pictures, I can tell that your chopsticks are not working, because you look great, whereas you should have gained quite a bit of weight with all that food. LOL
I am sure Paul is keeping busy and loving his time in Beijing. It is so exciting. How are Angela and Hayden coping without their “Rocks” (Nanny and Poppy) in Newmarket.
Lovely to see the pictures and know that you are safe and well. Don’t forget – - if you land in jail or something, I will come and rescue you. LOL.
Loves ya both and hope to see you soon.
Judy
Hi Judy,
You are quite right – it is an amazing adventure and we are thoroughly enjoying it! Paul keeps himself very busy exploring the area and he has started doing some cooking as the cafeteria food is not so good.
Angela and Hayden seem to be doing fine and we usually speak to them and see them once a week on Skype. It’s a great way to keep in touch.
We’ve managed to keep ourselves out of trouble so far and hopefully it will stay that way. LOL. Thanks for the offer and we will keep it in mind.