"When you see someone putting on their Big Boots, you can be pretty sure an Adventure is going to happen." A.A.Milne

So after an eight month wait since being appointed as PE Teachers in Guangzhou, the day has finally arrived. Up until now there has been a flow of admin tasks preparing us for our venture, such as enabling us to get our Visa accepted (legalising certificates a particular nightmare!); DBS certificates; online courses etc. However, this was made hugely easier through the incredible HR team at the school - without whom we would not be going (oh and I cannot forget Tav who picked up our Passports and Visa's from the embassy, else we really would not have been going!!) So anyone who is going to work abroad in China - just bare in mind it is quite a process to get the Visa so check if your employee is going to support you through this (especially because of the expense as well). 
Now I hope that anyone who knows me, will be proud of what I have taken for 2 years of my life... yes, that is all my luggage! A great way to cull clothes you are clinging onto in the hope you will wear it again...and you never do...and also give to charity. 

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After a lovely lunch with our parents, the night flight was calling! The anxieties of being over the luggage weight and getting through security with no 'explosive material' being detected on my shoes again* was lifted and we really were on our own now! 
The flight was only 10 hours straight through to Guangzhou - which was great. Lots of films to watch but a lot of dozing was done, and a perfect excuse to watch the recent re make of Beauty and the Beast AGAIN!

*Yes - word of advice, after my scary experience on the Malta Netball Tour, never clean your shoes with anti bacterial wipes the day before going to an airport!

School staff met us at the airport now 4pm local time (+7 GMT) accompanied us to the apartment at The Lakefront complex and helped us settle in. This was such a great help to us and again, an absolute life saver, great touch from the school. The apartment is HUGE...we thought we would be sharing with another couple, but evidently not. Big open spaces, 3 bedrooms (2 with ensuite), 2 balconies and most importantly AIR CON! Plenty of room for people to visit!! It is HOT... I will add some pictures of the apartment once we are unpacked, have been to ikea and made it more homely! So far so good...

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