The Tourist Throng (not thong)

I started school last week and we had a couple of days of basically 'getting to know you' type stuff, finding our way around and asking endless questions about banking, visas, medical checks, buses, taxis, lunches, customs and so on and so on. Many of us have never worked in an International School before so it was long winded but very helpful.

On Saturday the school took us on a tour of some of the major sights in Suzhou. Apart from the HUGE crowds (see picture above), it was really good. There are some lovely gardens, temples, tombs and pagodas around these parts. There are also some very funny signs where something has become 'lost in translation' or as I like to think of it, something special had been found in translation. See the Nancy's Photos link for some great shots of signs with that something special.

We also did another boat cruise (quite the popular way to spend a few hours in Suzhou). The whole day was exhausting but a very good opportunity to meet new people. Once we start work there won't be much chance to see people other than your immediate colleagues. We now know a few of our neighbours and LOTS of Aussies over here taking over the world...one province at a time...he he he.

Tomorrow is the beginning of the real work; a week of planning and getting ready for the kids who return in a week's time.