Introductions

Hi George, and Nobs.

I'm currently bumming around in Xiamen, waiting for the uni to start up so I can resume my mandarin studies.  This place is pretty cool.  I could settle down here.  I think my lungs are enjoying it as well 

Welcome back Ilunga  and thanks for reminding us of past "friends".

Welcome back, ilunga! Glad to see you back! 

Did anyone happen to notice an old lady sitting on a bar stool, listening to your conversations and drinking red wine? Well that was me - Granny Mae, and I'm sorry that I have not introduced myself before. I felt a bit unsure, given that you folk have had so much experience of China and teaching and I have virtually nothing to contribute in that area; I have felt like an eavesdropper.
I wanted you to know why I'm here and also that I really appreciate your generosity in sharing your experiences.
I am a 62 years old widowed granny with a son and two grandsons.
I grew up and was educated in Tenterfield N.S.W. Australia. I have six brothers I graduated from high school, but did not go on to University.
I had 30 years service with a Government Department and was made redundant from my job 10 years ago.

The sudden death of my husband Jim in 1988 begged the question "What's it all about Alfie?" I can't find words to help you to understand what it means to lose the light and love of your life; you have to experience it to understand the pain. It resurfaces when you least expect it in a word or in a song or in something that you see.

Anyway, about a year and a half ago, I was forced to take stock of my life. I was getting older and the wheels were starting to fall off.I thought about the things I'd like to do before I fall off the perch. Yes, you guessed it, why not step right out of the comfort zone and go to China to teach Conversational English!

To help me attain this goal, I have had surgery on my right hip, (sorry guys,my reputation and censorship laws prevent my elaborating on my misspent youth)I have also obtained my Certificate 111. in Tesol. I have been to Tafe to learn some basic computer skills. I have purchased a laptop and joined Brisbane Seniors On Line. (Old farts on computers)

I'd hoped to be in China at the start of this school year. Fate intervened and I contracted some dog's disease. It now appears that there may be complications and I'll know more after I see a heart specialist

Anyway folks, this is starting to look and read like "Gone with the wind". I'll end my introduction by saying that thanks to you folk and Raoul I have learned so much already.God willing I will be in a position to ask you many more questions, if the fates decide to let me go to China,even if it is only for a short time.

Thanks for speaking up Granny...your first post was a great read. Sorry things didn't work out as it pertains to your plans to be here for the start of the school year but there's always next term. Hope to see you here real soon!

Dear Granny! Welcome! Have a special Ladies Lounge cocktail on my tab! Anyone is welcome to post. You are here and so you are one of us! 

From one grandparent to another, welcome.  Oh by the way, there are more of us grandparents here than you would expect.  Strange how they congregate in bars in China?

Ya, I am a titch older than you.  I have 2 grandchildren.  This is my 3rd year teaching in China and I love it. 

Granny Mae - we don't have censorship laws in the Ladies Lounge - come on up and tell us about your misspent youth!!

Good luck with the health report.

The new teachers, who arrived this week, are 68 and 72 years old.  This is their 3rd stint in China teaching.

Yee haw and hot damn, welcome Granny.  We've got a big supply of that medicinal moonshine behind the bar and some pretty decent folk with all sorts of ailments.

Welcome aboard, Granny. You don't have to be in China to drink here, but I hope you make it!!.....and I'm older than you!!

Hello GMae.  Welcome aboard!  It's good to meet you.  And don't worry.....Not everyone here is a Spring Chicken (not even George, our Perennial Youthster), nor is everyone at the Saloon presently resident in China (I'm not, nor is Teleplayer) yet.  So don't worry about those two points.  Come on in and speak up whenever you've a wish to.  Our doors are always open. 

p.s.  62 is more like "middle aged" (and still frisky) than "old" (and re-tired).

G'day granny and welcome.  George, by the way, is older than everyone, including Methusleah (sp?)

Never been to Tenterfield but a great song, and a great singer, came from there, didn't he?  Peter Allen.

Tenterfield saddler was a good song.  I have been there - passed through a few times. But Brisbane was my last base of operations before I succumbed to the lure of China.