Introductions

Oh I've been in China since October, so you could say I'm quite fresh off the boat.  There's not too much to tell, I used to be a firefighter until the economy took a nosedive.  Now I'm in China and (quite frankly) enjoying a happier, less stressy life.

As to the link on reddit, I want to say it was hiding in /r/TEFL, but it could have been in /r/China too.  I didn't reply to it, so I probably couldn't find it again if I tried!  Basically, somebody said to check out the cafe for info on teaching abroad and personal questions, then somebody else said "pfft, screw that, go to raoul's".  So I clicked, and then chuckled, then read some things, then chuckled some more, then found some rather hilarious things, realized this was a bunch of people I can relate to, and registered.

Also, 

 

Thanks abeth86. My Dad was a volunteer firefighter in Tenterfield (Australia) and two of my brothers were in the Fire Brigade in Townville until they retired. You folk could certainly write books about your experiences. I look forward to hearing how things are going in China.

Newbie here hoping to teach English in China after I graduate (should be in about two months if all goes according to plan!...). Currently learning a bit of Mandarin and hope to gain some level of fluency by living abroad.

Looking for a bit of excitement.

Excitement here in China? I suppose dodging the traffic while crossing the street and even while walking on the sidewalks can get pretty exciting!

Shhhh... don't spoil the surprise.

Hello, MKMatt Nice ta see you and Isidnar here at the bar Drinks on EL's tab

Welcome guys.

I love

"pfft, screw that, go to raoul's". So I clicked and then chuckled, then read some things, then chuckled some more

and

By the way, there's lots of good advice on this site. Read it carefully.

I guess that's us in a nutshell.

I'm living a less stressy life here too. I hope China is as good to you newcomers as it has been to me.

Welcome to you too, Randisi!

By excitement I guess I just mean travel... meeting new people. Tired of being a provincial New Yorker, barely getting out of the city.

Now what's all this about the traffic? Surely the drivers are harmonious...

Welcome MiddleKingdomMatt and Isidnar. Hope all goes well for you.

Welcome to the Saloon MKM and Isidnar!   

all the best


Sam

Welcome Isidnar (great handle!) and MKM the more madness the merrier. And yeah there is an awesome bunch of helpful people on here so draw up yer armchairs and settle in 

Hello all and welcome.

Isidnar, great information, thanks for that. Chinese definitely ain't the prettiest sounding language, but once you get into it it definitely has its charm. And I have this idea that anyone who's studied philosophy at degree level, or especially higher, is doomed to a life of "meh" emotionally. That includes one of my good friends in China and my best mates dad. What do you reckon?

Welcome MKM and Isidnar,

Regards

Chief 

Hi Judih welco..... wait what?

Hi Judih, and welcome!

A Puppeteer? Literally, or figuratively?