Hey Hey and a Big G'Day to you

I finally made it back to Tianyang after a fantastic weekend in Guigang to welcome in the New Year. I caught the 4:20pm train last night that left Guigang well after 5pm and made it into Baise around 11:30pm or so. Here I sat on the side of the road trying to flag down buses for well over two hours until a man on a motor bike stopped. I gave him 30 Yuan to take me to Tianyang. I finally made it back well after 1:30am or so and sat and had a couple of beers and some food with my friends before heading home.

The weekend was FAN BLODY TASTIC MATE! The trip over was good. Got a bus from Tianyang to Nanning and then another bus to Guigang. All up around 8 hours. I met up with Leeanne (Pingguo) and Karen (Guigang Aussie) and the Guigang crew for a weekend of beer, food and fun. They now have a western bar called the Nirvana bar. Cool music, good beer and good chat. Many many beautiful girls too. All can speak English to a certain degree. Must say, a big difference from my side of the hill.

As for New Years Eve, well there were bugger all fireworks really. New Years Night the shopping centre put on a heap, strangely from in the middle of the shopping centre. I thought at first there was a gas explosion or something. I don't why they let them off 'in' the shopping centre when they had the entire city square out front to use! I mean this square is huge. Only the Chinese are this safety conscious!

The Nirvana Bar has the most awesome balcony out back. At the moment they have the entire rear of the building. You could play a game of football out there. New Years Night was very warm so we all sat outside in our shorts and tee-shirts and chatted. Just like being home. I got offered a job and a lot more money so I'm thinking maybe I could head there after this year is up. That's if I can manage to leave my kids.

Karen and I headed out on bikes each afternoon and rode around Guigang. I like it more each time I visit. I know Kevin (Aussie) is staying for another year but Canadian Chris and Cathy are heading off pretty soon. I met a heap of people and had a great time so all up; I had a grand welcome into 2006. Bring it on baby, bring it on!

Anyhow, tis time to have a smoke and a coffee before English Corner. I'm back in shorts and sandals today...oh baby, bring on summer!!!!!