Leaving Chengdu

It is with a great deal of sadness in my heart that I must say goodbye to Chengdu for the time being. Well, owing to the fact that my student visa runs out on August 24th, I would have had to leave the country anyway. Chengdu has grown on me so much. I don’t know why I like it so much. I love Dalian too, but I think Chengdu is close to my heart, probably because of all the peoples I have met, Chengdu people are closest in attitude to Irish people. We both enjoy life and try not let work take over. Chengdu people also have a great sense of humour and a light-hearted approach to life. Some people think the pace of life is too slow here, but I like it.

I need to earn some money, so I am off to Beijing for a few weeks to teach a summer camp. I may hang on a few days after and visit Dalian. After that, it’s return to the fair emerald Isle!

My plan? Well, I need to rejoin the real world and find a proper job. I’d like to stay on here in Chengdu if I can find a good job. Otherwise it’s Beijing or Shanghai or head home. The strictening (I know it’s not a real word) of the visa system in China won’t help matters, so I don’t know when I can actually come back.

Aside: owing probably to the Olympics, the government has really tightened up on visas – no longer can you convert from one type to another while in China. You have to leave and re-apply – possibly in your home country. Also, tourist visas require return air-tickets and pre-booked hotel accommodation for your full stay. I also hear that work visas aren’t being issued but who knows. It’s rumourville central!

I will be sad to leave Chengdu, but it will also be nice to see some friends in Beijing (and maybe Dalian, if I can get there). I hope I am lucky and will get the chance to come back to this great city again!

Oh, on a good note, I fluked a scholarship from the school here, allegedly for “overall performance”. Don’t know how I managed that. Maybe it’s cos I actually went to class! The scholarship was in the form of cash. It will come in handy to put towards the expense of getting.