My miraculous ability to be okay with the unknown in China

About a week ago, I was told by a teacher friend that I could chose one of four days to take off from work for teachers' day.  The deal was I had to reschedule my classes for one afternoon and the following morning.  Sounded great!  I was looking forward to an afternoon to do some errands and exploring and then sleep in the next morning.  A few days later, this same teacher friend reminded me about rescheduling my classes for the day that I "go and play with the other teachers."  Woah, woah, woah!  I thought I had the afternoon and morning to myself.  When I asked about what we were "playing" she just responded with, "you play."

A few days before I was to embark on the trip, I asked said teacher friend where we would be "playing."  She said East Shenzhen.  East Shenzhen is the size of Rhode Island.  I then inquired about what I should bring and her answer was, "maybe a hat."

Wednesday morning was the day I was to "play with other teachers in East Shenzhen."  I packed a pair of shorts and a toothbrush into my bag and hoped for the best.  After lunch, about 20 teachers and myself packed ourselves into a van and drove an hour to a resort on a mountain overlooking the sea.  We spent all day in an amusement park going on rides and looking at spectacular views from atop the mountains. Dinner was a banquet-like feast and afterwards we watched a dancing/acrobatic/fire and fountain show at an outside amphitheater.  After a restful sleep in a great hotel room and a breakfast buffet that had COFFEE and CEREAL!!!, we headed back to school in time for lunch.

The adventures continue. . .
Next up:  everyone should have a birthday in China