Well today we welcome me to talk all things China on the people in food and farming series of the R2Kast 🎙️ A slightly different one this time as I dove into my own story, chatting about six weeks living and teaching in Qingdao and what life was really like on the other side of the world. 🌾

We got into how the opportunity came about, from a chance conversation at RAU to a whirlwind of visas, last minute passport chaos and hopping across continents to land in a country where nothing was familiar and everything was new. I spoke about the early wobble of being totally disconnected from home, the kindness of strangers like the student who fixed my WiFi, and those first few days when fear and excitement were sitting right beside each other. 🍎

One of my favourite parts to reflect on was the teaching itself, and how humour, photos, the odd Mandarin word and a fair bit of physical comedy helped bridge language barriers. The students were phenomenal, the workload intense, and the whole education system made me stop and think deeply about what we expect from young people and what it costs to create excellence. 🌍

We wrapped up by talking about travel, friendships, food (yes including insects and chicken head), moments of culture shock, how safe the country really felt, and what China has taught me about people, resilience and stepping into the unknown. I left feeling grateful, curious and genuinely changed by the experience.

A proper down to earth chat about people, food, and the stories that connect them all.

Enjoy! 🙂

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