I have a year left on this contract, further exploring is the only solid reason I can come up with not to sign for another two years. I guess for the right package I'd move back to Thailand. I have never been to Africa, an entirely new continent does hold a bit of appeal.

Decided to get another course under my belt, long winter so plenty of cold evenings to hits the books, etc. Going to be a busy year, primary school play, sports day and the usual plus possibly mentoring new teachers. I should have done this course when I lived in Thailand or Myanmar, would have made way for logistical sense. If the dates don't fit in Mongolia then I could, in theory, move back to Thailand for a year to do this. The course seems to fit around Thai term dates, which seems where most of the cohort teach.

Already on it, part of the reason for moving away from Thailand was to pay those 10 years of NIC back, done that and somehow ended up of the property market. Need to think of a private pension scheme at some stage.

That's an interesting image there Seb.

Now question time. Speak up boy, don't be shy.

Is it perhaps an economy cremation package or is it perhaps a local version of the old English custom of throwing potatoes in the fire to cook them in their skins, and the actions of the monks is the pulling their potatoes out of the fire?

The attending chappies from the local fire department perhaps standing by to ensure said potatoes are not done to a charcoal wafer style munchie?

At some Octoberish/Novembery stage, I am going to be asked if I want to sign another 2-year contract. Undecided. I like living here, even don't really mind the deep freeze of winter, but the pollution is a bit of a concern, it's no joke. School is fine, I guess, although there has been a bit more micro-managing this year, but that is a moot point, it's nothing terrible or overbearing. Life is pretty easy and comfortable here, but the second year is slightly less adventurous, which is to be expected.

There is a lot I do miss about SE Asia and warmer climes though. The miserable buggers on "Ajarn FB" often moan about their lot teaching in Thailand but I rather enjoyed it, there again, never did language schools or the trad TEFL gigs, so who knows. Just thinking about the food in Myanmar angers me slightly, so moving back there is not on the cards...pretty petty,eh?

Well there's always the challenge of Frinton on Sea, or possibly Bognor Regis.

Go on, live dangerously,put some spice in your life.