I am finally able to get internet access! After 20 hours of airport and flying time, I reached Beijing four days ago. Everything was great until I came out of the airport, and thats when it hit me (as well as a few mosquitos on my face) how different China would be. The weather is humid and hot and foggy, and seeing the sun is a sight in itself. I was able to experience a very exciting taxi ride to campus that reminded me of my first days as a driver (just kidding. I was never that bold in my driving). The drivers here honk at everyone and it feels like drivers get bonus points for taking pedestrians down. lol. My first night here, all the students in my program (130) and myself enjoyed a Peking duck dinner (the most famous in Beijing). I tried a little of everything (except for some jelly meat-it looked questionable). The best thing about my first day is that since I was the last person to arrive, I get to have my own room! We live in the dorms/hotel on campus, and I have room service 5 days a weak (this is what they think we American students are used to back in the states). The next day I went with some friends to the silk market where I got to try out my haggling skills, as well as the Tiananmen Square. The walk and subway ride was an adventure in itself. All together I walked 7 hours that day in my new shoes (not a good idea-they gave me a blister). Everything is in Chinese and very few people speak English, and the ones that do are used to tourists and ripping you off. The people are all very nice but curious. I get a lot of stares and smiles. Parents always tell their children to wave at me and are happy when I wave back. I thought it was very cute that this very shy old lady came up to me and after thinking about it asked me "ni zhu zai nar?"-where i'm from.

One thing I learned is that we're not supposed to take pictures of people or crowds because the Chinese believe if you capture them in a picture, they will come back in the next life to do the same thing, and all people want something better for the next life.

Yesterday we took the placement exam, and I got to meet my Chinese tutor. She gave me a tour around campus and showed me where the market and a few other places are off campus (including McDonalds). She also took me to a huge electronic store where I got my phone. I'm going to have a very interesting time with her since she only knows a little English and my Chinese is also limited :)

I'm really enjoying how far the dollar can go here (if you stay away from touristi things). A subway ride, and soda is 2 kuai (about 30 cents). I bought a 5 meter ethernet cord for 15 kuai-about $2.25 (don't be jealous Teresa-lol), and you can get a meal in the street for about a dollar, or in a restaurant for 2-3.

Ok well this is all for now. Everything is going great and things get better every day. I can't wait for classes to start tomorrow.