I stay at Xinsong Apartment which is filled with Korean students and at times I feel as if I am in Little Korea. One observation I have made about the Koreans is that they are a pretty insular bunch. Thus, it is rather difficult to interact with them as one often gets the feeling that they aren't all that interested to know you really. So, it was a bit of a surprise that I met Kyle, an American from California. How surprising that the first non-Korean I meet on my floor lives directly opposite my room. I met him a few days ago after my daily jog around the race track at Uni. He asked me in Mandarin, "我 还 没 认 识 你， 我 是 Kyle." And to which I replied "我 是 Julia. Actually I am Malaysian. So I can speak English." He was slightly taken aback I think. Anyhow, today he knocked on my door and wanted to have a chat with me. So, we decided to grab some lunch together and he brought me to this neat little place where they sell halal noodles. I have actually passed by this place several times but never had the opportunity to sample the dishes there. I have to say that the noodles were really quite scrumptious but of course nothing can ever top our local "wanton mee". Then, we somehow met his friends (Ben, Emma & Steven) who are also from the States who decided to grab lunch at the same place too. All of us sat at the same table and it was nice to socialise with them. However, a downside when interacting with other foreigners who speak English is the missed opportunity to converse in Mandarin. Kyle paid for my lunch which turned out to be RMB11.00 for a bowl of 牛 肉 拉 面 and a big bottle of 红 茶. He had a bowl of noodles with egg and tomatoes. The food in China are generally inexpensive unless of course you decide to eat at a most expensive restaurant. Also, a note to my previous entry on McDonald's pork burger, Sherman kindly pointed out to me that it is called Sausage McMuffin. Thanks Sherman!

I am heading out now with Kyle to purchase some really cheap DVD's. I bought the entire Season 7 of 24 yesterday when I was out with Doreen and the DVD's only cost RMB 20.00 = RM 10.00. That is like dirt cheap right? More on buying DVD's and other items in China; bargaining is a form of art that I have yet to master. Don't worry mum and dad, I shall be extremely careful with my pocket!