The bank and the bus...

This morning I rose early and read from my favorite Book for a while and then logged onto Skype, where I talked to Janet Wagner. It was such a blessing to hear a voice from home.

I also needed to exchange money. It was a nice cool morning at about 0930, so I decided to walk the 30+ minutes it takes to get to the bank. Overall a nice walk.

However, the banking system in China is very similar to the BMV in states. One has to take a number and then a seat to await the calling of his number. However, no one tells the silly looking foreigner. So after noticing people sit down after arriving, I decided to ask someone what I needed to do. They pointed to the number dispenser (nice electronic thingy)

After obtaining my number I sat awaiting to hear my number "yi, yi liu, ba" or 1168. After hearing my number, I jumped up, for if you don't they give you about a milisecond and then call the next number. How observant of me huh?

Any way I am now at the window asking to exchange money. No English. Yeah. The keeps repeating the same thing to me and of course talking a little slower that way I might understand her. Oh thank goodness another teller speaks English. They will not give me any money without my passport, which the foreign affaris office has.

I am told that I need to be back before 4:00 when they close.
I do a little shopping at Trust Mart (chinese phonetically spelled - "how ya do). I also had to buy a bus pass and it was to be obtained at the Bank of Dalian. After shopping, I went there, took my number and missed it being called, they are really fast with that number changer button. So, I took another number and waited another 5 minutes.

When I got to the window, I was informed that that branch of the bank did not have any new cards, and I needed to go to the downtown bank. I may be brave and willing to branch out a little, but I found out yesterday that Dalian actually has 6.4 million people. I decided not to venture to the downtown area. I will pay cash until I am able to get one.

I casually stroll back to the school and ask for my passport. Guess what.

Nothing. I got the passport and took the stuff I bought at the store an to my apartment, ate a quick bite, and headed back to the bank. Yep, I walked all the way again. It was a nice day and I had nothing better to do, so why not.

On a nother note, if any of you are interested, skype is a free program that allows you to talk for free to anyone around the world from computer to computer. All you need is a microphone and speakers or a headset.

The website is: www.skype.com When you go to the website download it for free and then save it. then you can add me or e-mail me and let me know what you address is and I'll add you as a friend.


Love ya all,

James {:0-)