Day one in China

Today was very interesting...

I started the day by having to pay $152 for last night's hotel room in Korea. So, on the plain I wondered if my ride would be there on time. She was, and going through customs was never easiser.

I then checked out my new apartment. It is not bad. It is kind of like a room I had in the military, but I am the only person in this one and I have a private shower, and kitchen.

It is not a bad place to call my new home away from home.

I was feeling a little adventerous, so I decided to try to meet some friends downtown who were going to show me how to shop.

Somehow, I took a wrong turn on campus and ended up at a dead end road.

Some college kids have already started to arrive, so I thought to myself, "I'll just ask one of these kids for directions...I mean they have been learning English since first grade, surely they will be able to tell me."

Haaaaaaaaaaaaa! I think I have my work cut out for me. Of the 20 so so college young people and adults, I found one that knew enough Chinglish to help me out. I really need to learn this language fast.

That kind young mana let me use his cell phone, because I couldn't go back to my aparment for one simply reason. I had forgotten my room number. Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauhhhhhh! How smart is that?

Not many people are in my apartment building, because they are teachers and do not have to be back yet.

So, I called my friend and got new directions. After about 45 minutes of walking I was on my way! I found them waiting for me near some rail road tracks about ten minutes from the school.

We took a bus to our stop and went in to a building that had all kinds of merchant shops or stores and finally we made it to the basement "pricemart" .

Nice prices. I only spent 178 Juan on things I needed for my apartment. That's roughly $30 and I got some food, cleaning supplies, and a small pan, other kitchen supplies.

At about 7, I ate dinner with the Helfers, who served beef, brocholi, and salad. It was a nice meal, considering I bought some high speed top raman noodles (way better than that stateside stuff -- more flavors and veggies in the mix), peanut butter and bread, and yogurt that is runny and tastes aweful. I am going to wait for others to arrive before eating any; I don't know if it is supposed to be that way, and I don't want to get sick.

I have most of my clothes sorted and it is starting to look like home. I'll post pictures later.

I love you all. So far the jetlag has not been so bad.

Love you lots.

James :-)

p.s. My uncle Phil Baker has stage 4 lung cancer. Please think about him often. I don't think he is of the flock.