A Wild Discovery...

So, this is a wild discovery, but unfortunately it is one that my friends made long before I did. I think it might have been due to the fact that while they were cleaning their apartments, I was relaxing. And then...I had to clean mine.

I changed my sheets only to discover this beautiful love scene entitled "Angle of Love". Now, I know beds are made for 2 things, sleep and love making, but do the Chinese think that beds are also for decoration? Did no one tell the manufacturer that this wonderful scene would be covered up by sheets that are relatively bland? Also, did they mean "Angel of Love"? What is an "angle" of love? Anyway, to my excitement or maybe disappointment, I found this beautiful bed set to cover up this monstrousity.

Until next time, do something fun and useful like painting a mural in the cabinet space under the bathroom sink.

Shopping...

Yesterday we went shopping at the mall. This place was amazing. We pulled up after our terrifying ride in a taxi and stepped out onto the dusty street in front of a what might be a 7 story building. We stepped into a world of chaos and modernization. I was amazed at all the stuff this place had. If I had had time, I would have bought a lot of things here instead of buying it in the US. Apparently, this mall is for the second richest class of citizens. The mall for the richest is elsewhere and I have heard that if you are poorer than the richest you can't even get in.

I am glad that we had this shopping experience. It showed me that the price level is pretty much the same as the US for most durable goods, i.e., electronics, bedding, etc. However, after having 2 meals, the price level for food is way different. A group of 6 of us ate a meal too large to finish for about 38 kuai. This is about 4 US dollars. Also, our shopping experience was led by 2 other Americans who have been here several years. They helped us get better acquainted with the culture. After the tour of the city they gave us, my friends and I felt so much better about being here.

Until then, pray that I don't get eaten by the cougar that I thought I saw last night.

Touchdown!!!!

Alright, I am here (finally, and with my 3 friends - Brad, Amy, and Beth). After traveling for 13,000 million years, I finally arrived in Yichang City, Hubei Province, China. What a journey! If I never fly again, it will be all too soon.

So here is my first impression of China:
It is huge.

Here is my second:
It could hold way more people. There is so much land that isn't being used. I am kind of glad though. The countryside wouldn't be as beautiful if it was covered in houses or shanty's.

Ok, so we arrived at the school on Sunday. The school looked pretty neat. We were excited until we saw our apartments. I almost lost it. I could show you pictures but the pictures make it look good. By dinner time, we were all contemplating going home. After a small dinner (muffins), we conversed with our Father. After a long 12 hour sleep, we all woke up refreshed and more excited than the day before. I am glad we are staying.

Eventually, I will have pictures. Until then, No Driving Drunken.

A New Beginning...

So here I am 16 hours away from departure and I am trying to figure out how to blog. I wonder how long I can keep something like this up. I guess we will see.