Fall update.

It’s hard to believe that I have been in China for two months now. At first I didn’t even know if I could do it. Everything was so foreign, it seemed everyone knew Chinese, and I didn’t really know anyone. However now I can say that I feel pretty comfortable here. I have made friends, know some Chinese, and can find my way around a small part of the city. Although I do miss home now and then; the Internet and modern technology can bring America to me. The other day I watched the opening game of the World Series between the Phillies and the Yankees. It was broadcasted live, so I enjoyed the game with pancakes, bacon and eggs. However I must say it is different not being exposed American culture all the time. In fact the fall season in general has a different feel, it doesn’t really feel like fall. For example, Halloween was different, I’m used to seeing decorations, hearing people discuss their costumes and stuff. In China it was different, some people still celebrate, but it is more or less just another weekend. I was an American for Halloween, just in case you were curious. Also the weather here is a lot warmer than back home. For a while now it has been around 70 and sunny everyday, however the leaves are starting to fall and it gets dark early. Fun fact, China has only one time zone for the entire country and they don’t change the clocks for fall and spring.

All right, this particular post is being written over the course of a few days and today the weather has changed a lot. Like 20 degrees and windy a lot. Anyway, just thought I would mention that. So China. I have to say I am starting to get used to the celebrity status that I have when I travel around. There is a park across from my hotel that I like to go to for exercise. Sometimes I go with a friend, but no matter what I always get a lot of stares, especially if I’m doing any sort of exercise. I have never thought watching someone do sit-ups was very interesting, but I guess here it is. Sometimes when my friend and I are there groups of four to six people will stop and watch, take pictures, cheer us on and try to speak some Chinese to us. At first it was a little different but now I’m used to it and it is actually kinda cool. Most of the people here are very friendly and it seems they get a kick out of foreigners in their country, trying to learn their language, and enjoying the same park.

Another aspect that the locals seem to enjoy is when they see foreigners enjoying the small restaurants and street stands that are all over. One of my new favorite restaurants is just a short walk from my campus. It doesn’t have picture menu or any menu for that matter. It is actually pretty simple what they have, rice or soup. But you would be surprised how many variations of that you can get. With your rice or soup you can pick from a fridge of a whole bunch of ingredients to mix in. All raw and cooked fresh when you place your order. I normally like to get some chicken, lettuce, rice pastry, lotus root, bean sprouts, tofu, and a fried egg. It is really good mixed in with fried rice. Also it is really cheap, only around 14 kuai, which is a little over two dollars. Alright well I’m guna go to bed now, I will try not to let so much time pass before my next update. Bye for now.