Week One in Review

Hello All!

As it's Friday in the States, I've decided to blog this morning about my experiences here so far. I have SO much to cover.

I arrived Sunday at 11 p.m. Pacific Time after being on two planes. It was quite exhausting, although interesting. The food was pretty good for airplane food, but not exactly extraordinary. Upon arriving, we landed at the Beijing Capital Airport. It is beautiful building, and airports aren't exactly beautiful. This one took the cake, though, with lots of glass and views. After going through Quarantine and Immigration, we had to take a subway to get to the other side of the terminal and baggage claim. After that, we were able to get out to meet our Resident Director, Dr. Scoggin and a couple of people that are already here. Along the way, I changed some American dollars for Chinese RMB, and got to see Miss China Universe:

Yes, I know she's not all that pretty and it's not a great picture, but as soon as she came out, she got MOBBED by reporters...literally, mobbed. It was a miracle I even took the picture at all. Anyway, once we departed the airport, we headed to Zhong Guan Xin Yuan, which is the new area of housing near BeiDa (PKU's nickname here) and the rooms were really nice. Unfortunately, I didn't snap a picture of it for you all because the thought didn't cross my mind. Let it suffice to say that it was nice, but this is where I got my first glimpse of Chinese culture: you're required to pay for most amenities. For example, if I wanted to brew tea that they offer, I'd have to pay about $1. Obviously, things like laundry you'd have to pay, but other than that, I was a little surprised. Tea, slippers, using the bath robe, etc; you use it, you pay for it. Hence, I didn't use anything other than the safe and internet access.

On Thursday, I moved into Shao Yuan, the dorms on BeiDa's campus. The lobby is very, very nice. The rooms are small, but not uncomfortable. There's three people per "suite", with a common sitting room and bathroom. Your key card opens the front door to the common areas, but also opens your own room, so it gives you a sense of safety that no one can go in while you're gone. Rent here is quite inexpensive, about $300 per month. I paid three months in advance, so the next time I have to pay is in December, but by then, my China UnionPay card will work.

On this first week, I also did a lot of exploring. I went to different restaurants and had LOTS of food, as shown by the pictures:

This is braised beef noodle soup, hong shao niu rou mian.

And I forget what this is called, but it was what we ate the first night we were here.

However, perhaps the best thing that happened was going to Tianamen Square. Right now, the actual square is closed along with the Forbidden City because of the upcoming 60th anniversary of the PRC. They're preparing for the celebrations. However, I did snap some pictures of Chairman Mao's picture at Tianamen, the Great Hall of the People (it's VERY HUGE) Hopefully, after October 1st, I'll be able to take a closer look at these areas, so better pictures will follow.

Daren was in awe of how huge the building was.....once I saw the other side, then I acknoweldged: this place is gigantic. This is in front of the Great Hall of the People.

Of course, no tourist picture would be complete without the below picture. I can't read the entire script, but I do know most of it. This is front of the Forbidden City, which is also closed at this point.

And finally, Chairman Mao's mausoleum. I believe he's preserved in here. Not sure if people can visit, but I couldn't do it on this day since it was closed. I'm hoping better pictures are to follow.

Well, this has been a whirlwind of a week. This coming week means a lot, including placement tests, physicals, etc. School starts on the 14th here, so we shall see how it goes. I'll keep you all posted.