I made it!!

Just getting a chance to sit back after my first full day in China, so I thought I'd write about it while it's still fresh.  There are so many new and cool things that my head is spinning.

With the time difference, I lost track of how many hours I had been awake consecutively, but I believe it was near the 48 hour mark; a record I think.  I napped on an off on the plane, but didn't get any restful sleep.  If anything it just made my neck sore.  The flight was uneventful except for the chinese lady  next to me who farted just a little too often.  Dulles Airport in Washington was pretty boring, but at least they had an Irish pub. Breakfast for me consisted of whole wheat french toast washed down with a Stella; 9am or not, I was in the mood for a beer, and had a suspicion that European lager might be hard to come by in China.  The flight to China from Washington was scheduled to be 14 hours, but we made in 13 (maybe it was the extra gas from the lady next to me?). Lucky number?

I am not one who can sleep on a plane, and I think that this flight was particularly difficult because I was exhausted from the start.  My back was hurting from carrying my 25 pound backpack, so getting comfortable was not gonna happen; nonetheless I spent an hour or two in and out of consciousness.  At one point I opened the shutter to peek outside and I am so glad I did, because the view before me was something I'll never forget.  I had always seen the Arctic on TV and in photographs, and while it had always seemed nice enough, there's nothing comparable to seeing it from 30,000 feet.  If I had been standing, I would have fallen to my knees.  It was absolutely incredible!!  Sadly, my phone was powered off and I wasn't able to turn it on to get a picture, but I'd doubt it would have done it justice anyway; I think it's one of those things you just have to see for yourself. I believe it was at that moment that the reality of this whole adventure kicked in, and I finally became excited about this trip.

I always prepare for the worst and hope for the best, and was expecting problems at some point, be it overweight luggage, getting lost at the airport, not finding the right gate etc., but surprisingly the entire journey was pretty smooth.  I had NO clue what to expect upon arrival in Beijing (some say coming to China is like going to another planet, and while it's definitely different than what I am accustomed to, I won't go as far as to say it's anything like that), but was pleased at how fast and easy I made it through immigration.  The line up was every bit as crowded as it was at JFK, but instead of waiting 90 minutes, the line cleared in about 15, and thank god for that because the Texan dude who was in the line-up talking to me was annoying the HELL out of me.  Some things are the same everywhere :(

Once I got my passport stamped and was free to go, I took a train to another terminal to clear customs, pick up my luggage, and meet Rob.  Rob is a senior teacher at Shane English Beijing, is from England, and has been my contact since day 1. As promised, he was there waiting, along with the owners Amy and Kevin (wife and husband).  From there, we went to dinner at a nice Chinese restaurant.  We had pork meatballs (Rob's choice), pork with pineapple (my pick), some sort of shellfish that still had eyes (I refused to touch that!!), pureed yam with what looked like a drizzle of blackberry sauce, and Peking duck.  I'd never had duck before, but they bring it to your table and slice it there.  It's eaten wrapped in these thin rice "pancakes", with julienned onion and cucumber and a brown sauce - kinda like making fahitas :D. I also the opportunity to try Chinese beer, and I was
pleasantly surprised.  Not bad at all.  I just may like this country!!  Dinner was leisurely and I was exhausted, but I had a full tummy, and was about to go to my apartment to a hot shower and a warm bed ... after a quick trip to WalMart where I picked up yogurt, bread, milk, tea, coffee, sugar, and a chocolate bar.  I was dead to the world  by 9:15, only to wake 20 minutes later to fireworks; ah yes, Chinese New Year!

Day 1:

Managed to sleep a solid 10 hours that night, which surprised me.  Usually I get overtired and can't sleep at all, or wake up 3 hours in and end up awake for the rest of the night.  Nevertheless, I was still feeling pretty tired, dehydrated, and a little overwhelmed by the time 3pm rolled around, but we did do a lot of runing around.  I bought gas, paid for electricity, and bought water.  Yes, in China, you pay for these things by loading up a chip card.  My electrical meter, hot water heater, and my water all have chip readers.  You buy what you can afford, or think you'll need, and load up when you run low.  I have enough gas for 2-3 months (500 RMB, about $90), electricity for 6 months (100 RMB, about $18), and enough flushes for about a year (thank god I'm not in India ;)).  I think it's a great way to do things, and may even encourage conservation.

We visited the police, where I received my temporary residence permit (the police officer wasn't very bright at ALL), had lunch at a place called Hollywood Cafe where I quickly jumped on the WiFi, went shopping where I bought a few odds and ends like cleaning supplies for the apartment,  a chest of drawers (which Amy paid for), some drinking water, hair conditioner (I forgot to bring some!!??), shower gel, an electrical adaptor for my laptop, and a phone number.  Afterwards, we came back home, and I spent an hour or so cleaning my kitchen and bathroom.  Had tea, with bread and peach jam, and a yogurt for dinner.

I have to say that Amy and Kevin are fantastic.  They picked me up, fed me, took me shopping, have helped arrange to have my phone and internet set up.  Kevin dragged both suitcases up to the third floor (this building has no elevator - it's only a 5 storey building).  My first impression is that a lot less people here speak english than in the Czech Republic.  Getting situated would be far more challenging on my own, and I am so grateful.

Day 2:

Today the technician came to hook up my internet (thank god), which cost me about 960RMB for an entire year.  Afterwards, Amy and I took a bus into the city to see Rob.  Did a short introductory training session and had lunch (KFC chicken sandwiches are NOT the same; the meat is greasy, overcooked and is from the leg and thigh).  Amy paid for a cab home, as I was alone and I still don't know my way around.  Tomorrow I'm gonna be brave and go by myself.  Besides, I spotted a Starbucks and want to try their Peach Blossom Tea Latte.  Can't wait!!  Pics to come very soon