First Week

Yesterday we took a group trip to Tian'amen square. Hooray touristy things! Sorry I'm not writing much, I'm so exhausted. Pictures are more interesting anyway.




Yes, this is a three-storey KFC. Right across from Tian'amen Square.

I'm pretty sure this is where Mao's body is. Note the Chinese guard to the left.

This is the drum tower. There are drums inside. Wow, sorry I'm so tired right now.

The stairs inside that building are so ridiculously steep. I thought I was going to die. Not really, but it was kind of scary.

The drums.

BEIJING! From the top of the drum tower. This photo does not do the crazy drivers justice.







This is Houhai lake. People are ice-skating! They had these weird chairs attached to skis that people were riding around on. Also they had ice bikes.



These are the Hutongs near Houhai lake. There are some really awesome restaurants, shops, and bars in this area.

Adorable.

Me, Caitlin, and Jordan, some new people I've met this week.

Why is everything in China adorable?

Ok so I'm like dead right now. We're leaving on monday to go to Yunnan where I will be until Feb 2. I'm so excited!

Arrival in China

I'm finally here!  I have some stories, but not enough time to write them right now, so I'll just post a few pictures of my room so you can get a feel for where I'm staying.

My room is pretty big.  Bigger than any of the room's I've had at SLU at least!   I have a nice fridge and tv, and even a little enclosed balcony.  Adorable.

So none of my other pictures are loading because the internet is super slow.  Tomorrow we're going to Tian'amen square and all around old Beijing, so I bet I'll have more interesting things to show.

Today was mostly an orientation.  I got a tour of campus and the neighborhood around it.  I'm still pretty lost though.  It's amazing how much buildings look the same when you can't read what's on the signs...hopefully that will change once I learn more of the language.