The crew has arrived

Before we get started, I just have to say that yes, I really am in China:

And yes, people really like getting their pictures taken in front of the Great Helmsman. And only the white people smile. The Chinese mostly stand at attention and look serious.

Lots of students in the compound now. It's like the first day in the dorm. And now I can totally see what is really happening those first weeks of summer when there are packs of foreign students roaming around campus. It's just like that here, except now I'm on the other side.

Someone got an introduction to a Bei Da student, and she took us to the fancy dining hall. 11 of us ate with a lazy Susan for $50. And that was including a round of beer. I wasn't at all hungry, but went along (I had a late lunch of duck wings, corn cakes, and shrimp jiaozi). It seems like there's a pretty even split between partiers and studious folk. Someone borrowed my textbook to study for tomorrow's placement exam. A couple others just went out to see what those flashing lights are in the distance (it's a Blade Runner beer garden).

I had to switch rooms. That caused a little bit of confusion, but it's all worked out. My roommate is from U Delaware. He's a loud talker like I am, so it should all be good. Most of the people I went to dinner with tonight are more advanced speakers than I am. One was fluent in Cantonese. Others speak well, but can't read or write. Similar to the scene at UO. And then there's me, who can't speak, read, or write.

I'm running on battery since we're short on plugs now. So this might end soon.

I ate in the compound this morning with a group from Tacoma. They're here for 3 weeks. Breakfast buffet was $1.10. No eggs and bacon, but there was a cold sliced sausage that was a dead ringer for smoked kielbasa. Afterwards I practiced characters a bit then walked over to campus. There was nothing actually to do today, so I decided to learn how to use the subway. Went to the Capitol Mall, er, ... Tianamen Square and wandered a bit. Then came back the long way on the train. I had to stand the whole time, so couldn't get a good look out the window when we were aboveground. Well worth the time though.

OK, more on all this later. It's time to clear off the bed and practice a bit.