Life in Shenyang...so far.

Take Walmart, mulitply it by 7, add 1 million Chinese shoppers, half a million shopping carts, and two little white girls, and that's the experience me and my roommate had while shopping at a store called Carrefour. (Sarah: If you think Walmart or Target is bad, you have no idea!) This place is intense. Not only does it have food, but it has everything else anyone would ever need to buy in an entire lifetime. It is an experience in itself -- a cultural half day excursion that is not for the impatient, not for the faint of heart, and not for those hoping to make a quick stop at the grocery store.

I have been in Shenyang now for about 5 days. The city is immense, bewildering, fast-paced, exciting, and frustrating all at the same time. I had no idea what to expect before arrival, and I find myself throwing all expectations and American logic out the window, as it is not important here. There are 9 other interns here besides myself, and they are all unique and interesting in their own way. We have all been spending a good bit of time together since there are not many English speakers around, and I have been enjoying getting to know them these last couple of days.

My apartment is amazing, luck was definitely on my side with this one (pictures of our living room and kitchen are above!)....It's about 7 times the size of my Portland apartment, with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 shower), a huge living room area, and a nice kitchen. My 2 roommates are awesome, and although the bed is like sleeping on a wood plank, the apartment is comfy and offers a nice respite from the cold harsh weather outside. It has been hovering around 1-5 degrees these last couple of days, which has taken a bit of getting used to, and makes for a cold commute to the school that I will be teaching/learning Chinese at. Training started this past Monday, and the school is by far better than I could have imagined. I am teaching my first class tomorrow (wish me luck!), and am starting my Chinese classes this coming Monday.

Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity yet to eat dog (don't worry guys -- I will eventually!), but I have been eating some awesome and incredibly cheap meals of noodles and soup and rice and a ton of dumplings. Going out to eat has been fascinating and interesting since the majority of us don't know how to order food (or let alone decipher it), and we seem to cause a stir no matter where we go (picture 8 Americans walking into a "restaurant" the size of a tiny bathroom, talking loudly in English and wearing 6 layers of clothing each. It's quite a sight for the unknowing Chinese who thought they were just going out on the town for a quiet dinner). Either way -- it's an interesting cultural experience.

Although I have a bit of a cough and a tiny cold, I have not gotten sick yet (I can't say the same for all the others here), and I'm feeling pretty good.

It's hard to believe that after all the planning and saving and thinking, I am finally here living in China. And to think, it's only just begun. I know there are a ton of new sights, interesting food, and a lot of learning that is to come, and I can't wait to experience it all -- I'll keep you guys updated.

To all of those that I am used to talking with everyday, I miss our conservations and the closeness that was so easily enjoyed while living in the states. I will try to call and keep in touch better once I have better access to the internet. Until then, take care, and I love and miss you all.