First Full Day

So...today, we had a tour of the campus here where we're staying. It's sprawling and, to be honest, easy to get lost in, but I think we'll be OK.

I got my computer situation taken care of so I have that HUUUUUGE hurdle taken care of. I was feeling a little lost this morning. It's very odd to be in an environment where you know absolutely nothing, unless it's in English. There's nothing to reference and, very rarely are there people around to ask questions to.

Today, during the tour, I got to know the Australian students here working for the Olympics and staying the same place we are. It's honestly as if we've known each other for a real long time. They're all very nice and I think getting to know them will be a huge benefit to this trip.

Today, after our tour, we visited the Silk Markets. First of all, there's not a lot of silk at the silk market. But, whenever you know people who have been to China and they come back with a cheap, knock-off designer something that they got for a quarter, they got it at the Silk Market. As SOON as you walk it, you just have a billion people asking you to buy purses, luggage, shirts, etc. It's very intimdating and, to be honest, a little frightening. But, there are good deals to be had if you're ruthless enough to bargain them down to the price you want to pay.

After that, we went to a Chinese Wal-Mart. Honestly, it was a lot like an American Wal-Mart except for a couple of things.

Firstly, it's cheaper. I know that may be hard to believe because, let's be honest, Wal-Mart is the most inexpensive place around. But, when you convert the prices, it really is a whole lot cheaper than it is in America.

Secondly, there were a lot of people just sitting on these benches that are placed all around the joint. Like it's a park or something, you just see old men reading the newspaper, sitting next to the giant containers of Tide.

Now, I'm back here, wondering whether I should take a nap or not. Other than that, not much shaking here.

Talk to everyone soon,

Phil