in beijing

here i am, posting from beijing!

the city is incredible. i've spent the last few days exploring everywhere, wandering with new friends by foot, taxi, bus, and subway. i have so far visited nightclubs, shopping malls, junk markets, parks, ancient pedestrian streets, and numerous restaurants. its seems like my life here is based around eating, which is of course okay. classes haven't started yet, which is why i'm making the most of my copious amounts of free time! today is the 60th birthday of the PRC, so beijing is kind of shut down; additonally, it's mid-autumn festival time, so the stores have been crazy.

a lot of things here, including clothing, can be bought by bargaining down the price...this is still difficult for me but i'm getting a bit better! it also feels good to be in a place where i can practice and hear chinese constantly, and where i can throw a few chinese words in with my american compadres and they understand.

i hope to be posting some pictures once i can borrow or buy a power converter to charge my camera! i'll also be finishing up a few pictures from summer in america.