Whaddup China?

Flight delays, questionable airplane food, glorious 'welcome parties', jetlag, watching the sun rise. 

Thirty four hours

One glorious city

Hello Beijing!

We are all finally here safe and sound, with Wes arriving a mere 6 hours ago (he and another missed the international flight and enjoyed an extra 24 hours at the LAX airport). China so far has been everything that I remembered it to be. I didn't realize what joy I would receive from watching others experience the beauty for the fist time; Driving from the airport and hearing the 'oohs' and 'ahhs' from fellow teammates on the bus with the realization of reality sinking in. As jetlag wears off, the reality of "we are in China" is sinking in more and more for them, which is {did I mention} super fun to watch. What fun it has been to be reunited with my organizations personal whom I haven't seen in over a year. What fun it is to visit the local "Wu Mart" {yes, you heard me right}. How awesome to eat and experience a Chinese restaurant again. So far, no one has gotten sick, and our collective chopstick skills have exponentially advanced.

I had forgotten...

• how Chinese women wear crazy heels...everywhere.
• how it is socially acceptable for men to walk anywhere, shirtless on a hot day...or better yet, half way rolled up.
• The crazy "Chinglish" that is plastered all about the cities.
• How Chinese people have no shame in staring, and they will stare at you, and watch everything you do.
• The delicious[?] flavors of potato chips that are offered in the marts. {These include yet are not limited to Blueberry, French Chicken, Lemon Tea, Hot & Sour Fish Soup, Lobster & Cheddar. yum?}

Basically the general jist is that we have gotten here safe and {partially} sound, I have now made 40 instant friends, and Team Harbin is going to rock. Training is going to fly, during which we will be learning about Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) methodology, Chinese Culture and Customs and Teaching Practices for the classroom.

This is the real deal. In quoting a dear friend of mine "it's go time."

~sunshine