it's kind of a funny story

Sometimes in life, unexpected things happen. Often times in China unexpected things happen. Sometimes you go to the bank—hoping to open a bank account—only to realize that after sitting there for an hour, that branch of the bank doesn’t open accounts. Instead, you might have to go to the “downtown” office, which just so happens to be on the other side of the city. Not only that, but because you’re a foreigner, no taxi wants to pick you up and deal with the inconvenient language barrier.  Now, you’ll have to get accustomed to the fact that things just take longer in China, and these smallest of things can make you feel run over by a freight train by the time they’re complete… and that’s just for the average citizen! Begin a foreigner in China not only does it take twice as long, but that freight train that hits you is also packed to the brim with dynamite.

So, perhaps, if you are a part of a group of seven people who all need to obtain a bank account, be sure that you have at least four hours on your hand to do so (just for the record, you know, in case you ever end up in a similar situation as to what Team Harbin ended up in today). Also, no matter where you’re going, and for no matter how long you'll be gone, be sure to close all windows to the outside as things with wings have a tendency to fly in open spaces. Wouldn’t want you to get a bird stuck in your office, or have it poop on every desk, or even worse, your student’s homework! And no matter what you might think, actually imitating the bird and trying to speak its language does no good in coaxing it out a window. Not that I know from experience… it’s just a forewarning.

That dot above Lauren's head may or not be a bird...

So close, yet so far.

Lauren's look of defeat after chasing.