Free Time

Well, I have been in China for over three weeks now!

I have been consumed with work since I got here. It is such a beneficial experience and I am SO glad I came. The things that I am learning here will be invaluable to my future international endeavors! I really think that there are few places that I could go to that will have as many cultural differences than here in China. Success in this different of an environment is challenging, yet extremely rewarding. The people here permanently are fantastic. I believe that I have transitioned well over the last few weeks, but these people are at another level. I am not sure at what point during your time here you "get it", but these guys have!

It has been difficult leaving everything that I know. I miss Liz and Nigel! It is tough situation, getting married and having to leave for a while. Liz has been so supportive, which makes it so much easier for me. She understands how beneficial this time will be for our future which is all I can ask for! Her and Nigel just moved out of our apartment in Long Beach and back into her mother's house temporarily. Anne has been a rock in this situation as well! She has graciously taken Nigel in as her own. Without her compassion for our little man, I am not sure that we would be able to go international. All will be better next Saturday, when Liz flies into China. She is at the Chinese Consolate right now....good luck with your Visa!

Though free time has been limited here, I have found some time to experience the finer parts of China.

For example, tonight, on the way home from work, I stopped into the local German bar/restaurant to have dinner. There is nothing like weinerschnitzel, Hoffbrau beer, and a Phillipino cover band singing 80's classics! It was hilarious! I guess this isn't quite one of the finer parts of China, but it is totally worth bringing up!

For real though, the Chinese food is awesome. I am delighted to inform everyone that I am now to a level of 7 or 8 with the chopsticks. I would consider this proficient....at least good enough to not make a fool of myself! As long as you are willing to try things, the food is great. I have had some great sushi here....it seems fresher. I went to a Japanese restaurant last night and had several parts of a cow. They were all very tasty....trust me....they were not normal parts. They often serve things raw here as well. Sometimes you look at things and think to yourself "that might actually taste pretty good". Then you put it in your mouth and realize it is raw. Not that it tastes bad, but you are not planning for the cold, raw food in your mouth. Once you adjust, you can appreciate it. I have also learned that if you don't mind staring the fish you are served in the eyes, the body tastes pretty good! The same applies to the shrimp!

My saving grace have been movies. There is something about buying new movies on the street for close to nothing! "The Office" specifically has been clutch (the American version). Every night, I watch an episode or two before I go to sleep. It keeps me laughing, and that is all that matters (Dwight is the man for all you Office fans out there!).

That is about it for now. Take care....I will see you all soon!