So I have been living in China for about three weeks. It so crazy to think that I have been living in a different city on the other side of the world for three weeks. Depending on the day, sometimes it feels like time is moving so slow (usually when I have to work) and sometimes it feels like time is flying by (of course, this is when I am out in about around the city seeing the sights). It has been a really great experience so far, every moment of it, even the boring ones and the frustrating ones. I have learned so much about myself these past few weeks. Making the decision to come to Shanghai by myself was a crazy thing to do, but all worth it. There are days when I do come home frustrated because I miss my friends and family or because I got lost again. Not being able to speak the language very well can be very frustrating and make it difficult to get around at times. Really sad, considering I have been taking Chinese for 2 years.

I have met so many amazing people. The program that I am on has arranged for a few local Chinese girls to be my friend while I am here in the city. They are all really nice and I am so glad that I am able to call them my friends. They have been lifesavers here in the city especially when I am trying to figure out to get from one destination to the next (This bus system is not so easy to figure out when you only really know about 300 characters.). I have gotten lost a several times and had to walk a lot. They have been able to take me around to place that I probably would have never found if I didn't know them. One of the girls from my Chinese class is actually here on a different program. It's been nice to have her around to call. It's always nice to see a familiar face.

It honestly has been complete culture shock coming to this place. All I see every day are Han Chinese faces. So different from what we have in the United States. It's so easy to pick out a foreigner (that's not Asian). They stand out so much. It's kind of a weird feeling...you can just spot them out. It's such a big deal too and is so out of place. People are definitely different too: the way they act, their manners, the way they speak to each other and of course there are sooooo many of them. My Chinese book was right; you don't really know how huge a population China has until you actually see it first hand and have to squeeze into a the bus. There is no concept of personal space here at all. Don't get me started about the driving. If you thought L.A. drivers were bad, just wait till you see how the Chinese drive. Watch out for your life because they don't stop for pedestrians.

My time is China is about a third of the way over. There's still so much that I want to see and do. This weekend I am headed to Beijing for three days. I get to see the Great Wall! I can't wait. That's something to look forward to and I am really excited. SUPER EXCITED!