Pictures and Updates

 

First week of classes are almost over! I have Chinese everyday except Wednesdays from 9am to 12pm. Then on Wednesdays I have a class that is called 'Managing Enterprises in China' which goes from 1:30pm to 4:20pm. And on Thursdays, along with all the other Alliance students, I have 'China as an Economic Giant.'

 

So far all of my classes have been interesting. I really think I am going to enjoy my Management class. The only downside is that the classes are sooo long. Back at home I am used to classes being an hour and half maximum. Oh well, can't have it all the way you want it.

 

Chinese is interesting. We spent the first 3 classes just going over pronunciation and forms. Writing characters and learning sounds is so difficult. It takes me back to when I was learning German. And the frustration at not being able to communicate and understand someone. It just makes me want to learn faster.

 

I have some pictures of Shanghai. I will take more and upload more of course, but for now here are a few for you to look at.

 

Downtown Pu Dong from the Bund

 

 

View of Shanghai from a museum

Museum again

View from my dorm

Other view from my dorm

 

First Week in China

Alright!

I so thought I would have a blog completed before now, but this past week has been crazy busy and hectic. We have had orientation every day this week, and today was the first day of classes.

The flight over was two hours late because the tv's on the plane weren't working. That flight was the longest flight I have ever been on, and suffice to say that I wouldn't do it if I really didn't want to go to China.

Shanghai is a huge city with people out and about all the time. The roads are insane, and I am pretty sure there is no speed limit. No one follows the rules of driving, and I haven't seen a police car patrolling through traffic yet.

We went to Walmart one day to buy odds and ends... things that we needed and/or forgot to bring with us. The walmart here was four stories tall and a mess of activity.

People always stop and stare at our group as we walk through the streets. I feel like we are circus animals on display. I am getting used to the staring. No one has yet to touch me, which is good.

I am going to upload some pictures and write out more detailed blogs about my life so far. But for right now this is all I can do. I am very tired, but I wanted everyone to know that I am here safe and sound and that life is going well for me.