Jet Lag Really Does Exist

Today was our first real day. We haven't started class yet and orientation isn't until tomorrow, so this was a big chance to explore a little bit and to run errands. First thing I did in the morning was go with two other people to the supermarket at the end of the street. It was the most amazing place I've seen yet! The produce section had things I didn't know existed: cucumber-like vegetables that were bumpy instead of smooth, tiny little apples, peaches shaped like saucers, and really really really big cucumbers sold by the slice. They had some interesting things going on in the meat department, but we didn't want to stay there too long. In the rest of the store was everything anyone could ever need: snacks, walls of candy, clothes, house supplies, school supplies ... I could go on forever. I bought 3 notebooks, a binder, 2 hand towels, an umbrella, and scotch tape for less than $10. It was quite the deal! They do checkout a little differently, though: instead of paying for everything up at the front, we had to pay for things in the section of the store in which they were located. I didn't realize this, though, so I thought I had paid for everything once I had purchased my school supplies; they thought I was stealing the non-school supply items. It took a little while, but we figured it out and everyone was happy.

Next we went to the "Internet Place" on campus to have our computers configured to be hooked up to the internet in our rooms. This is a good thing, because at the moment, whenever I Skype, I have to do it in front of lots of other people in a small internet cafe. So, a little privacy will be a big relief. After figuring out computer stuff, we went to the "Friendship Store," a convenience store kind of place on campus. I bought an adaptor and took care of some other things. Afterwards, we went to lunch at a Muslim restaurant on campus. It was so delicious -- especially the bread!

When we came back, we were all a little tired, so we rested up and took care of emails until our 4 PM scheduled tour. The tour was a little pointless by then because we had had to figure out where things were in order to do what we wanted to do during the day. But, nonetheless, it was nice to meet some more teachers. The part after the tour was very helpful. We went and explored gym options off campus. This place has a great gym and pool apparently, but those facilities are closed in preparation for the special olympics (some of the events are being held here). The first gym was OK, but the equipment was not fantastic and the music was of the Chinese opera genre, which is interesting to listen to, but not the best workout music. The second gym was much better and was located across the widest street with a crosswalk I had ever seen. There was a large pool, much better equipment, lots of classes (we got to see quite a large aerobics class), as well as a cafe. I think that, because we were so many people, we were able to get a discount. So, we'll see -- going to gym might not be so easy once class starts.

When we got back, I went to the Muslim restaurant again with some different people. But, by now, I had been hit by jet lag. I was/am so tired that I couldn't be hungry. I had some bread and that was about it. I just wanted to quickly let you all know what has been going on before going to bed. All in all, I am having a great time. I'm really enjoying getting to know my classmates, reuniting with my teachers, and seeing what little we have of Beijing. Tomorrow morning we have a placement exam and orientation. I'll write about how that all goes later tomorrow. Wish me luck!