The First 24 Hours

This is it, folks- I'm actually in China. And I LIVE here! The reality and craziness of that statement is slowly starting to sink in. I've only been in the country for about 24 hours now, but much has happened already. The plane ride over was thankfully uneventful and empty enough for me to find a row all to myself. We were greeted at the airport by our Chinese friend (and IECS co-worker) Tony, along with Wayne, who's one of the deans of the English department. A one hour van ride got us to our apartments on campus. After a bit of unpacking, we went to dinner at a local place called Happy- or maybe Happy Happy, I can't remember. Then it was off to the grocery store to pick up some essentials. We found TP, but not a fan. You might know that I really like (need) to sleep with a fan- so hopefully we'll find one at Wal-Mart later today. Today I have been given tour of the campus, met some students, and now we're getting ready to meet Wayne and get our class schedules for the semester.
Getting used to the apartment and the Chinese style of living has been the biggest adventure so far. The toilets aren't exactly equipped to handle toilet paper, and while I knew that, I figured I could get around it. I was wrong- and stopped the toilet up within my first 4 hours here. We pre-pay for our electricity on a card, and when it gets too low, it shuts itself off as a warning. And that happened during my cold shower (I didn't know how to turn on the water heater). But I am so blessed to have Brad and Jess here with me to help me through all of the details, and all of that has been resolved. Now I'm having fun setting everything up and rearranging this former bachelor pad. I'll try and get pictures up soon- my laptop is not currently hooked up though.

Your fun Chinese fact of the day: toilet paper in China does not come on a roll. It's rolled up, but without the cardboard tube in the middle. Just makes life a little more interesting!