I like your sleeves. They're real big.
Quick digression: I went to a Napoleon Dynamite Party last weekend. I found it entertaining, but it was something only Mormon kids would cook up: "Vote for Summer" posters on the wall, boondoggle bracelet making upstairs, a "Pedro hearts Summer" cake in the kitchen, and a girl who did the entire--the ENTIRE--Napoleon dance sequence for an audience in the living room. At the end of the night I was about to head home with my lovely escort when I was apprehended at the fridge by a Deb-ish looking character. She sized me up."That is awesome!" She exclaimed. What? I asked. What do you mean? She continued. "That is so great. I mean, it took me a second, but man, that is great. Awesome costume!"
I just have to say that it can't be a good thing when you come to a party dressed as yourself and some random stranger stops to congratulate you on your "costume." Turns out with my crew cut, my brand new Aeropostale jacket (with the words "Varsity" emblazoned on it), and my overall arrogant demeanor (that I'm sure many of you are all too familiar with), she thought I had dressed up as Summer's boyfriend Don. If the shoe fits, eh. Thanks a lot, Deb.
Headin' to Hangzhou
OK, so here is the dilly yo. I leave Houston 9:10 AM Feb. 25th and arrive in Shanghai 5:15 PM Feb. 26th. I will teach English at the Hangzhou Babel School for a semester, around four months in total. My return trip has not been planned or purchased, as I will be given money and time to travel after my teaching contract ends.
I've heard from numerous sources (my program director, a good friend, and a lot of online travel agencies) that Hangzhou is a very beautiful place. Below is an image I got from http://www.regenttour.com/chinaplanner/hgh/hgh-sights-westlake.htm. I am excited from what I've read and seen. Hangzhou, though home to around 4 million people (urban population 1.5 M) is perhaps considered a "smaller city." Hangzhou's West Lake is famous throughout China.
Shanghai, the largest city, is only a two hour bus ride away and is home to a few friends--as well as a few branches of my Church.
Of Note
I've been following this story for the past three months and word is that avian flu may be catchin'. The first report of a human-to-human transfer of the disease was published yesterday. Its not going to affect my trip at this point, but everyone watch out: this may end up being the global killer the World Health Organization is warning against. According to the WHO, we're due for another pandemic which may result in deaths (they project) in the double digit millions. If this bird flu, which doesn't normally transfer to humans (which is good, because our immune systems have never seen anything like it before), combines with normal, transmittable flu we may be in for some trouble. As to when and how--its all speculation. Not to scare anyone. I'm not holding my breath until we know more. If it does break out relatively soon, this may be my last window of opportunity to make it to China for awhile.
Listening Jimmy Eat World - Shame; The Weakerthans - Aside
Watching To Live; Hero