Where to begin?

I'm finding it difficult to begin this entry - there are entirely too many things to talk about. I am regrettably behind.

On traffic. Apparently private ownership of cars is a relatively new phenomenon. Cars, bicylists, and pedestrians pass through one another like the turbulent motion of a surging river that cares little for boundaries, imaginary lines, and significance of the lives of those unlucky ones caught in the current. My first few cab rides were spent gripping the handle as I knew that for sure this time there was no way the driver was going to get us out alive. I haven't seen an accident yet.

On smoking. Smoking in China: all men and all of the men. While their current system is largely free enterprise, there are a few industries that are owned and controlled by the government, such as oil…and tobacco. (I can imagine their vested interest would affect health campaigns.) In addition, while smokers are everywhere, none of them seem to be women. I haven't seen one light up yet.

On croissants. I have just finished munching on two of them for breakfast. I wandered around the city on my own last night, eventually stumbling upon "Trust Mart," a store that would put WalMart to shame. (I admit, I was hungry and I was initially drawn to the golden arches of McDonalds right in front of it…not that I don't dig the real deal Chinese food, but there is something comforting in the familiar). Anyway, I had a fun time shopping at Trust Mart (guessing what contents of food packaging is a particularly fun game), and found this package of four monster-sized croissants for 3.80 kuai that I can now attest are just as good as anything in the US. The best part: 3.80 kuai translates to about 48 cents. However, there were few recognizable food items, and some - like those that looked like sweet rolls - maliciously deceptive.

Where I'm at now

I have not begun working yet - although today I meet with one of the elementary schools my school (Babel) is working with and I will begin observing Michael as he teaches. Apparently my schedule will not be very consistent from week to week and will include night classes and the entire spectrum of student ages (for example, Babel lends us out to local schools, like this elementary school I'll be visiting).

Temporary Quarters ... Outside (after snowfall March 12th)

I haven't been placed in my apartment yet either - currently I'm staying in this hotel-room-style room in the foreign student dorm at Zhe Zhiang university. Its adequate, but I'm anxious to "settle in."

Reading Qualities That Count
Watching CCTV 9 (The national English station, mostly news, where everyone speaks with snooty British accents)
Listening Jump Little Children - the Vertigo album