I'm alive and kickin

Wow. Over two weeks now in China. Am I used to it? Nope.  I'm liking it, to be sure, but this certainly is not America.  I eat noodles or rice for just about every meal (please don't ask how my stomach has handled it), I'm white and just about everyone else is...not, and my Saturdays are spent doing things other than watching college football. On top of that, my only contact with Bethany and family is through Skype and e-mail. Needless to say, without Skype, I would be miserable.

Having said that, I have really enjoyed being here in China. I love the classes that I am taking. I'm currently enrolled in conversation, reading, writing, and Chinese history/culture classes. On top of that, I learn the art of tai chi every Monday and Wednesday.  I have learned so much and I really know that these couple of months will be incredibly beneficial.

I'm in Nanjing, a city that is a two-hour train ride inland from Shanghai.  Nanjing has been the capital of China during various eras and is loaded with history.  I feel so fortunate to be here.  I'm so excited to learn more and see more of Nanjing and other great cities throughout southern and northern China.  And perhaps, what has been the most rewarding so far and what I imagine will always be the most valuable, I am going to be with the people. Day in, day out-- on the streets, in the restaurants, and on the playing fields with the Chinese people.   I hope that this blog thing will in some small way show what life is like here for a very white guy in a vey different country.