A Skip and a Hop to China!

I'm sorry that I haven't written in a while. It has be very busy trying to get ready for classes to start and cleaning my apartment. I arrived in Shuangpai two days ago. It is amazing here!! The town is small which is great. I love small towns! The streets are in some places lined with garbage but they are also lined with trees. In the day the air is filled with a cocofeny of sounds from the motorcycles, taxis, buses, and the people. But at night and in the early morning the town is very quiet. Shaungpai lies in the mountains so the ride up was very bumpy and filled with twists and turns but I loved it! In the distance the mountains hide behind a layer of mist and fog.

The people here are so friendly! They stare a lot but when you say ni hao to them they smile and stay it back. I haven't seen any other Americans here in Shuangpai so Sam and I are quite the celebrities here. Even people on their motorcycles will stare at us as we walk by, which isn't all that safe. The students that walk by giggle as we pass them. Its really weird to be stared at all the time but I am slowly getting used to it. Their clothes are very simple and often dirty but their smiles are always so warm and friendly. Many people are so helpful too. They will go out of their way to help us with anything that we need. Sam and I have made some friends from the students on campus. Leon and Jason. They have showed us around town and have been willing to help with anything we need. Its great since both of us don't know that much Chinese yet. We have offered to help them with their English in exchange for help with our Chinese. I am very excited to have that help. In town when people start talking to us we have to say " wo bu dong" , I don't understand, which can be frustrating. I wish I could understand them!! I want to ask so many questions. I want to get to know these great people here in Shuangpai. Luckily I have 5 months to learn!!