Hey-o, everyone.

I am writing to you from a coffee shop next to my work as I drink a Bold Caramel Macchiato and listen to the inspiring tunes of Enrique Iglesias. Thank you, Enrique, I think your words will help me make it through this hell. I do love a little sarcasm on a Saturday morning. Much has transpired and I am risking forgetting it all since I still don't have internet in my house. It wouldn't be such a big deal but all the places with internet around here require that I buy a $3 coffee first. The boxes that I mailed to myself arrived. I have never seen packaged so mangled and destroyed but the contents were ok so I am pleased. I can now enjoy some Froot Loops and some Kraft Dinner while wearing one of two winter coats. Joy.

I am officially on holiday for a week. My friends from Korea have gone on a vacation to another city so I am in Beijing basically alone for a week with no internet but hopefully will be getting that sorted this week with the help of my Chinese coworker. I will hopefully also be doing some sight-seeing this week. All I have done so far is go on a trip that the school paid for to the Silver Fox Caves which was very lame except for the part where we got to ride in a little tiny mine train through a very small tunnel underground! I also saw Tianamen by accident when my taxi driver took me to the Walmart on the other side of town and drove right by it! Mao looks great, btw.

Right now I am waiting until 2pm when I can go back to Kinko's and pick up the pictures that I had blown up and printed for my apartment. I'm spending about $30 that I don't really have but am really in need of some serious nesting in my apartment and I have hundreds of amazing photos that are gagging to be on my walls. I'm also going to go to Ikea and blow massive amount of Renminbi on bedding and kitchen items. I have given myself 1000 renminbi for nesting things in my apt---unfortunately I've spent 225 on pictures but oh well! I know, I know, I have bills...but China is lonely and difficult and depressing at times and this is what I need. Don't judge me. ha.

I get my first pay cheque Oct. 10th which is exciting although it's not very big because I got an advance on it when I arrived. I am going to be struggling until about December but after that I should be ok for cash and will pay back everyone...yes everyone...that I owe. I can spend $5 on food that will last for 3-5 days so I should be ok!

I have still only seen a very, very tiny part of Beijing--basically only the walk to work. If you have any inclination to come visit I think you should. you don't have to sit on the floor to eat like in Korea and it's completely user-freindly if you know a laowai (foreigner) there (me). Besides, if the rest of the world can go to Beijing for the Olympics, you can too!