Finally in Beijing!

This is a post I wrote a few weeks ago but just now am having success in publishing it. Enjoy, even though it is dated!

We have been here less than a week and already so much has happened! Our first full day here we were divided into smaller groups and sent out on a scavenger hunt in Beijing. To earn more points, my team decided to go to the snack shop to order fried scorpions. We all ate one- it was crunchy and salty, but really not too bad if you didn't think about what you were eating!
The next day classes started. We have been focusing on learning about Chinese culture norms, unspoken rules, and language differences. The differences between Chinese and American cultures are almost overwhelming. Whereas Americans value directness, Chinese people value indirectness in communication. This is just one example of a stark difference.
Night before last I witnessed the Chinese innovative spirit. Brooke and I passed a resteraunt where a man was barbequeing some lamb kebobs. Unfortunately it was raining, and his shelter was inadequate. So, the embers of the open barbeque were getting wet. The cook was using a hair dryer to fan the flames of the embers. I said a prayer that he wouldn't get electricuted. Amazing.
My posts may be scant because it is hard to cross the Great Firewall of China. Please bear with me. I think of yall and hope all is well!