China is like girl scout camp...

(Note: Mallory is having some difficulty with her access to this blog. She sent me the follow entry via email to ask me to post it on. So here it is! We are so excited to hear from you Mallory. -- Huang).


Sorry it has taken me so long to post my latest experiences in China! I do not have convenient access to the internet just yet, so I have asked my faithful professor, Dr. Huang, to post this for me! I will be unable to view your comments, so if you would like to contact me or respond to my posts, please email me directly (mallory_reed@hotmail.com). Where there is a will, there is a way, right?!


Obviously, I have made it to Guangzhou, China. The flight was alright, but there aren't too many good things a person can say about 30 hours without sleep! The important thing, though, is that we made it (and with all of our luggage as well!)! So far, the most difficult thing to adjust to has been buildings without heat...I've had to bundle up with many layers everyday. There have been many wonderful people (including primary students, secondary students, undergrads, graduate students, and professors) who have accepted the invitation (or have taken on the task) to accompany us as guides throughout the Guangdong province. They are all eager to practice their English with us through conversation. I simply cannot say too many good things about their hospitality and willingness to help. Their kindess has kept me from becoming homesick! I feel like I already have my own little family in Guangzhou!

I have been very busy traveling and sightseeing since I arrived in China. I visted Guangzhou's New Year flower festival, many famous parks and gardens, and the zoo (pictures soon to come!). I have climbed a mountain (!), conquered the infamous turkish toilets (!!), and continue to learn more of the Chinese language everyday. Most importantly, I am building lifelong friendships and professional relationships.

In my attempt to describe my thoughts and feelings about China as well as my experiences with the culture, I express the following: China is like girl scout camp. It is certainly unlike home. It is even uncomfortable for a while. But once you develop a routine and embrace it for what it is, it exceeds your expectations and you inevitably have a blast! You develop friendships and memories that last a lifetime. Did I mention that I went to girl scout camp annually for about six years?!


Until next time...