Well, we have survived our first week in Beijing fairly casualty free. Actually, entirely casualty free, it’s just been a really long week! I can’t believe we’ve only been gone from home for one week, that’s insane, it seems like a lot longer than that. In lots of ways we feel like we have stepped back in time – no car, no cell phone, no internet – but this week we have remedied most of those things and are feeling really good!
No, this is not where we live, this is the Beijing Zoo. We don't live near anything this picturesque. :)
We arrived last Wednesday and have just been working hard ever since to get our lives here more set up. Our apartment is furnished with all of the big furniture, but we are missing all forms of house accessories – soap, dishes, hangers, food of course, towels, etc. – so we’ve been stocking up like crazy. There’s an awesome little market across the street that sells most of the things we need so we’ve had some fun bartering for things there. We live in the district of Beijing where most universities are located. Because of that, many restaurants and markets on and around campus are extremely cheap compared to the rest of the city. Our apartment is feeling more and more like a house every day.
Beijing is insane. So, so, so crowded. We are blown away every day by the mass amount of EVERYTHING that is Beijing. So many buildings, people, stray dogs, cars, people, taxis, busses, subway lines, people, stores, McDonald’s, garbage, people, bikes, schools, people…Today our friend told us that to get from one side of Beijing to the other it would take you 4-5 hours. Can you believe that? Logan, where are you???
Small taste for you of the Beijing Subway...
If I sound like I’m complaining, it’s because I am. Like I said, it’s been a long week. But now, let’s celebrate the small victories we have had over the last 7 days:
Cell phones! A little trinkety, just went with Chinese ones cause we couldn’t get our phones unlocked, but they work, and we’re grateful.
Internet in our apartment! Starbucks, you’ve been good to us, thank you for your wi-fi.
Dr. Pepper at the grocery store! 8 yuan for a tiny can, but we’ll take it!
Subway navigation – we survived!
Teaching schedule – Tuesday/Thursday 8-2, thank you!
Beijing 1st Branch – blessings from heaven. Will post more about church later, it is absolutely incredible.
Got a few pics below of the last week…We’re grateful to be here and are excited for our lives in Beijing to keep shaping up! Please keep in touch with us, we love updates!
