Day 11 in Yan Tai

So, today I sepnt most of the morning arranging a way to transfer money to the US for paying student loans. I went to the Bank of China dowtown, and after filling out some paperwork, John and I were able to set up a Bank of China account, and fill out a form for transfer of money to my Bank of America Account. Then I can make payments online.

Also, in other good news: Steve Skyped me tonight to inform me that my apartment is ready tomorrow, and I will be moving in; and also that I get paid tomorrow. That's great news! I still have plenty of money, as everyone has been buying me food, even the students insisted on buying a meal or two. Also, when I have bought food, it is really not too expensive. Tonight I ate at the teachers restaurant, and I paid 11 Yuan for a lot of good food, and some really good white bread. It's is a bit of a hike to the teachers restaurant, but it is well worth it because I get good food and good exercise.

I think I have lost about ten pounds from all of the walking. I made some good videos of the funny traffic. It's like playing frogger. You have to time your crossings, and watch out for savvy drivers. But it feels pretty safe, because the drivers are really attentive.

Tomorrow morning I get paid at 8:50 am, have class at 9:50 am -11:20 am, move from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm, eat lunch and take a nap from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm, then class again from 3:50 pm - 5:20 pm. Whew, busy day huh.

Some of my new chinese:

Wo Bu Dong (My new favorite, means I don't understand)
Xie Xie (Thanks)
Ni Hao (Hello)
Bye Bye (Bye Bye)
I learned a few more from John, but I have forgotten them already.

While at dinner today, two other teachers/students approached me about teaching on Sunday at a middle school. They said it would pay 100 yuan and only take me 40 minutes. The principal would pick me up and drop me off back at school. Middle school children are very curious about foreigners. I know because, today while walking to the bank downtown I passed by a middle school while the students were all walking out for lunch. Lots of stares, laughs, smiles, and giggles, as well as at least five "hello"s and "hi"s, in English. There were about 200 hundred students walking all around me while I made my way to the bank. They were not following me or anything, but it felt like I was lost in a sea of young chinese people. So, if Steve approves of the Sunday extra job, which he has already suggested he will, it should be interesting.

In front of the largest branch of Bank of China!

The teachers restaurant and dining room.
My dress for dinner with the dean. Also, this is the teachers office.

Funny bicycles and Yan Tai intersection.