Week One.

I have sat in front of my computer numerous times with complete intentions of writing a new blog. Exhaustion overcomes me and before I complete a thought, I shut down Millie (my new MacBook) and call it a day. It's not even 7pm and I'm already looking at my bed with lustful eyes.

It's hard to believe that it's only been a week since I've arrived. I had imagined that I'd be more adjusted by now.

While writing the previous paragraph, I heard a knock at my door. I thought it was Jen, so I just said "Come on in!" in a loud, obnoxious, southern accent. The door opened and 3 college-aged Chinese girls stood there. "Great first impression, Abbie..." I thought.

From what I gathered, I'm their professor. I'll be teaming up with a "Professor John" (not the same John that lives across the hall from me) and these three magical greeters will be students in my class. They have been instructed to help me adjust to campus life and will be my personal tour guides for as long as necessary.

At first, they introduced themselves as part of a research group, so when they asked me where I was from I said "America. Ohio. Do you know Ohio? It's the state shaped like a heart... sort of. There's lots of corn there. And football. American football."

Ugh. I'm awful at first impressions.

Moving on...

I feel like the past few days have been such a whirlwind of experiences. I'm confident in my directional abilities that I can navigate the subway line and the few blocks surrounding my home. However, my Mandarin needs a lot of help. I don't even know my numbers yet. I'm trying to learn foods and how to order so that I won't feel completely dependent on the other teachers to order for me. As of right now, I can order rice. "mi fan." Yum.

I'm getting along well with the other teachers here. We attract a lot of attention as the only round-eyes in a seemingly thousand-mile radius. Eyes are glued to us as we laugh and walk down the street. People listen intently as we order our meals at restaurants. It's hard not to notice the finger pointing and giggles. Also, I've caught a few younger Chinese girls taking pictures of me with their cell phones.

I'm not bothered by this. If I were in America and people were staring intently at me, I'm sure I'd feel some sort of embarrassment and find something to be self-conscious about. But here, the language barrier allows me to be in this cocoon of not knowing. I'm ignorant to their thoughts - even though I can't help but feel I am only feeding in to their stereotype of American women. I keep my head up high and soak it all in.

I'm excited to be here. Before I left and while I first got here, I felt a great deal of trepidation. But, I'm confident in my decision to move here. Only good will come from this. I'm sure of it.

Well, I'd better get my stuff gathered up for tomorrow. One of the three girls is coming by to pick me up at 10:50am so that we may meet with "Professor John" about the upcoming school year.