Finally arrived!

Well, I'm officially in China. So far, I'm enjoying it through a fog of jetlag. QHD, the city where I live, is not completely as expected. I knew it was home to about 2.3 million people, so I expected a bustling metropolis along the lines of Phoenix. Actually, QHD is more like a town than a city in many ways - it's not a large city by Chinese standards. I live about 10 minutes by bus from the city center, and the streets surrounding the campus are filled with vendors and tiny stores and restaurants. Many things are dirty or very basic by American standards. However, it feels more familar than I thought it might; it's rather like being in a poorer European or Turkish town. My apartment is veyr basic but has potential. Later, when I work on it (you didn't think I would stop decorating things just becuase I moved to China, did you?), I'll talk more abou tit and post photos.
My fellow American teachers at this school are Candice and Alex and a couple named Mike and Carrie. They all seem great, and we have been getting along well, which is important, as we spend alot of time together. Expect to hear alot about them.
I should go get ready for the day; I have a few offical things to do and we're going to shop for cleanign supplies and apartment stuff. I miss you all!
Amy Shaw