updates from China

So the hole we dug at the beach finally got me to China.

It's been pretty awesome so far. I can't really believe I'm in China sometimes, it's so Westernized. Other times, I slap myself on the forehead in disbelief at some of the stuff that goes around. I guess that actually sums up China pretty well--just so much disparity between the old and new, rich and poor.

Most of my time has been consumed by the conference, and while I do wish there is more time for sightseeing, the conference has been very enjoyable. I've learned a lot about China and China/US relations, and it's really cool to see the delegates actually interested in this stuff. Far cry from MUN, when people complained bitterly and looked for every excuse to cut corners (myself included). Here, we don't really have "supervisors" and while we do hold the delegates accountable for showing up, we are all pretty much adults by this point and there's no real need for chaperoning or anything.

The delegates and Fudan officers are really cool too. I really look forward to keeping in contact with a bunch of them and the connections I believe truly are invaluable.

Tomorrow (Friday) is essentially a free day, and I'll probably go shopping. While I do think I should go to a history or cultural tour, I figure I can do a lot of that when I come here with the parents. Hopefully I can find a bunch of cheap counterfeit clothes and DVDs. :) Oh crap..I probably shouldn't be putting that on the Internet. Scratch that. Hopefully, I will find stuff at the Armani, Rolex, and Ralph Lauren flagship stores in Shanghai. I love supporting these designers who make quite affordable clothing for the college student in a country with such a booming economy.

Random tidbits:
SO CHEAP. half hour taxi rides ending up to be like 7 US dollars. Food that costs like 2 US dollars, etc etc
People love Obama. Sweet.
Apparently it's obvious to tell that I'm not native Chinese
It's kind of awkward having people expecting you to know China well and to speak Chinese perfectly. I feel almost a bit insecure talking to people with my Chinese (which is ok, but my vocab sucks)
The time difference is so trippy. I'm like...blogging from the future!!!! it's almost friday here aleady!
I've spent more money on one alcoholic beverage than on any one meal. Fricken bars designed for westerners (it was my friend's bday and I was obliged to go)
Tsingtao beer is actually quite good!

that's all for now. Look forward to getting home and seeing Alex. Hope you MIT kids have a great thanksgiving too.

Andrew