Laaanddd of the Freeeee

So, has been a fun last two days (july 3^rd and 4^th). Met my “study buddy” we are assigned to as sort of a cultural exchange/free tutor type thing. I wasn’t sure what to expect so when I introduced myself I was like “wo shi O-yi-ming” (I am Lawrence), he replied back something along the lines of “ Oh hey, I’m Andy”, so comfort level was instantly high….his English is great. Smart kid too, double majoring in electrical engineering and economics. So we were able to talk some macro-econ shop – was nice to get back to that – and like pretty much everyone that hears I’m from Chicago he says “WOW! CHICAGO! MICHAEL JORDAN!!” so we chat about b-ball. So I speak Chinese with him while he speaks English to me, but his English is far superior to my “chinglish” but it still helps.

We had a 4^th of july dinner hosted by our program Chinalink, and it might be the weirdest 4^th of July I’ve had. Ate traditional peking duck (so delicious) at a restaurant in a room surrounded by Mao posters, communist military propaganda posters (sort of like US WWII army posters), and old “yearbook” photos of crusty communist generals. I just thought it was ironic to be surrounded by all this commie stuff on Freedom day, you know? Other than that, has been the regular crushing school work load.

So, my book for one of my classes has the funniest chapter headings. Some of them sound funny b/c they are direct translations that don’t always work, but its because of that they are quite entertaining. Some choice selections (and remember, these are exactly what is on the book):

Lesson 4: did you play football and prepare the text at the same time?
Lesson 7: how could a beautiful girl learn monkey boxing?
Lesson 8: its not allowed keeping dogs in the dormintory (damnit, we ARE going to get a 5^th floor Shao Yen building #5 dog!!!!!)
Lesson 14: want to be my cousin?
Lesson 17: do you think its willing to live in a cage?

And , the award for best chapter title thus far (drumroll):

Lesson 18: Do you want to kill yourself??

Off to our first field trip – to the “Temple of Heaven”, and then our first black market to buy some shady ripoff U.S. luxury brands! Stay tuned….