So yeah we have to be responsible now...

Hey Guys!

Half way through day 1 here in CAMIC, Beijing. This morning consisted of a lecture regarding safety in China and some more information about the internship. Loads of people went out last night to the Irish pub around the corner to watch England vs Ireland in the Six Nations so there was a subdued feeling in the lecture hall. I was sensible (and possibly still a little tender after the night before) so I decided to get an early night. The guy giving the lecture was possibly one of the most monotonous lecturers I have met but he managed to stop us falling asleep with the following informational video (which we all found very humorous!).

Next was lunch but, due to an awfully long line in the cafeteria (there are 120 of us interns plus another cohort and all the Chinese workers)  and the hungover nature of some of my classmates, we decided on Pizza Hut... I know! I know! Shameful! I promise to do better! I am pretty sure the convenience store has chicken feet so I can make up for it. After lunch was Ice Breakers (standard stuff really), I never realised how bossy I could be before! Then there was some Mandarin practice. I am so glad that I went to a beginner's course back in Plymouth!! We only covered the basics (hello, goodbye, thank you, you're welcome, left, right and 1-10) but I managed to remember it ok! Certainly did better than Eddy...

Speaking of Eddy, he ditched me to continue his bromance with a guy called Lewis (they shared a room at the Happy Dragon) so I have a new room mate! His name is Owen and he is from South Africa. He is a bit of an 'interesting' character, who is very private and he plays the flute at rather odd times (including early in the morning!). Apart from his many quirks, I am sure he is a lovely guy...

It is amazing how quickly you get used to things here, for example the cold; today was only -5 degrees centigrade but we are all treating it like its warm! I mean I went out with only 4 layers on, when a couple of days ago I went out with 6 or 7! You also get used to fireworks exploding all around you, it still feels like you are at war but you don't mind as much! One thing I am yet to get used to is the supermarket food, some of it is fine (biscuits, crisps and chocolate) but lots of stuff is vacuum sealed and we have no idea what the hell it is! I am glad someone else is cooking because I wouldn't know where to start!

This evening is our welcome meal, complete with entertainment and tomorrow I begin my formal mandarin and Chinese culture lessons, so I am sure I will a more interesting blog for you guys tomorrow!

Check out my friend Kathryn Forsyth's blog for an alternate view of what's going on, I know she's had quite a few adventures of her own! (http://adventureforsooth.blogspot.com/)

Until Next Time! (Oh and please send me emails with questions guys! huw_from_oz@hotmail.com)

请问

qǐng wèn

please can I ask you