Living it up.

Getting familiar with a new place takes some...getting used to.


Well we survived our first week in Xi'an. All our luggage finally arrived and we are starting to get an idea of our surroundings.

It has rained frequently here in Xi'an. It doesn't last long but sometimes when it rains it really pours. Our apartment complex is nicely maintained and there are several shops around.

Almost all of the shops are small, locally owned. Many sell produce and snacks. 

Figuring out the cost of things can be complicated,  but luckily most of the shops will pull out a calculator and show you the numbers in English since the register often shows the numbers in Chinese.

Not to worry though, you can still get your Starbucks in China and you can order in English. They may not have everything you are used to but they have the basics. Oh and its not any cheaper here. 

 One thing that I find interesting is that Chinese women tend to dress up as if they are going "out" at all times of the day. Often I see them in very fancy dresses heading to work for the day.

If you get too tired your mom will still hold you.  

 One shopping area near us is call the Lotus market. It is identified by a large upside down pyramid. Under the Pyramid you will find Burger King, McDonald's and Dairy Queen.

 If you need to catch a ride in China you can choose a taxi or bus. But if you want a "real" China experience, take a tuk-tuk. They are basically motor bikes with a little box on back for you to sit inside. I'll get a picture of one later.

The open air give you a fresh breeze after a hot day. 

 Need some extra carbs? Check out this cute little bakery called Vivian's Bakery. The young woman who owns it speaks a tiny bit of English.

We liked the whipped cream filled one the best. 

There are SO many places to buy stuff and to get food. After talking to my colleagues I feel pretty safe about ordering food at any restaurant.  

 Rachel loves this orange soda called 'bing feng.' Which means ice mountain. This soda is only 2RMB which is about 35 cents.

 Here is a menu from a shop across the street from Hanova school. Luckily we had some friends to translate and order for us. Alot of restaurants have pictures so you can simply point to what you want.

 Most apartments in China don't have dryers. So we hang our clothes on a rack and by morning they are dry.



Luckily there are still plenty of western style snacks to keep you feeling at home although they are usually more expensive than local snacks.

All in all, we are doing well. Each day gets a little easier although new challenges are not far behind. Thank heavens for Netflix and Skype. Feel free to comment below and I'll get some more pictures up soon.