So I’ve landed. First things first, I should have practiced more Mandarin. Oh well, too late now! It is so hot and humid here, let me tell you. I’m sweating just lying here and typing this. The people at the hostel are so nice! They are very helpful and speak English. My taxi driver didn’t speak English but we did our best and got me here safe and sound!

Beijing is a lot more green than I was expecting. They seem to try and plant trees in any free space they have! The hostel I am staying at is very close to the Forbidden city, which is closed on Mondays, so I will be doing that later this week. I will probably going to the Great Wall tomorrow.
I’ve added a photo so you can see my hostel and the view from my window!

For those of you who are curious, I’ve tried to email a few of you and hopefully it went through, I’ve also sent some people skype messages, which seemed successful! WOO

Well folks, its official. I am on the plane. Vancouver is the first stop. I made it through Toronto airport without any snags, lets hope that clearing customs will be just as easy. I’m filled with two emotions right now: Excitment and dread. I am so excited to be given this opporunity, to be able to study in Chongqing, and to see part of the world. However, another part of me is afraid of getting lost. I will be outside of my comfort zone big time. I don’t speak the language, and I have vague ideas of where I’ll be. I will say flying over Canada has reminded me how beautiful this land is. It seems so big and spacious, where I know that will not be the case in China. I’m sure it will feel big, not so much spacious.

Look Mom I made it! Its the airport!

Here is a photo of the mountains from my gate

I’ve now landed in Vancouver and I’m eating my last Canadian meal. A cheese burger. I...

*Above is my home school, its where I’ve spent the last 4 years! Below is the new adventure! SWUPSL

Well as most of you know I’ll be moving to China! I leave in just over two weeks, however, that means its all about preparation! Starting yesterday, I started saying my farewells to those I would not be seeing in the coming weeks. I also started packing!
For those of you who don’t know I will be starting a brand new adventure starting Saturday September 6th 2014. I will be going to school in China for four months. For my dear Canadian friends: don’t worry I’ll be home January 4th 2015! For my Chinese friends, or those residing in China, lets please see each other!

Here so far is my game plan. I will leave Waterloo, ON on September 2, and spend a bit of time with my family enjoying the beach. Sept 6th I will be flying bright and early to China. I fly into Beijing on the 7th of Sept. I...