Day 6: Moving to Dandelion Middle School

Wow I can't believe I actually slept in today. When I woke up, it was already past 10; usually I would be up by around 7. Interesting way to start the day. When I got ready to go outside to get some breakfast, I realized that most of the places were already closed and were getting ready to serve lunch so I just ended up buying 一个大饼.

Around noon, we checked out of the hotel and were on our way to the school. Before that, we ran into a little mishap. The bus we requested was supposed to be a 15 seater van, but they gave us a 9 seater van, so we couldn't fit all of us and all the luggage. The hotel was responsible enough to get us another car without adding any additional charges. When we reached the Daxing district, I could already tell this area was much different than the inner city. There was one road, barely paved and almost like a dirt path.

We arrived at the school about an hour later. The conditions were actually much better than I expected. We were greeted with warm hospitality, and our presence was immediately felt. Though, by now, the students were pretty used to foreigners coming to their school. Sarah gave us a tour of the school, showed us where the dorms, classrooms, library, offices, etc.. are. I'm quite impressed by the school and what they have to offer, given their difficult circumstances.

Later, after we settled in, we went to check out Kent's place. It wasn't luxurious but definitely a level above ours. Oh yeah and talk about gender inequality... The school gave us 4 guys one small cramped room with bunked beds while the 4 girls got 2 rooms, each bigger than the one we have. Their rooms are also very close to the bathroom and shower rooms, while we have to walk across the school campus to get there. Edit: Never mind... the school gave us another room so we have two per room now!

For dinner, we ate at the restaurant 玛瑙饭馆 right next to the school. The food was delicious and cheap, well above my expectations. Only the 水煮牛肉 was bad. None of us could chew the meat, so we suspected that it may not be beef but some other sketchy meat. Note to self, never getting that dish again, EVER. The supermarket food is rather expensive though, because I paid almost $1 per little milk carton.

In any case, I would consider today a success and tomorrow, I'll begin figuring out my school project and write out a plan.