in beijing

My UCV2206 Chinese Thought and Culture coursemates and I reached Beijing safely on Sunday, 8 June evening!

Then the bus which was ferrying us to Peking University broke down on the highway, so we alighted and chatted with one another. Really happy to chat with them and get to know more people better. My coursemates are pleasant and funny people.

Then a new bus came and we reached Peking University slightly late for our welcome dinner. The dinner was good but I didn't like some of their dishes. But I am touched by the hospitality of our PKU hosts, who took great pains to make us feel welcomed.

Had our first lesson yesterday morning on the history of Beijing and how city planning is done. The content was interesting but the architectural terms used by the professor were rather incomprehensible! Plus the lecture was in Mandarin. Haven't had a lesson in Mandarin for a long time!

Then it was off to eat lunch. Saw my St Nicks friend Xin Hui on the street! She's a full-time student at PKU. I wanted to have lunch with her but she was in a hurry. The PKU students are having exams now so I'll arrange to meet up with my PKU friends for a meal after their exams! They end on 19 June, two days before my departure. It has been ages since I last saw them!

PKU students cycle around campus. I think that's cool.

Dumplings (饺子) in Beijing are absolutely delicious. The best I've ever tasted.

Overall, Beijing is a nice city, with urban and not so developed areas. I'm still trying to get used to the Beijing accent and I am getting there. Beijingers are pretty friendly and express their emotions very freely.

Going to the Olympic Stadium today!

Will post lovely pictures soon :)

Take care everyone!