arrived in Beijing on Sept. 2001 to study the language. I decided to go as an independent student, rather than with an affiliated program of my university. Though this brought about frequent headaches the first few months, I soon adapted to the Chinese way of Life. I made friends quickly, and they would always invite me out to eat such delicious meals, from Hot Pot (huo guo) to Beijing Roast Duck (kao ya) to Jiaozi (chinese dumplings). I became so addicted to dining out that I took a part time job teaching English to continue this "habit". I enjoyed the walks down various avenues of Beijing and kept trying to practice my chinese with different strangers.

This is a very short message, but I will post another soon. China was an eye-opener for me. I was welcomed with open arms and treated with so much kindness and respect. Go to China and experience for yourself. Feel free to contact for any advice.