Holy smokes, the new experiences just keep happening! Yesterday we left Dandong early in the morning and took a 3.5 hour bus to Shenyang. The bus was nice, air conditioned and roomy. The only draw back is that they were playing a very inappropriate movie on the screen full of blood, gore, nudity, etc… and it was so loud! We had to put headphones on all the munchkins so that they would be distracted.
We then headed to the Shenyang train station where I attempted to buy train tickets to Beijing. If I didn’t have Korima, Leif’s wife (the schools AP), then I don’t know what I would have done. Here, Chinese people have no tolerance for the language barrier. Once they hear you speaking English they stop talking to you and walk away. More than likely we’ll have to book our train tickets through the school. The school has both International teachers and staff and Chinese teachers and staff. There are also Chinese staff members that work with the International teachers to help them. Korima was able to help us get tickets but all the seated tickets were sold out so we could only buy standing tickets. So, we ended up on a 5-hour train ride to Beijing with standing room only. The trains are nice as well, air conditioned and roomy (if you have a seat). We ended up standing next to a Chinese police man who proceeded to (the entire 5 hours mind you) get drunk, smoke in the bathroom, spit on the floor, and play his hand held radio at full blast. The train police kept going over to him, yelling at him, and telling him that he was an embarrassment to the foreigners. He finally passed out around hour 4.
After 5 hours we arrived in Beijing. It was the most perfect experience ~ we arrived at dusk making Beijing BEAUTIFUL! We are staying at the most awesome youth hostel in town. It’s great because it’s located in the foreign district full of foreign restaurants, clubs, and shops. I imagine it will be our saving grace when we hit our low (that time that will inevitably come when we wonder why we moved abroad). This hostel is crazy cool, something you all would love. An eclectic place with a strong international vibe. We booked a 6-bed dorm room which has proven to be really great. Three sets of bunk beds (that are comfortable) with lockers and a desk. There is a community area for showering and restroom. All the staff speak English and they are having a “pants off” party tomorrow night (what?!!).
We will stay here at the hostel until Sunday and will then take the train/subway to our RCI resort Badaling Hot Springs. We will stay there for one week and will then come back to the hostel for three more nights before we head back to Dandong on August 6th.
Much love,
Yaisa
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