Sleep, eat, movie, read, sleep, eat, sleep... There was nothing too exciting on the long flights to Shanghai, but I guess that is what is hoped for when traveling. I arrived after 9:00 p.m. on Sunday evening (that would be 9:00 a.m. Sunday home time) with Jessica Wu, the Dean's secretary, meeting me after getting through customs. It took about 45 minutes to get to the University and to my new 'home' for the next seven weeks. It is a humble abode on the third floor (no elevators). Two gentlemen carried up my bags and was I ever thankful for that as one of the bags weighed 68 pounds! That bag was a two-person job, each took an end. It should be lighter on the way home as most of the school materials will be left behind.
My home has a small living area which includes a small desk w/chair, a television (the only English speaking channel is CCTv), two straight chairs, a two-drawer chest, an end table, and a small refrigerator. I was hoping for an easy chair, but there will be no lounging in this room! The bedroom has two single beds with rock hard mattresses (no lounging here either). A bathroom is adjacent. Notably missing are any washcloths and there is a very limited supply of tissue (it is allocated in very small amounts by wrapping some up in a bundle). An asset to the living quarters is an air conditioner in each of the two main rooms. That is most appreciated as the weather is still muggy and warm.
I was up early on Monday morning to visit Ken Mellem's International Marketing class. It was a good introduction to the classroom culture. I have the same cohort of students as he so I will see them on Friday morning, my first teaching day. Classroom space is small and though they have Microsoft, it is the Chinese version so assistance is needed to get set up. Classes run for 45 minutes and then the bell rings for a 10 minute break. After that, another 45 minutes of class and the bell rings again.
We went to lunch on campus to a place frequented by faculty and staff. There was an English version to the menu but Jessica did the ordering. As I was scanning the menu, I knew right away that I would pass on the "boiled cow lung, fried bullfrog and stir-fried baby chicken." Maybe some other time.
After a 5-hour nap (jet lag), I visited the Internet cafe adjacent to the Expert House (where I stay). I think this is where I will be spending some time as they have easy chairs!
After a good night's sleep, I was in the office bright and early this morning. The computers are loaded with Microsoft, but they are copied versions. Security is not present either as it pops up that the connection is not secure. Connections are slow, as I tried to get online into my email but could not get Internet access. I tried later and then was able to access but after waiting about 15 minutes. I hope it gets better. One nice surprise when I booted up the computer was the screensaver of the 125th anniversary photo of students, faculty, and staff!
Jessica came into the office and introduced me to a couple from Arizona. They are UND graduates, Mel and Elmeda (sp?) Johnson. They are here for four months and will be teaching English. They are next door neighbors to me at the Expert House. Mel indicated that they had not been back to UND since the late '90s so that will enjoyable to converse with them over the next few weeks.
Ken took me to the 'Lotus' which is like a WalMart. It was about a quarter mile walk. I bought a few oranges (I go by my rule of not eating anything fresh unless I can peel it), Minute Maid orange juice (with a Chinese label, but the brand images were the same so it was easy to identify), washcloths, Kleenex tissues and TP--all of the necessities. It was interesting to go up and down the aisles and note when a company has used the same brand name or has changed the name but can still be identified by its visuals. More on this latter; hopefully, I get some photos to share.
I haven't taken any photos yet but will begin doing so now that I am settled. Hopefully, this non-techy person can get them loaded onto the blog.
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