Call Me Sniffles

I've caught it; a dreaded Chinese cold. I don't really think it's that different from an american cold; except that I don't have Sudafed! Sneezes, sniffles, coughing, it's all there. And right after Matthew got over it! Oh, well; the weekend is coming in a couple hours, and I plan on doing a whole lot of NOTHING. :)
We've had some adventures since we got here; today I'll share our wednesday adventure!

We went to class, as usual. Mid-morning, we were informed that we'd be going to Hangzhou (a big city an hour from here) with one of the Chinese English teachers. They didn't know how to explain what we'd be doing, or why. We figured it had something to do with the company that placed us in Fuyang, because they have offices in Hangzhou. So we followed Helen (the Chinese teacher) to the bus station. It's quite an experience! We were very happy to go, because we were able to see where the bus station was, how to buy a ticket, where to get off, etc. The tickets are 5 yuan (less than a dollar) for an hour bus ride. We got off at a crowded bus station, hopped in a taxi, and ended at a police station. We then figured out that we were doing the finishing touches on our work visas. We are now officially Foreign Experts according to the government! Helen had some personal errands to run in the city before we returned. We didn't mind; we went to a street market. It was full of Old world China stuff; lots of trinkets, tea, silk, umbrellas, chopsticks, etc. And a MCDONALDS! We did it; we got food, fries, and sundaes. It was fabulous. Later, Helen called and we met her to go home. A taxi ride, bus ride, and tuck-tuck (small 3 wheeled cart) ride later, we were home once more.

Things are going well; classes are getting easier, annd we're getting more familiar with out surroundings. We can take a taxi on our own, shop, and now go to Hangzhou! We're excited to spend a weekend there checking out the West Lake (you should google it.. it's gorgeous).

At some point, we'll start posting pictures here; but we're having camera issues. If it's not one thing, it's another! There are a bunch posted on my Facebook, if you have an account.

Anyway, my 4th grade class is starting; no rest for the sniffly!