we're not in kansas anymore...

So... I have arrived! After a 17 hours+ plane ride, many tears and months of preparation, I have officially arrived in Beijing. I actually arrived yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, but was too tired to write last night. I had my first full day in Beijing today, and it hit about sometime this afternoon that I actually was in a really foreign place.

So, here's what I've been up to thus far: I arrived yesterday, and was picked up from the airport (I considered that my first great accomplishment; I was nervous that wasn't actually going to happen). We took a taxi from the airport to the apartment I am staying at right now, somewhere on the West side of Beijing. I am staying with the couple who run the company I am working for until I find more permanent housing; but for now, it's been so nice to stay with people who are also foreigners to Beijing and can show me the ropes. ANYWAY, last night when I got here, the couple hadn't yet arrived from Australia, so another employee took me out for dinner, and then we got wonderful head and neck massages. Apparently Asia is known for their massages, and they are super affordable. Ahhh, it was a good way to end a long day.

This morning I woke up super early (boo jetlag), and headed into the office for the first time. The couple I'm staying with showed me which buses to take, where to get off, etc. We went into the office and I met everyone, saw where I'm going to be sitting, etc. etc. Then, Audrey (host mom) and I went on a trip using the light rail to sign up for Mandarin classes. I signed up for a class that starts next Monday morning, and I'm in it all by myself. Ahh! I really hope that I'm able to keep all of these names and streets and bus stops in order, because if I'm lost, I'm really lost. I thought that most people would at least know a little English here (after all, the Olympics are coming, right?), but that is sooo not the case. Communication will be a toughie. Case in point: this afternoon, I tried to put money on my re-loadable bus pass, and the bus attendant didn't understand what I wanted to do, so she just took my card and money, left it sitting on the counter, and starting helping everyone else. I was so confused! I was just standing there... I had to have Audrey help me.

Like I said, it was about after that point when it really hit me: I am not at home. I've been waiting for that to hit since I left (for an anxious person, I've done well thus far), but I think this marks the beginning of a tough journey. A good one, but a tough one. I stood next to another Westerner today as I was about to cross the street, and I just wanted to hug him! I felt like we were related or something, but we just had the same skin color. I laughed at myself because I knew that was ridiculous.

I'm hoping to start making friends here pretty soon... I think the folks at my company have some good connections with foreigners, especially through the big fellowship here in Beijing, BICF. We meet this weekend, so I am really looking forward to meeting some other foreigners in Beijing who are around my age.

So, that's all I have to report for now. Stay tuned.