Still on vacation...

So, it was an eventful day. Meghan and I decided to go shopping to try to get spongues, airfreshners and a comforter.

We got sidetracked and purchased none of the above items. Instead we walked past the market (which was the furthest from our apartment we had ventured away since arriving in Chengde). We then found the outside of the summer resort and palaces of the Ching Emperor. From what our travel books have said, this is massive. It apparently has multiple palaces, monistaries, etc. and is just completely beautiful. Outside of the palace/park were a whole bunch of venders selling crafts, food, etc. Meghan and I each bought an item.

We then hurried back to our apartment where we called Chris to come meet us so we could show him what we found. Figures, though, that after we got there, Chris had already been by there. Oh well. We are very curious to get in there, however, we are going to wait untilwe have a full day and it's as nice as it was today. We have 11 months for this to happen.

So, we have quickly learned that there are about 10 KTV bars in Chengde. KTV is Kareoke. They would not let us in our first night in Chengde. We are very confused as to why the five of us were not allowed into the one accross from Meghan and my apartments. We asked our waibon today and she thought it was because they had already announced last call. So, tomorrow we are going to try to get in!

The other three teachers (Chris, Megan and Travis) went on their campus visit today and met their other faculty. Travis starts to teach tomorrow, so I am anxious to hear how it went for him. Meghan and I don't start teaching until next Monday, however we do have to meet our Waibon Wednesday morning. She is taking us to campus to meet the faculty and president of the English Department. I am getting anxious to find out our schedule, etc. I enjoy just hanging out, but I still feel like I am on vacation. Maybe once I start teaching, the "vacation" feeling will go away.