I know most of those words go right over your head, but that's ok. I took a lot of pictures of the past few day's adventures so you could see! Yesterday I spent a lot of time wandering around Changsha trying to better orient myself with street names and landmarks. Probably my favorite place I have been to that's near campus is called TianJi (Tian Ji River). There are walkways on either side that stretch for about two ish miles. It
was so pretty yesterday! The sky was blue, which I thought I would never see while I was here in China and it rained the day before, so everything was extra green. I walked for about an hour along the campus side of the river (no, I don't know what direction that is mom and dad :). It's so quiet by the water, which is very nice since I live in a VERY LOUD city. I also found a park where many of the locals take their kids to walk. There are tons
of beautiful flowers and the entire walkway is covered by trees. The path wraps around a pond with thousands of lily-pads. It's so neat! Definitely one of my favorite places to visit. Plus, it's only about a fifteen minute walk! Now, today has been such a good day. I walked across the bridge to visit Gong Ji building and Jiang Shen temple. Let me tell you
something... I will NEVER complain of heat or humidity again. This walk took me about an hour and I have never desired ice water more in my life. Anyway, the temple was beautiful. As you can see from the pictures below, there is a lot of red. It is the color that
supposedly brings good luck or good fortune. The middle picture shows cards that people purchase from a vendor and write their name and wish they hope will be granted. I toured both buildings and enjoyed the shade for as long as I could :). On the way back, I found a rice noodle shop that has some of the best food I have tried here in China. I was able to order it no problem, which is huge that my Mandarin is coming
along even after five days of being here. There is something about being immersed in the culture, I guess :).
I am starting to feel comfortable here and I love it. One day at a time. Here's to the many more adventures to come.
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