I Survived a Week!!!

So, I've been here a week already!! Cannot believe it, in a way it doesn't feel like 5 minutes since I got off the plane, but on the other hand it feels like I have lived here for ages! The subway is no longer so scary, and I'm getting quite good at fighting my way on and off the trains!! Even if I did end up in a bit of a losing battle with a bus today, but I will explain that later!

Yesterday I was too tired to blog when I got home, so decided to save it all for today. I tried out my new chinese phrase I had learnt in the taxi "Qing zai zher ting" - please stop here. But unfortunately he did not understand, so I resorted back to my miming ways and started flapping my arms around, and just saying stop! I think I'm gonna have to work on my chinese! Although I did learn how to say chopsticks and not spicy yesterday too, I'm kind of trying!!

One of my colleagues wanted to show me one of the shopping malls after work - IT WAS AMAZING! There are about 5 malls altogether, a lot of the same shops, but some individual shops and I had an experienced opinion from Daisy, where was good and which shops were her favourites. I will definitely be making a visit there next time I have no plans at the weekend! Daisy had to go to her English class, so I grabbed some dinner and then headed home. I have to admit I gave in and had a kfc! It was my first western meal since I got here (a week isn't too bad I don't think!)I did try to look for somewhere else, but I was tired and had been carrying my laptop around all evening so went for the easy option with pictures and english writing! One of the malls is even called The Gate - just like being in Newcastle!!

Today I got a taxi driver who could speak good english, it was a nice change, and he was also waiting when I got off the tube! Very lucky! Although, he didn't know where to go and asked me to direct him, I wasn't sure my directions would get us there, but I must have a better sense of direction than I think as we made it on time! Another colleague and my boss took me out for lunch today to a western restaurant around the corner from work, it was very nice and a nice change to the Chinese place we normally go. Although, we cannot use our lunch vouchers here, and I felt bad as they wouldn't let me pay! Everyone at work has been so kind since I've got here, it has definitely made things much much easier!

And then the bus attacked! The bus from work to the subway was extremely crowded, and the driver opened the doors before people had the chance to move so I could move away from the door, trapping me in the door, and cutting the heel of my foot quite badly!! When I got off the bus I was trying to clean it with my antibacterial wipes and stop it bleeding and a chinese lady came over and was trying to help but I didnt understand! So I decided the easier option was just to leave it and head home as she seemed to be getting more and more agitated!

I even managed to make it to the supermarket this evening, even if it did take me probably 3 times longer than it should of when I was there and I didn't really leave with much as all the meat in there scares me, I actually saw fried baby chickens today, with their heads and beaks and everything. On first glance I thought they were bats, I had to have another look. I swiftly moved on and decided I just needed to get my shampoo and conditioner - who needs food anyway!? Eating out is the way forward here I think! Although I did buy a fork for the apartment so I can eat my pasta, thought it may take a while with chopsticks!!

Wow, what a week, such an experience but very tiring! Im tucked up in my bed, ready to catch up on a bit of english tv and then a good sleep before my weekend of sightseeing!! Hopefully I'll be able to get some pictures this weekend, haven't used my camera yet!! xxx