How do you say Oy Vey in Mandarin?

I made it! I can't believe I am actually in China for the Olympics. On the car ride to the airport my mom and I were talking about how I have been wanting to do this for 2 years since I was an intern and now the time has finally come. I can't wait to jump into the operation and work hard.

So I have been up for about 20 hours and just checked into my place in Beijing. It is amazing, just like the pictures showed.

When I left I was pretty nervous. I have never studied abroad or gone overseas for more then a few weeks so the jitters were off the wall. Saying bye to friends and family wasn't fun. Once I actually got on the plane and in my seat the jitters settled thanks to a stiff drink.

My flight was awesome since I upgraded. I ate like a king and slept like a baby. I arrived in Beijing at 3:30 local time. When I walked off the plane it was so hot but figured once I got in the terminal the AC would be blasting. I was wrong...I guess they don't do AC or they don't do it to the degree we do it.

I got first hand experience with the bumping and pushing of the locals. I was waiting for my bag to come off and this older man just shoved me aside so he could get to his bag. I gave him a dirty look and he just smiled and nodded. I have a feeling this will happen often while here.

Our condo is about 45 minutes away from the airport. We jumped on a bus and I witnessed the most bizarre driving. They cut each other off, merge when they feel like, and even reverse down a highway. We were in the heart of rush hour so it took us about an hour and a half to get to the condo.

I checked in right away and they said "welcome Mr. Dave." All the Aramark people who arrived today got a quick intro and briefing of what to expect. They handed us this folder with all the information we will need. Inside the folder there was this little plastic dish....probably smaller then those blue chap stick jars. Someone asked what it was for and Thomas Tang, our contact here, replied, "that is for your stool sample." Everyone laughed but he didn't seem to find it funny. If you saw the size of this thing you would laugh. I think in the states they give you a bucket or at least something bigger .

Anyways, the apartment is really nice. I am living with someone I lived with in Clearwater and a college kid who speaks Chinese which will be huge. They have not given us much information on what to expect. I think tomorrow will just be one big day or orientation and getting to see the Olympic Village.

I am going to head out to try to find something to eat. Hopefully its cooked!