The Calm Before the Storm

This last week has been one of endless translations, of both language and logic, whilst hacking a path through the PKU jungle of bureaucracy with my machete of smiling patience mixed with just the right amount of 'dumb american-ness'. It amazes me how similar Chinese and US bureaucracies are- they're all bark and no bite. For every rule that I've been resolutely informed could not for any reason be broken, I've found the person with the power to bend it "just in this once".
Who says Hampshire College never taught me nothin'!
I took two tests this week- one of my writing and comprehension ability at 7:30am, then my speaking ability the next morning. Regardless of showing up half an hour late due to being locked in my apartment (for the second time), I tested higher than some of ABC's who grew up in Chinese speaking households.. only one of my books contains any english, and not very much at that... I may have to drop a level or two.
Last night, Max, Matt and I held our official housewarming/welcome to Beijing party in our newly homey-feeling apartment. I must've given my number out to every person I met on campus and elsewhere- our house was full to almost capacity! We kicked everyone out at midnight and hit the town for some dancing before ending the night with the perfect nightcap of Big Lebowski. I think all-in-all it was a dashing success! Thanks to Jo for the punch, thanks to Matt for the decorating, to Max for bringing Jo, to Jia for bringing the party, and to everyone who came for coming!

I actually forgot in the fray to take any pictures- I'll get some from friends and put them up later!