Hi Family,

Rach’s here! It’s 1130 in the morning and I’m using the internet at my hotel waiting for Raymond to come meet me. WE are going to buy a cell phone today and then maybe go to some clubs tonite. I haven’t been able to reach the Starlings-I called them this morning but no pick up. I’m going to email them and keep trying them throughout the day. I got an email from Edie regarding her friend who I am also playing phone tag with. Hopefully once i get this cell phone contact will be much easier!

The flight was fine to JApan-I was literally one of 5 white people on a huge Jumbo jet. The flight from Tokyo to Beijing was a little rockier and I felt pretty sick. There was a huge thunderstorm in Tokyo and Beijing so the flight was a little scary. I sat in front of a very cute little girl that kept smiling at me. I also sat next to this Japanese family that was very nice adn wanted to practice their english. Across from me was this asain family(I hate to say I couldn’t tell whether they were JApanese or Chinese) that kept taking photos of the air hosteses. Whenever they would pass the family would whip out their camera’s and start taking pictures-It was quite entertaining, yet I was the only person that found it funny-literally giggling out loud at times.

The drive from the airport was interesting. I met a guy that just graduated Florida State and his dad and we all shared a cab together. They also don’t have Olympic tickets so we are on the search together! The cab drivers tried to make us pay 100us bucks for the ride so we promptly changed cab drivers. Everyhting is so modern looking! even though it was 11pm the streets were lite up and swarming with hip-looking people. The buildings have electronic billboards and pretty lights wrapping around them. The streets are very clean and so are the bathrooms. But the air smells bad! Today is nice and sunny though, and the pollution isn’t as obvious as last night (or maybe I’m just used to it).

Oh one more thing, my hotel is pretty dirty. It would not be accepted in the US. But the water works (even though it occasionally smells like butt) and the air con works(but is drippping water all over the room).
It’s lovely here. The people are very friendly, curious, and helpful. I’m so excited about my first day in Beijing-I haven’t been outside yet! Now for my next task-learn mandarin..i really need to learn it!!

I love oyu guys and will keep you posted.
Mom- thanks for the letter. did you put a little paper with a quote on it in my bag?
Dad-I love you, keep bringing in the bacon
Dana-Do you college apps!!!
xxoo I’m in Bejing