Belated First Day Impression

[Note: A lot of this was written during that day so some impressions have been changed and I've tried my best to note things that have changed] I got in on Tuesday at 8 in the morning since my plane got delayed in Finland (le sigh). But I didn’t have anywhere to be. It was pretty quick to get through immigration and customs here. Also, a bunch of...

Read More

First Update

Hey Everyone, I've been in China for over a week now! Time seems to fly by pretty fast. All in all, orientation week was pretty much awesome. I learned a lot of things about China and met some pretty awesome people. My Chinese has also been improving bit by bit. I definitely have to update this on the weekend or something. I'll at least tell you all about my classes right now though! I'm taking the Intensive Chinese track with Alliance. I was pretty nervous about it since...well, it sounds pretty scary. There are actually quite a lot of students...

Read More

I'm half way there!

What's up everyone. I arrived in Helsinki, Finland not to long ago. It's about 9 in the morning here and it's lovely, although a bit chilly. Yes, I know....I'm traveling the opposite way most people do when they go to Asia but hey, I saved a couple hundred bucks that way. Plus, I get to experience yet another culture! From Chicago, IL to Helsinki,...

Read More

Tomorrow's the big day

"I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain." - Dune by Frank Herbert So it's...

Read More

Packing [Part One]

Today was laundry day so I could figure out what I should pack for next week. My mom got called into work so I was left to pack by myself, unlike what I had mentioned in my previous post. Packing is really stressful unless you're one of those people that...well....pack only the bare necessities. If you've seen Up In The Air with George Clooney, you...

Read More

One Week Away

I'm leaving next Sunday, which is a frightening thought. It seemed quite awhile away a few days ago but I guess the one week mark usually kicks me into high gear. This week is going to be super busy. I'm going to have to spend forever packing because I'm that person that overpacks - anyone else with me? It's hard to find the right clothes to bring...

Read More