A Week of Fun

I can't believe that another week has already passed by and that I will be heading to the states in 9 days.

I have had some great new experiences this week. Tuesday night two of my girlfriends and I went out to eat at a Western restaurant and then joined a group of foreigners at a theater to watch a movie being shown in English (plus it was half price on this night - I paid $3 for the movie). It is a rarity to have a movie shown in English here, so we jumped at the chance to experience a Chinese theater. The movie was 2012, which in my personal opinion was not that great, but was fun none the less. I think it was more entertaining to be in a theater full of Chinese people since they were so excited by the movie, considering China saves the day. And for those of you who are curious, concessions at theaters here sell popcorn that is sweet - more like kettle corn, Haagen Dazs ice cream, nachos, little pastries, and soda.

Today a friend and I spent the day downtown. We first went to lunch at a Chinese restaurant in the Muslim quarter (I had fried rice and meat on a stick, my friend had fried rice, tofu, and cow stomach) and then we walked through the shops in the Muslim market. The market area is a big square with little streets connecting to it as well, and has probably close to 250 stalls. The people are sweet and can speak some English, especially the key phrases such as: "You come take a looky" and "I give you good price." Most of these street vendors work long hours as well as working 7 days a week. We did stop at a few vendors and enjoyed talking to the ladies that worked there. One vendor is a like minded lady who makes scrolls and writes verses from a Book out on them in Chinese characters, so we visited with her for probably 30 minutes. After a few hours walking through the market we decided to head home, but not before stopping at Starbucks for a coffee, and to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere that could be found there. Only "Western" restaurants or places known to be "tourist areas" here decorate for Christmas.

I will be checking in again next week before I depart for the states. I hope that you all have a wonderful week.