I Survived my First Typhoon Warning

So yesterday (Thurday) we had our first Typhoon warning of the semester. It was a level 3. I guess at level 8 the school shuts down and it recommends you stock up on food. The level 3 warning, however, just included high winds and a little rain. It was the equivalent of any old windy day in Chicago. Needless to say I wasn't too worried.

I wanted to start with that. Now, for an update on the week:

Monday: Gunter is sick, with a cold, which means that he would prefer if we didn't use the A/C. This made for a pretty sleepless week; 85 degrees with 95% humidity is not a combination which makes for good sleep. This was a little annoying, but I guess I would do the same.

Tuesday: I had my two classes, Intro to Financial Markets and Organizational Behavior, neither of which deem a story. Except in my OB class I am the only white person, and one of only two international students, so I kinda stand out. The professor sometimes makes a joke and everyone will laugh, except for me. The professor is nice enough to explain it to me, as the entire class turns to gawk at me. In that class I now appreciate Caitlyn's experience in Beijing. After class I went on a run and an outdoor workout. The running seems to be getting better with each successive run. Dinner that night was curry chicken fried rice, which was pretty good.

Wednesday: Breakfast was lovely: two eggs over medium, two pieces of bacon, and a slice of toast. I found a place that will serve that everyday, so when I get sick of weetabix, I will be going there quite often. I then made my first journey into the library for some reading and studying. The library is quite nice, and it looks out onto the water. So I sat with my back to that so as not to get distracted. I was in the library until my film class began, at 3. We talked about "The Killers" which is a short story by Ernest Hemingway. I enjoy this class because it is not too demanding and we read and watch good stories and movies. We also began watching the 1946 version, which was a departure from the story but altogether very enjoyable, at least for me. I don't think the rest of my class was quite as keen as I was on a movie from the 40s. I went back to the library after class, just to finish up all my reading for the week. Wednesday night's dinner was seafood fried rice Thai style, which wasn't too appetizing. I regret to inform everyone that I had to get a burger at McDonald's afterwards, but I actually walked to the counter and didn't have it delivered. I went to bed early that night, only after reading some more of my new book.

Thursday: My big day: I am in class from 12-6:30. But I stayed awake in all my classes, as they were all able to keep my interest. The last hour of classes, however, my film class finished up the movie, so that was a nice little break. I was disappointed, though, as Thursday was my first day since getting here that I was not able to get the Financial Times. I don't think they deliver when the area is under a Typhoon warning. After class, I had shrimp dumplings with noodles in broth for dinner, which was pretty tasty. When I got back to my room, I didn't really feel like doing much. I answered some emails, read my book, and just went around on the internet. At 10:30, however, I got a call from my friend, so naturally I went out. And I am very glad I did, because I had a lot of fun. It was another first for me: my first "club." I wasn't expecting too much, but I knew a lot of people there, and everyone had a good time I think. I took a cab back with some girls I know, and they complained about being hungry. Nothing was open, so they were mad, until I jokingly mentioned that McDonald's delivered. Sure enough, that was just what they wanted. So now I know a few people who have had McDonald's delivery.

Friday: Up until now, I have done some laundry and sent out an administrative email for a group project. I'm kinda having a lazy day. And Happy Birthday, Mom.