China: Day 4

Went to two Universities today, where the students seemed eager to learn about Americans. More on this when I get home. They took us to a new campus on the edge of town, which was architecturally (sp?) beautiful. Some students were very talkative.

Saw an incredible show at night, featuring a magician, a sword swallower, and a couple of other acts. We are simply being treated like royalty, seeing all of the most interesting sites and attractions around town.

They seem to think the food they are serving us is great, as well, but we are mainly confused. 15 dishes, and maybe four you like. And I'm not a picky eater. Hey, duck feet again! Is that fried playdo? Cardboard in orange sause? When something like bread or a sweet and sour dish comes out, everyone gets excited, but there is hardly enough to go around. Several of us are going to lose weight on this trip.

Everything is incredibly cheap. Twelve ounce coke for 25 cents. T-shirts for a dollar. Great Wall book for two fifty. And on and on. I'm coming home with a lot of stuff, and am having to learn some discipline not to buy everything.

Today, Olympic sites. Of course, pictures when I get home.