Hangzhou

I know what you are thinking. What happened to Debbie within the past week? If that's not the first thing on your mind, then why are you reading my blog? Things have been crazy, from paying 80 RMB for an hour of internet access at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel to my parents losing my old digital camera AND my uncle's prized camcorder to being on a neverending quest to find a converter so I can plug any electronic devices I have. In other words, no access to electricity or consistent communication. It's not that I have been inconsiderate, its that I have been in locations that charge me an arm and a leg to update my online journal. It's disheartening. Don't worry. I scribbled mental notes on my palm pilot, my hand, and pieces of toilet paper so it is a matter of compiling and editing it so it becomes coherent as opposed to me babbling. Ok, on with the adventure!

Day 5 in China
Hangzhou - Day 1 Morning

You know that feeling when the Denominator is about to drop and your heart stops? My heart literally sank as I passed rice fields, farmers, and unfinished buildings while on the bullet train from South Shanghai Railway station to Hangzhou. As we made it to our stop, it was confirmed, I am living in a relatively underdeveloped province of China. I will be missing the advertisement clutter of Shanghai. Instead, I am surrounded by much vegetation and foreign fruits. There would be less chinese-english word pairings and less up close and personal encounters with hobos, money grubbers, and people in general on the subway and on the streets. The human interactions I will miss less, but I think Shanghai is a breeding ground for Chinese scholars because chinese words with English subtitles exist for miles and miles. Shanghai was really crowded, this place feels like its in the middle of nowhere. It's like when I resided in Bethlehem, PA while apart of PGSGE, it's the Quakertown of China without the Quakers.
My first experience at the West Lake Youth Hostel feels much like home! However, when my mom witnessed the youth surrounded in the area and the fact that it resembles a house, she quickly looked at me with disdain and approval. I could emphathize because we did stay at a five star hotel for three nights in Shanghai (benefit of being my dad's daughter). Unfortunately, Starwood Hotels don't exist in Hangzhou. I think my parents are adjusting to the hostel though, it has great air conditioning! The expense sure is relatively small compared to the amount spent while on Huaihai Lu, Nanjing Lu, and Changle Lu in Shanghai. Our dinners haven't been cheap either.
I haven't been hit with nostalgia but I do think about what everyone is doing 12 hours behind in Philadelphia when I first wake up. I look at my watch and say, Judy must be prepping up her mind for the Harry Potter book and movie. I also think about my friends who might be playing Graffiti or craving MSG. Sometimes I think about the clean air and the lack of humidity. Other times just the nice toilets. Be thankful for what you have people!
Random note: There is no such thing as obesity in China.

Hangzhou - Day 1 Evening
Immodium

ok I experienced it. As careful as I was about my food selection, something about the crabs, clams, or vegetables caused me to lose control of my bowels. I know, disgusting. Vincent said I would experience it, but it didn't happen to me during the four days I was in Shanghai, only now that I have arrived in Hangzhou. Again I haven't recovered from the shock, moving from Shanghai, the business central of China, to what resembles farm land. There is alot of vegetation around. My mom even spotted a banana tree. I can't imagine studying here for a month, but I guess I'll make the most of my experience. The well prided fish of Hangzhou isn't as good as I thought it would be, but then again we probably didn't go to the best restaurant anyway. I found it interesting that all the waiters and waitresses were filed military style. They look like my age, some look like they are alot younger than me.
I am staying at a hostel with my parents. They aren't digging the youth culture of the environment, but they have decided to stay because of the overpriced dinner we paid for to compensate for the cheap residence.
I can't wait to find a cinema around this place. I'm not going to miss the Harry Potter Premiere.

Question:WHERE IS THE CEREAL AND OATMEAL?

I've uploaded a few videos of my Shanghai expedition to compensate for the tardiness of my Shanghai log.

www.youtube.com/dtrinhatwharton