Xi'an, China: week 1

I wish I could update with all my pictures and everything but facebook is banned in china so when i get on it can only be for minutes at a time. Ill be quick: Xi'an is crazy and chaotic; the buses are jammed pack full of people, there is no such thing as personal space. The vehicles drive fast and crazy with lots of honking and near collisions with pedestrains and other vehicles. Xi'an is also very dirty and there are lots of weird smells and lots of garbage everywhere. The air quality is horrible and is hazy and my eyes are always watering. It's FREEZING here right now and i have been getting sick unfortunately...It takes an hour and a half to get to the orphanage and then the same amount of time to get back after i'm done working.

However, I love this city! It's one of the most ancient cities in the world and so full of character! I've been to the Big Goose Pagoda and Muslim Quarter and I love the culture and food and people. I live with some amazing people and its been great so far. There are people here from Australia, Taiwan, and the U.S. but some are only here for a couple weeks, which is sad because I consider them friends already. China is like the complete opposite of Utah, and while I'm loving China so far I'm also missing home. Yesterday I bought a whole bunch of American junk food and Pepsi to try and feel somewhat normal. And thank goodness for Skype!! I've been outta my comfort zone for awhile and it feels great! So many memories and experiences Ill never forget and I still have two months to go!

I am a foreigner over here so a lot of people stare and try to talk to me. A family even asked me if they could take a picture of me with their child! I have been learning a little bit of Chinese but whenever I do people seem to think its amusing and laugh lol. Can't wait to see what else is in store for me on this trip!!