First 24 hours in Beijing

I am at the gate in Chicago ready to spend the next 13.5 hours cramped in the Economy section.

Here is my plane parked at the world's largest airport!! It was great to breathe new air and get out of my cramped area. My flight was flawless, although the Business Class had it better with the lay flat seats and choice of meal. I sat next to a college debater from the University of Missouri that was coming over here for 2 weeks to help judge a big competition.

I am staying at the Somerset Hotel, located in the Haidian District, NW of the center of the city. My place is on the oppisite side of the first building, caddy corner to the front corner. I will have 2 roomates, but they have not arrived yet. I am situated in the master bedroom, so I have a huge closet and my own bathroom.

This is my living room. It looks just like the link on the webpage, but without the extra dust collectors (flowers, vases, extra decorations).

After a hearty night of sleep, I woke up to get some drinkable water at the 7-11 next door to the hotel. I was pleased to find two of my favorite foods, meat buns and milk tea!! I enjoyed my breakfast on sitting along the street.

A few things I have noticed so far: There are no rules for pedestrians, everyone just walks across intersections when the light is green. There are more bikes being used than any other place I have been to. People look at me funny. Very seldom are people smiling. Everyone is not as short as I thought they were going to be.