Technology

Skype is amazing!  I have been able to keep up with home and family, make a few other calls, and reconnect with friends in Asia.  Incredible technology!  Today will include another couple of meetings this afternoon, but this morning I'm taking the High Speed Train from Beijing to TianJin.

Progress for My Chinese Character Study

I put away my  English map today to not come out again!  I am forcing myself to use just my Chinese only map to get around.   At least since I know which subway stop is next to the hotel, it can't be that bad.  While I am here, I should take advantage of all the Chinese language opportunities I can find!  Everyone has been wonderfully helpful and so far it is working!

Meeting with Russell Leu

I had a great meeting today with Russell Leu.  He has an American attorney with a regional firm that also has an office here in Beijing.  He has been here for six years.  We had an interesting discussion on the actual amazing things that are happening here in Beijing and all over China, differences of culture, and they way the media in the States tends to portray the culture here.  As head of the China Committee, he has had some great interaction with many in the legal community here and offered to introduce me.  I appreciate the generous assistance of so many people.

Also saw TianAnMen Square today and the Forbidden City.  An imposing and impressive place.  A rich history with strong emotions.  

You get to know how small the world is when I met Professor Rothenberg's friend from Illinois on a subway in Beijing.  Sometimes there is only 1 degree of separation!

Beijing

Have now been in Beijing for one day.  Amazing.  Shanghai is enormous and Beijing even more so.  The people are largely the same: Helpful, friendly, and tremendously welcoming.
I start the internship on Friday, so still have a few days.  I spent several hours yesterday speaking with college students and having them correct my Chinese.  Very helpful.  It was a mutually beneficial exchange, Edward spoke pretty good English and was equally grateful for my assistance.