Wednesday July 20 12:00 pm

Went out for a little walk. Found a Starbucks J and what looks like a movie theater. There is a little shopping center connected to the hotel. When I walked in a girl came up to me with a little card and kept saying something – but I have no idea what she was saying. She didn’t speak English and I don’t speak Chinese so what ever she was saying was lost on me. I hate that helpless feeling of not understanding. While she was probably just trying to sell me something I still felt bad.

I need to find a little store to buy some water. There were a few street stands, but I need more than that & I am pretty sure they don’t take a cc so that won’t work. I want to save all the cash I have – especially since things at home with the car are costing a lot of money. That is a big bummer.

The street scene here is so strange. I really feel foreign (lol – like I am not?) but it is very hard to tell what things are. In Japan and Korea I saw much more with dual language and here it is not that way. Perhaps in Shanghai it would be different?

Chatted with all the sisters this morning. Was good to hear from them and let them know I am safe.

I have the Do not Disturb sign on the door. For some reason having the maid service just bothers me a bit. I like feeling that this room is more “mine” and I wouldn’t have them change the sheets or towels yet anyways.

I would like to see how I can pull out some of the stuff from the fridge so I can put in my own stuff. Perhaps I can check on that later.

I wasn’t able to get Outlook to keep online this morning. That sucks as it is or will be important for me to be able to get on at night or in the morning. Although, I suppose I will be at the office shortly.

I will ask Carol for a map and taxi instructions so I can get there on my own going forward. Would be much easier. Although, first I need to get some cash! I tried at one bank and it wouldn’t allow it. Hopefully I can find another one where I can get cash to use for taxi and small food stuffs.

All for now – need to pack for the office.
Tina