Arriving in 中国

你们好! So, I’m finally settled in China. This month I have experienced so many new things. This was my first time traveling without my family (家庭), so you can imagine how nerve wracking and emotional it was. But I made it! After leaving the airport (机场) and making our way to Tianjin (天津) we arrived at our dormitories at the Golden Bridge Hotel (金桥宾馆). I immediately started decorating my room with pictures and lights to make it feel more like home. I also brought with me teddies so that I had a piece of my home in Scotland (苏格兰) with me.

Everything was a bit hectic at first with all the official documents and processes like medical checks and setting up a bank account, but even though there was a lot to do, it was all part of the experience of living in China! And on the plus side, with all the walking to places to get these official things done, I’ve finally got the hang of crossing the roads in China which is very different to Scotland.

My 18th Birthday (生日)

I have to say, it was very strange celebrating my 18^th (十八) in China. I woke up that morning and I actually forgot that it was my birthday! I’m so used to having my family wake me up to celebrate (庆祝) it with me that it completely slipped my mind. It was a very odd feeling and it didn’t actually feel like it was my birthday. That soon changed when the other scholars surprised (惊喜) me. They all gathered in my room and sang happy birthday (生日快乐) to me while throwing balloons (气球). They even got me cake (生日蛋糕)! So, although it was different to what I’m used to, it was still an amazing birthday thanks to the other scholars. And what better place to spend your 18^th than in China?