6 weeks in China. 2 more to go. It’s amazing how fast things change and how rapidly we adapt to them. I remember the first week in Jishou when we went to KTV being surprised and even laughing at “Big world” playing and Eliot, Cameron and Tony singing it. It was such a simple, plain song. “I’m a big, big girl, in a big, big world, it’s not a big, big thing if you leave me.” The words- hysterical. Three young men singing it- even funnier. I remember thinking “I’m never singing that- ever.”

Last week, we had lunch with June and Cameron for their birthdays, which fall on the same day. We went to a Miao style restaurant where we had lunch- after the speeches that we all gave in honor of June and Cameron. This is a very nice tradition, where you say something to the birthday boy or girl, congratulating them and thanking them for their friendship. I thanked June for being genuine and true to herself and Cameron for not being serious with me (He has a reputation amongst the students of being serious since they claim he rarely smiles. That is not the case).

After lunch, customary of Chinese birthdays, we went to KTV at 2:30 in the afternoon. After a rendition of Lucky, We R Who We R, Tonghua, came Big World. Having requested this song, I proceeded to sing along at the top of my lungs. Surprise, surprise. The “I will never sing this song- ever” turned into “I’ll yell this song until everyone else is singing along.”

I guess China is getting to me, I am becoming more Chinese. I omit “yes” sometimes and grunt in approval instead. I like to drink hot water. If the food isn’t spicy, it’s weak. The fan I used at the beginning, gone. I take afternoon naps. I like KTV. And Miao clothes. And taking photos. Basically, I love China.