A Day in Beijing

Since we arrived, our days have settled into a pattern as we head to Berlitz for our language classes. Here’s how it looks:

6 a.m. -- John and I both get up and get on our computers…our morning is the afternoon (the day before) in Peoria – so it’s a good time to connect.

8 a.m. -- We head to breakfast. Until our furniture arrives, we’re staying at a “serviced” apartment in Beijing – a serviced apartment is furnished, provides cleaning and also breakfast. Every morning we say hello to the girl in the little store – we started with a simple Ni Hau…now we try our latest Mandarin greetings! She also helps us count…




8:15 Breakfast – most of the folks here at the Ascott are expats…there’s always a selection of Chinese and traditional breakfast items.

8:30 --We meet up with Yan Shufu…note our snazzy silver van!
8:45 -- Berlitz is hard…we get a sick feeling as we get closer. We get a latte at Starbucks every day to help give us strength.












9 a.m. -- We each go into individual classrooms where the teachers drill us one on one in Mandarin. It’s a gift when we get a break together!

Noon -- Even lunch is in Mandarin language…we go with our teachers to various restaurants in the area.

1:30 -- Another three hours in class.

4:30 -- We head home and usually have a cocktail immediately. It’s tough work but also exciting – we’re starting to recognize words around us!

Dinner -- Every other night we try a new dining adventure…but many nights we simply stay in and recover!