From The Land of Endless Summer...

I'm told "Guiyang" means "precious sunlight," and I don't know if I've ever heard a more appropriate name for a city.  In the month I've been here there have been two days in which the sun dared poke its head from behind the clouds, and neither time was it for very long.  It seems to be always drizzling or foggy out, and oftentimes I can't see the mountaintops surrounding the city. 

On the bright side, it seems like Spring will be arriving soon.  The days have been warmer than in the first few weeks since my arrival, and there doesn't seem to be quite as much need for me to wear all the clothes I own in order to go outside for the day.

My apartment here is on the 7th floor, and it has a MASSIVE patio area that seems like it will be ideal when warmer, dryer weather comes around.  As for now, it's just somewhere I can stick my head out and see how bad the weather is for the day.

Weather issues aside, I'm having loads of fun.  I had my first week of teaching my own classes just last week, and it really is a fun and -mostly- easy job.  The kids are pretty adorable, and they often show me a lot more affection than is probably necessary.  Still, it's hard to turn down free candy in the middle of a long work day.

Right now, I'm sitting on my bed with a bottle of peach juice, wondering if my water heater is working properly so I can have a nice, long shower.  I guess this demonstrates two lessons I've learned about China so far: 1.  The orange juice here is VILE, and 2. You can't ever really count on anything.

I miss everyone a bunch!  Make sure to post comments!

Here's a view from my place on one of those precious-few, semi-clear days.  Can't wait to send pics on a totally clear day!

Out for a walk one day when I spotted this piece of architectural nonsense.  I can't explain it, and I'm not sure anyone involved in the construction of this building could either.  Madness.