Judy heads out for the BISS bus, and another day of orientation at the school.  She hopes to get into her room today, but painting and fumes may still be a problem.  As an experienced teacher, Judy has seen many forms of “Professional Development” activities, and BISS is no different.  Some of the activities are very helpful, and some are more discussion of “mission”, etc.  She wants to get prepared to teach, and it’s frustrating to not even have access to her room yet.

My goal of the day is get a dryer for the apartment.   One of the other teachers has told Judy about a store in “Sanlitun Village” where they have small dryers for sale.  We haven’t done laundry yet, and our allotment of underwear is beginning to thin out.  I’m not looking forward to hanging everything out around the apartment to dry.   A dryer would be nice, if I can figure out how to vent it.

My taxibook has a destination that says something about Sanlitun Village, so I’m hoping I can find it.  We get close to what I think is Sanlitun and circle around a few times.  Finally, I convince the driver to let me out.  This is a huge mall area with buildings everywhere.  I randomly select one and walk into an Aididas store (world’s largest, they say).  Out the other side is a huge Apple Store, and many other very upscale stores (Calvin Klein, Rolex, etc.)  I’m looking for “Sundan”.  We were told it was in the basement.  I find an escalator, head down, and “SUNDAN”.   I’ve found it!  I find an employee who can speak enough English to help, and purchase a dryer, a large fan, computer printer & paper, coffee maker, and more electric adapters.  Delivery for the large items will be Thursday morning.

I’m elated and decide I owe myself a good lunch.  I find several restaurants around with familiar menus, and settle on Union Bar & Grill.  I order the grilled chicken sandwich and fries, and it’s GREAT!  After lunch, I wander around Sanlitun Village to check it out.  Apparently it’s the center of activity for many expats (foreigners).  All the foreign embassies are in the neighborhood.  Lots of familiar shopping, restaurants, and bars, with employees that speak some English.

I head home, fully satisfied I can function in Beijing (or at least gesture enough to get the job done).  Judy arrives later.  I get to talk about my great accomplishments, careful to not seem like it was too much fun.  She’s been in meetings all day, and we all know what that can be like.  Jet lag seemed less of a problem for both of us.