My day starts off with a quick trip back to BHSFIC.  I managed to leave some necessary computer cords at the school.  I need them this weekend, so the one-hour commute over, and another hour long commute back to the apartment is delightful (is the sarcasm obvious enough).

BISS is having a lunch today for all the “new” staff members and their families.  It’s a chance for us to celebrate 4 months in Beijing.  Everyone attends with families, and it’s a really good time.  We get a chance to eat and then tell our best TIC (this is China) story.  There are some really funny stories, including the Head of School’s wife visa issues (she can’t get a family Z visa, and has to leave the country every 3 months and reapply for a tourist visa).  How fun!  There are too many great ones for me to write about here.

Scott Lindner, the HS music teacher, and his family

Ruta, from Latvia, with one of her four children.

Javier, from Spain, teaches English, with his wife and daughters

After lunch, Judy and I walk around the area, just checking it out.  We’ve heard there are some unusual shops in the area, but we can’t find them.  We head back to the apartment, and spend the rest of the day catching up on schoolwork, financial stuff, and blog writing. 

A gingerbread house, in mid-construction.

Back at the apartment. It’s a gorgeous afternoon.