ShangLi School, HaiDian district, Beijing
Well, I’ve arrived! I’m now sat in what is to be my bedroom for the next couple of weeks. It’s pretty good, actually—I have a TV (with CCTV9), air conditioning and a mosquito net over my bed. There’s plenty of space for all of my junk and right across the hall is the common room, equipped with a computer with ADSL Internet access. I’ve already checked for WiFi but unfortunately, there isn’t any. Not to worry—it seems that it was a stroke of good luck my Dad had sent his PCMCIA CompactFlash reader along with the laptop when it went back to be repaired; his USB CF reader has already been exceptionally useful!
Above you can see my shower and toilet room—for once a shower in China even comes with a shower curtain (not that you can see in this photo).
The common room—looks pretty cluttered to me, but from what I’ve heard I’m pretty much the only person staying in this building. Having said that, I’ve already seen at least three or four other people.
Finally, the kitchen/dining area. There is also another room with a washing machine and toilet attached.
I’m not quite sure how I’m going to fit into my bed, but I’m sure I’ll manage. Fortunately there are a whole pile of plugs in this room, unlike other places. For once I’ll be able to plug in my laptop and not be forced to disconnect the lights to do so. I have my very own room ‘phone—the number is +861082594275, once you hear some Chinese automated message, dial 815 to get through to my room :)
That’s it for now—I’ll post this entry and a few others I’ve had written up on my laptop in a few minutes when I head to the common room. Time for me to catch up on the stuff that’s been going on in the world. Bye for now!
May 3rd, 2006 at 12:02 am
Lewiz, I came across your page when I did a google image search for Shangli School. How long did you work there for? I am preparing to work there in the fall and after reading a bit about it on your site am looking forward to talking with you about it. Where you an English major in college? How did you like the whole experience? If you have time, I have about a million questions for you! Thank you very much, and I have really enjoyed looking at your pictures!
Carol Richman
carolandrea3@gmail.com