Hello friends and family!

Lets start by saying I love you all and miss you all quite terribly! We took a trip to Xi'an this week, I wish I had pictures to show right now, but I'm just using a shady computer right now, no pictures. Xi'an is beautiful and crowded! It's a complete mix of old China and new.

We're staying in a hostel, my first, and I'm in love. While it reeks of pot, I still love it. Our beds are so comfy and I don't feel completely disgusted using them like our apartment, there are western toilets, and legitimate showers that produce hot water. Thats sad when you're hostel beats your home. I don't ever want to leave. I'm considering moving in.

Our trip to get to Xi'an was long and very adventerous! We used just about every mode of transportation to get here. We started with a jaunt on motor bikes to get to the bus station. A two hour bus ride, and while on the bus it started raining and the bus leaked. Poor Julia was drenched. Finally a chinese woman hung her umbrella up to catch the rain. It was the most ridiculous thing. Then we took a taxi, we weren't sure where we were going and prayed it would get us to the airport. At the airport there was more confusion. But we got on a plane. Two hours later we were back on a bus, and finally at our hostel. Quite the traveling day.

When we were at the airport we ate at Starbucks. That was the best ceaser salad wrap I've ever had. We also met a couple from Chicago who had just adopted a baby. It was way nice to speak English again. It feels like we've been here months, not a week. I can't belive it's only been a week. America seems so long far away, well, technically it is. Ha ha, right now there's Justin Timberlake playing in the background, maybe it's not as far away as I thought.

Also at the airport we met this man who was an executive chef at some restuarant in Xi'an. He was very adament we come to his restaurant while we're here to get a free meal. He found every person he could to translate for us. He was in love with April and did not want her to get on the plane. He had her talk to his assistant who spoke English to set up an arrangment. Supposedly we're getting our free meal today. We shall see!

Xi'an is amazing. It's such an exciting place! We took a tour yesterday and saw such amazing things! I need a new word other than amazing. Hmm.. We saw the Terrocota soldiers, they were spectacular! We also went to the Banpo musuem. I'd never heard of that, but it was cool. It was ruins of their ancient homesteads and apparently they were terrified of tigers back then. We saw how they made silk, and got to help a bit. Not much though. Our tour guide, Urma, who hated us, dropped us off at this fancy restaurant and we had no idea what was going on. They just kept bringing us food and we had no idea what was going on. Half of it wasn't that great, but it ended up costing us 300 yuan. Not really that much in American, but a lot for China. Our tour guide seemed very annoyed with us throughout the day, but she did tell us we were like a picnic "always laughing and singing". I don't know what kinda picnics she goes on, but I'll accept that as a compliment!

Last night we also went to a dance performance! It was so beautiful! It was set in the Tang Dynasty and included dances and music from that time period. The costumes and setting were gorgeous, and the overall expereicne was great. Getting there and getting home, more adventures. By this time it was POURING! And we had to take a bus. We waited 20 minutes in the pouring rain for a bus that never came. We then waited 10 minutes for a taxi that never came. We then walked back to the hostel and waited for a driver which took another 5 minutes, in the pouring rain. We finally got to our show, late, but it was all okay. When the show was over, it was still raining. We needed to catch a taxi. We stood in the pouring rain for another 20 minutes trying to catch a taxi. I waved down every car I saw. Finally I told the girls whatever car stopped, we'd get in. I said this somewhat jokingly, but finally a car stopped, and we got in. I'm not sure he really was a taxi. He only had one seat in the back. So most of the girls had to stand in the back of his car. I rode shot gun! This man had no idea where we were going and it was just crazy. Luckily we made it home. I was somewhat concerned at first, but I told the man I loved China and he took good care of us!

That is another thing I've learned to say in Chinese. I love China. The people love it when I say that. I think they're more just laughing at how boneheaded I am. I say it wish so much enthusiasm and I love it. Urma told me I was confusing the children when I said it. But I say it to everyone and they instantly become my friend!

Well the girls are ready for breakfast! I must be going! I love you all!

Cam