I finally made it off campus today! We took a group field trip for lunch to Dayu Bay, a little shopping center in walking distance of campus. So I didn’t go far, but I went.
We ate at a restaurant called Jim’s Bar and I had a chicken sandwich. It was lovely and American-tasting and I was kind of glad to get something without garlic and “hot sauce” in it (although I do really like the food here in general).
We ate in the “Duke room,” so I felt right at home, ha. (The spiderwebs are Halloween decorations.)
We also lucked out and had a perfect day here: Just the right temperature, and low pollution, which means beautiful, blue skies.
I love that there’s so much water here. The campus has a lake water feature in the center of it, and everywhere you go there’s another small lake or a large fountain.
While we were at lunch, the group pointed out a small grocery store for me. (I smell a beer run tonight!) There’s also a Starbucks, and Jesse bought me a latte. I had been feeling a little homesick this morning watching everyone’s Halloween festivities on social media, so my lunch-and-Starbucks put me back in my comfort zone for a few minutes. Now I’m ready for more adventuring.
Plants are important here, too, in addition to water. Most of my coworkers have ivy or spider plants on their desks, or fresh flowers. While we were at the shops at lunch, Lydia bought a big, beautiful bouquet at an adorable flower shop. She brought me a sprig of it, too, for my desk! So now I fit in a little bit better around here.
Everyone has been so kind, accommodating and friendly. I’m lucky to have had so many people looking out for me my first few days here.
0 Comments