Update from Mady--now with viewable photos!!

The family I stay with is very nice, they have a beautiful apartment. They thought I was very beautiful and immediately welcomed me into their home with overflowing generosity and hospitality. Within an hour of my arrival, we went to a nearby mountain and hiked to the top. Along the way lots of people followed us and asked to take pictures of me, which was a little nerve racking and very different from America. Some of the people would just come up right to my face and take pictures or touch my hair. There's very little to no sense of personal space. 

The food is fantastic, different and unfamiliar tastes, but they're all delicious. I didn't ask what anything was and quite honestly I'm glad I didn't, I feel like it would be less enjoyable if I knew. One dish last night had celery and I was so happy when I first tasted it because it was like an instant reminder of home. The mom is an exceptional cook and I have no problem cleaning my plate at every meal. The smog is terrible, Kathy (my host student), says their sky is almost always white. My first day here it felt as if you couldn't inhale like you can back home. I feel like the saying "you never truly miss something until it's gone" has never more so applied to my life than throughout this trip. I never thought that out of everything, the things I'd miss most would be a blue sky and not worrying about the air I breathe. 

I miss English very much, but I enjoy the challenge speaking and understanding Chinese presents. However it's extremely hard for me to have to focus on every single thing anyone says; it seems so alien to me that these people are able to speak and understand such a difficult language with ease. These people are very different socially too, much more friendly. 

I think that one of the greatest and most interesting differences between China and America is the influences of their history throughout their daily modern life. On streets and in the music you see bits and pieces of their past history intertwined with modern culture. Personally, I feel China has one of the most impressive histories and enriched cultures that still stand with much prevalence today. While I am excited to return home, I will miss my time is China and I know I will forever be influenced by the experience I've created and the people who've come along in it.