So that brings us today, Saturday. I always love the first full day in a new country--it's such a dramatic contrast to how miserable I feel the first night I arrive! It's amazing what a good night's sleep and a shower can do for a weary traveler. Brian and I woke up surprisingly early today (7am), but I think we're still adjusting to the time difference. This early start gave us plenty of time to enjoy the yummy hotel breakfast, work out, and arrange a taxi for the 2 hour ride from Shanghai to our new residence of Hangzhou. And THIS time, we made sure to get a taxi who was friendly and didn't mind our baggage :).
After arriving in Hangzhou in the early afternoon, we wanted to get a feel for the place. We've been reading, conversing, and studying Hangzhou obsessively for about 8 months now. Today was the first day we saw the place that only existed in rumor and hearsay before, and today we could decide for ourselves if it is indeed the prettiest city in China. The verdict?
After West Lake, Brian and I had an adventure finding our first meal on the town. We tried to eat at a place that the tour book said was a favorite for locals, but when we get there, the menu (and reservation sheet) were completely in Chinese. No pictures, and not an English speaker in sight. Sad day--I guess the local gem will have to wait until we study food ordering in my language studies! We finally stumbled into a street food hole-in-the-wall where we pointed at pictures and used some of those other few phrases we know to order some dumplings, noodles in peanut sauce, chicken, and soup. Brian and I both ate until we were satisfied for $4.50, and the peanut sauce in particular was amazing! I think I'll stumble into hole-in-the-walls more often! :)
Now we're back in the hotel, and at 8pm, I'm fading fast. Hopefully we'll be fully adjusted to the 12 hour time difference soon, but for now, I think I'll hit the sack again. Hope to visit some famous church buidling in town tomorrow, and perhaps scope out the university campus. Stay tuned!