These past two days have been productive and energizing. I think that it was in comparison to being tired after a long weekend, and sheer excitement for South Africa. I am also having moments of feeling super appreciation for my friends here. Katie V. is never mean even if she says she is. Adam gives the best hugs. KJ says, "Kate: i could have said rubber duckie
4:25 AM so i'm not THAT bad
right? right?
BU JUST ADDED AN AFRICA & GLOBALIZATION CLASS
CAN YOU IMAGINE THAT
I MEAN REALLY
4:26 AM AHHHHHHHHHHH
OH I'M ALL TINGLY IN MY CEREBRAL CORTEX
me: i love you
Kate: i love grey matter
and sasha
and puppies
4:27 AM yep, that's it - grey matter, sasha and puppies
4:29 AM me: theres my thesis title
Kate: glad i could be of assistant
*assisstance
lordy, i can't even spell

Please note the time. That's right, last night Beijing. After Suzie Wong's Expat lounge where we met Semester-at-Sea-ers and Russian models, KTV and I unsuccessfully tried to find a 24 hour massage place and ended up at the internet cafe only to find the stragglers of the country paper finishing up their work. I'm getting sleepy.
We have had some good reflection sessions as a group. People have felt (and I am guilty of this too) that China is fake, that our speakers don't tell the truth, and we overall are not exposed to what is real here. Cebes commented that what we see is what is real. That was nice to hear since I had been thinking that we chose what we want to see. I am raising deeper questions than I am capable of dwelling on right now. I have a surprise though that has to do with a lotus flower. Those who know me well can guess. Peace.