I am currently residing in East China Normal Univeristy dormitories.  To find out more: http://www.ecnu.edu.cn/2005english/English.htm.  I live in the international student dormitories (but I believe I am sharing the floor with the Chinese professors). 

My single is nicer than was I had at the new dormitories at the UW.  I have an individual bathroom, full bed, and airconditioning.  There is a communal kitchen - but there is not much need since the cafeteria is way more convenient and extremely cheap.  However, I have found there is an odd smell throughout the area (I think due to the humidity and pollution). 

I am getting use to the community I live in.  There is a huge, beautiful park located two blocks away with a beautiful lake.  It is a great place to go for a walk but it is always crowded!  Also, my campus lies on a river.  It is great to just walk underneath all of the trees along the riverside. 

In order to go to work everyday, I have to walk about fifteen minutes to the bus.  The bus ride is quite interesting.  There are so many people that it become a battle to get on the bus.  Somedays you feel like you are in a can of sardines.  Once you spot your bus, you run towards where you think it is going to stop and then push your way on.  If you are near the back of the line, you will get on the bus but you will be smooshed.  The doors do not always shut all the way due to the excess number of people.  The bus drivers do not seem to care - they just start drivinig away.  It at least privdes a nice breeze but a rather scary ride if you are the one hanging out of the door!

The food has been amazing.  It took me a while to accept that I just wasn't going to know what I was going to be eating.  It made dining out a lot easier.  Erik at work has been showing me around to the different types of food in Shanghai.  I have been eating amazingly well and have paid very little ($1.50) for a great meal! 

I work in a very beautiful building.  My office is on the 29th floor.  I have a outer office - so I get a view.  Erik and I share the office, so we stayed entertained throughout the day.  I am working in the HR department doing staffing. I officially start doing work on Monday!