Our first few days!

We have made it!! Our flights over were uneventful -- except when we got to Beijing and couldn't find most of the students. And just as the plane boarded, our little huskers came running. By the time we arrived in Xi'an, we were all exhausted but incredibly excited. The girls will tell more about our first three days -- they have been a Chinese adventure. The swine flu is very much a concern for the government and just as we had arrived, a case of swine flu was discovered in the next province. This has had important effects on our trip and schedule. Not only are we probed by a thermometer twice a day at somewhat regular intervals (as long as we are not overheated!), they requested that we do not go out in public, especially meet with Chinese students. They also wanted us to eat in our dorms instead in on campus or in nearby restaurants. Such a request however was regarded as impossible...and so we have continued to try to show others the wonderful world of Xi'an, China. The rain howewver has also made it difficult to wander around aimlessly but I've heard that it will be nicer on the weekend. The Chinese classes have been great and the girls are enjoying using their Chinese...

So, we just can't believe how quickly our reality has changed. The food, by the way, seems to only have gotten better. We enjoyed hot pot...and walked around our old neighborhood. Yesterday we went to a nearby "town"... of several hundred thousands to see a bit of rural life. We were warmly squeezed by the local middle schoolers.

The kids will write soon