Qingdao

After two weeks of studying Chinese and exploring Qingdao I have more than enough to write about in my blog. Even before the summer university had officially started, we were brought to the beer festival in Qingdao. As a group of Bavarian students who are used to the Oktoberfest in Munich it was great fun. But before we got our well-deserved "Tsingtao" beer (which also comes with pineapple flavour!)we had to walk in a small parade. However, we didn't get too much attention since we were walking right behind a group of Brasilian dancers who wore less than I'd wear on the beach! Needless to say that (not only) the male audience loved them. Another interesting thing about the beer festival was that they were selling beer in plastic bags! Unfortunately some people had a little too much of that beer and I got quite annoyed with two Chinese guys who wanted to invite me for a drink. Even after refusing for at least 5 times they wouldn't accept it. So in the end I was really happy when we finally left.

 After the weekend our Chinese classes finally started. The 3,5 hours reminded me of a singing class, cause we had to repeat the four different tones at least 50 times... ma, ma, ma, ma! And now, after having studied Chinese for 1,5 weeks I still have problems with distinguishing the different tones, but it's getting better.

When I'm not studying or sleeping (both of this takes most of my time) I go into town shopping or visit the beach. At first I was surprised by the prices here in China, cause in the malls everything is just as expensive here as it is in Germany. However, when we visited the night market, I could finally makes some great bargains. I bought a dress and a thin jacket for around 8 Euros (together). I think that the clothes here in China look a lot better than in Germany. It's so easy here to find a beautiful dress or skirt... the only problem is that I'd have to lose at least 5 kg to fit into most of them :(