All my bags are packed and I'm ready to go

The great John Denver put it perfectly.... I'm leaving on a jet plane! (granted i'm not so lonesome i could die and i do kind of know when i'll be back, but thats not the point here!). I've got my visa, my luggage is weighed (each bag is 30 lbs. if you must know, impressive right??), and the farewell dinner is planned; i think im ready, at least thats what the packed suitcases, a clean room and a plane ticket say. I start my international adventure tomorrow in Chicago where i'll catch my flight for Shanghai on Tuesday morning. The reality of this next semester is coming true, in 3 days im going to getting off a plane all by myself in China.
Something that i can't wait to see in Shanghai is the World Expo (http://en.expo2010.cn/). It starts in May and goes through October so i'll get to see the transformation of the city. Shanghai is a polluted, dirty city but the theme of this expo is "Better City, Better Life". This theme focuses on a better future with sustanable development and better living in urban areas. Like with the Beijing Olympics, Shanghai will have to clean up the city since the worlds eye's will be on it. As i continue this blog i want to share what i see in this changing city for the expo.
After a wonderful 16 hour flight Wednesday when i get there we'll move into our apartments and get situated. For the semester i'll be living in Tonghe International Apartments with either one or two other housemates. One of my housemates will be a student at Fudan University, which is going to be a great opportunity for me to practice my Chinese and get a local perspective. From Thursday (星期四)- Sunday (星期天) we have orientation. During this four day orientation ill get to know more about what to expect this semester and get to know the city better.
The best way to contact me this semester is either e-mail or skype (which i expect all of you to take advantage of). My e-mail is odonneka@muohio.edu and my skype contact is aodonnell89. Facebook has blocks in China and im exactly sure when and if im going to be able to use it.

xoxo
Aryn