Katie Chao Yan is relaxing more and becoming "herself". She is understanding Mr. G.'s sense of humor and she's dishing it right back to him, mainly in the form of playful arm punches.

Katie LOVES the mall! In China, people often negotiate the price of things. Katie was able to buy a $30 necklace for $15. She will need to get used to how we buy things in America when she gets home!

Steve said that while they were out shopping, he noticed that it was acceptable to push another person's cart out of the way or budge through a crowd without saying "sorry" or "excuse me". It is a cultural difference--it may appear rude to us, but that is the way that things were done there. Katie will need to get used to this difference too!

This morning, Katie spelled out "K-a-t-i-e" for me on the phone. Her pronunciation of English is excellent so far! She also said, "Mother, I like music." We were incorrect about her not liking noodles--she actually loves them!

We got some more information about the trip to the orphanage tomorrow. The director for all of Jiangsu Province has met Katie before, and has taken a personal interest in her. This is why she wants to see her off and meet Mr. G. Educators are also held in high regard in China. Mr. G. is an "educational advisor" (the Chinese term for guidance counselor), and they are giving him a lot of respect.