How hot is it?

So, next time you're tempted to say, "It's SO hot!" in Minnesota, ask yourself, "How hot is it?" Is it so hot (and humid) that your clothes are sticking to you after a leisurely 5 minute walk at 7:30 in the a.m.? I knew it would be warm, but this is something I am very unaccustomed to. Thankfully, the apartment is cool, with air conditioning units in each bedroom.   One of the counselors, Jeffrey, took us via bus (BRT #3) to the shopping center. It costs about $.30 each way on the bus. There is an enormous market there with most anything you can imagine needing. We shopped lightly, though, as we have to carry our purchases back on the bus, and up 5 flights of stairs. For immediate needs, there is a produce market and a little market in the lower level of our builidng. How convenient!   Yesterday, the girls (after having slept ALL afternoon!) made a couple of purchases all on their own. And, no, the shopkeepers speak no English. I am very proud of my girls for recognizing that they wished they could speak Chinese (not the other way around) and felt bad that they are visiting and should be able to speak the language. Last night, they had the guidebook out trying to pick up a few phrases.   The cafeteria in the school served stir fry (surprised? I was, and I am not sure why... Maybe because I assume that Americanized Chinese food is probably in reality very different from real Chinese food. Not so far... ). We enjoyed the Chinese broccoli very much too.   Last night, I used the little kitchen and stir fried our dinner. It turned out pretty well but I certainly don't get the rice as lovely as the locals make it. It was nice to get to bed early. Actually, I tried to stay awake to watch a movie but the girls kicked me out when I started snoring at 8 p.m.!   The air is not very clean and the streets, while not littered, are dirty/dusty. The apartment floors seem to have a film of dust on them, thereby necessitating the house shoes that are there by the door when you walk in.   We have a "regular" toilet. I have yet to see a different version, but we have been very few places yet. The apartment is larger than my condo! There is a shower (2 stalls, actually) and in the kitchen, 3 sinks. Not sure why and they are all much smaller than we are used to.   Well, it's day 2 at the job. I am having a great time getting to know my colleagues. They have been so incredibly accommodating and gracious.   Do let us know what's happening at home, too!   Jackie