Through the wasteland…

After 4.5 hours of sleep in Laura’s studio apartment, this morning (the 28th) we trekked over to the train station to board an 8-hour train to Harbin. I can’t say I feel guilty for sleeping through a decent chunk of the ride since the view for most of the 8 hours was the same – frozen Chinese tundra with a few houses interspersed here and there. (I’d insert a picture but the censored version of this website won’t let me)

Just when you leave Wisconsin and think it can’t get much colder, you get off the train in Harbin. It is the 10th largest city in China with a population of 4.5m people. I’m still trying to figure out why so many people willingly put up with the -30 degree weather. Survival tips I learned today:

1. Don’t go anywhere without Laura, or someone who you trust who is fluent in both Chinese and English. I have never felt so illiterate or helpless in all of my traveling
2. Wear a thermal layer at all times. Uggs and obnoxious Russian fur hats, purchased this afternoon, are also very helpful

• Note 1: Thermals are not very comfortable with tight fitting jeans.
• Note 2: Wearing more than four layers on top is almost enough to stay warm but seriously hinders upper body movement