This morning… (by morning I mean about 1:00pm) I woke up and rushed for some breakfast before our scheduled U of M Welcome Party. I know we have only been here a week, but it seems to be much much longer and the idea of a welcome party seemed a bit odd for everyone even though this is the first weekend after arriving.
Lunch at the Canteen was only serving fried rice. Rumor was that there was not going to be any food provided at the welcome party so I had a large helping of rice and one of the drinks that is a cross between milk and a drinkable yogurt to get some calcium. I then got my first experience in a new mode of transportation that is very popular here… riding on the back of someone’s bike.
Bikes are the main form of transportation for all students here meaning there are loads of bikes everywhere. Between classes you are basically playing a game of frogger to cross the street. Most of the bikes are somewhat old, single speed, and have a flat grate like structure on the back over the rear tire. Students will use this back grate as a seat and peddle each other around campus. I got to ride on one from the canteen to our welcome party location and i must say it was quite fun, and quite an ab workout.
Just as I arrived at the party on my bike I finished my large drink (which is incredibly filling) and see that there are all sorts of food there for us to eat. 
Events started off with a few quick questions from the staff about our experiences thus far. Basically the general opinion was that everyone was having a great time, especially when it came to going out at night. We then participated in a series of games involving the University of Michigan students and their buddies.
I have not talked about the buddy system very much because my buddy has been gone since he helped me carry my bags into my room,but I will review it for a second. Basically every Michigan student was given a buddy that is suppose to help them adjust to life in Shanghai and the university. The system was designed to help us have a source for help with problems no matter when they might occur. They also come with us on trips and help introduce us to various parts of the city. Overall I would say the system has worked amazingly. The Chinese students always seem willing to help us in every way possible for the most part. The only real problem I have heard about with buddies is with mine who has been busy with exams and student government elections and hasn’t had much time to hang out. (After starting the classes here I can see how one might be short on time)
The games were pretty fun and most of the group seemed to enjoy the start. One game had participants tie one leg to a partner in a three leg race fashion with a balloon tied to each ankle. You then tried to pop the balloons of the other teams.
After the introduction and games we had different stations that we go to to participate in various activities. One station had games related to the use of chop sticks and marbles, another station was set up so you could write your name in Chinese with paint, and the final station was could be described as similar to a hacky sack juggling station. So of course I went straight to the juggling station.
The juggling station used what is most easily described as a shuttle cock in badminton which was designed to be kicked. The students started to explain how it worked and I gave it a shot. They were very impressed with my first attempt as I ended up getting around ten or so. They became very excited when I started to get more, and by the end of the day my score of 92 was enough for me to win the competition by a fair margin. (The Chinese students participated in the juggling contest too) I ended up getting approached by quite a few people throughout the day asking me about my soccer experience and telling me that I was very good at the game. I also won an odd stuff animal that the girls here seem to really like. On a curious side note apparently the name of this particular stuff animal is very similar to a very dirty Chinese phrase.
After the games we were treated to food, a tia chi lesson, and some music by a Chinese student band playing American music. The band was actually quite good, and I found it odd that they were able tosing without a Chinese accent.
Overall the party was fun and I am continually impressed with how much effort is put in to making us feel welcome here.
