rain, rain, go away!

our plans to play basketball with students on the court just outside of our hotel were thwarted by our daddy, who in sympathy for the dry-ish river beds, let the skys loose. i think he figured we'd figure out some way to meet students AND stay dry!
we "set up shop" in the hotel lobby, a poorly lit expanse of space used for little other than collecting dust and a place to park a motor cycle. in the front area near the door are a few couches and a coffee table, so we asked permission to hang out. so we pulled up a few stools and played cards during the heaviest rain. a few students dropped by to stay for a bit, and it was neat to be able to introduce our students to our team.
we broke for some lunch, then were able to get out and about and met our students for some time around town. shopping is always a welcome activity for our girls, but with students along, it's a good opportunity for them to get to know each other without awkward pauses. plus the chinese students love to haggle for our team, so it's a win-win!
we parted ways for dinner and and afterwards headed to the internet cafe with some of the students. there we caught up on some email (and some second hand smoke, but that's another story). upon returning to the hotel, some collapsed after a nice shower, others played cards. unhurried time is the best!