Boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it.

Today I got a Hepatitis A shot and a prescription for Ciprofloxacn, an anti-diarrheal antibiotic that you can't get OTC. Beautiful, I know. The Indiana Travel Medicine folks also sat me down and gave me the nitty-gritty on the do's and don'ts and the "if you eat this your digestive tract will never be the sames." I can't drink anything I didn't open myself, no ice, no raw or undercooked foods (meats or otherwise), nothing washed in water, no fruits or veggies I can't peel, and no salads... underlined. The bacteria on the far side of the world is different. So different, in fact, that a potential miss-eat could land me on the pot and out of commission for a good chunk of my trip. Yummy. I will shower normally, but I will brush my teeth in bottled water.

In other news, roommate assignments are out! Andrea and I have been paired up, and a link to her blog is up. It's called, "Beijing, Bicycles and a Very Big Wall." Check it out! We were on the same "debate team" for our qualification interview for this trip and have gotten to know each other a little bit. I'm looking forward to getting to know Andrea as we settle in to living in a Chinese dorm room for a couple of months!

Mom and I spent a good chunk of time (and money) waltzing about Wal-Mart, picking up toiletries and medications, and putting together a first-aid kit. Nanno will be in town tomorrow to help me pack. American Airlines allows two 70lbs checked bags and a 40lbs carry-on. Thursday holds a date with Nanny for lunch, followed by a dinner-date with some friends from home. Friday we'll be heading up to stay the night and experience Chicago's Independence Day celebrations with Bando Kelly. Saturday is the big day :)

I'm getting anxious and looking very forward to getting settled in Beijing.

XOXO