JB on day 1

Of the trip over, it was a lot different then we expected.  The only thing we had to worry about was getting the checked bags under weight - 50 lbs max.  Otherwise, we had no other problems with the qty or weight of carry-ons, etc.  In fact, we did not get stopped by customs at all.  It seemed no one did.  We were stopped, however, by immigration.  Everyone was - one at a time - while we waited behind CIA-type thick glass sliding doors, it was pretty intimidating.

What was surprising on the flight, was the great level of service.  I am not sure if this is true of all transcontinental flights, but we were pampered compared to domestic flights.  We got hot dinner AND cold breakfast.  3 free alcoholic drinks, if wanted (I had 2, Katie had .5); free soda; a warm washcloth to wash with before landing; a selection of like 20 free movies; free video games; under and forward-facing camera feeds (though all we saw were clouds, except when landing).  It was super nice.  I watched just one movie.  It was Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, an Indian movie about a couple who meet and each says they are engaged but fall in love and have to tell each other the truth.  It was hilarious!  I recommend it.  Katie mostly slept, or tried to.  Also, there was like 20 radio feeds to listen to.  I listened a lot to the Scandinavian channel - it was very similar to "alternative" and pop radio.

The first night we were here, we found out that it would be difficult to figure things out around here.  Everyone knows English, but no one speaks it unless necessary.  When walking around we looked for words that were similar to English.  I think the word for restaurant is restaraung or something like that.

Work was pretty good.  Every one was very nice.  They do not know much about the program I am in and are so far reluctant to give me work.  I think they think I have stuff to do, but I consistantly ask for assignments.  We'll see how it goes.  Every wears clothes similar to Americans.  If it weren't for the written and spoken words, you would think you were in a strange place in the US.

Katie is still jet lagged and very tired, so that is all for now.  Thanks to everyone who has written back or otherwise reached out to us.

Talk to you soon!