Are you talking to me?

I have met so many lovely Chinese people...and I've hardly been able to say a word to them that they would understand. It's frustrating because I want to make a connection with these people. Some times it seems like they are talking to me, but I can't tell or I have no idea whats going on. Nonetheless they are very gracious about my American ignorance for the most part. At least when I start learning more Chinese I'll easily be able to find a place to use it and practice.
Also, just yesterday the rest of the students moved in to get ready for classes. These are people from all over the world who speak numerous languages. Everyone stares and wonders about the others. Our group now realizes that it was rather nice having the dorm all to ourselves since it was like we had our own private elevator. Now there is a lot more waiting and congestion. It will be worth it though once we start meeting interesting new people and can finally stop wondering.
Something I find slightly funny is that many public places here play old American pop music like Mandy Moore and Avril Lavigne. It's also kind of scary because it is like China is only a decade away from becoming the new U.S. I really wish other countries wouldn't follow in our crazy ass foot steps. Pop music was awful. Industry is awful. Media pressures are awful. Self-righteousness is awful. Greed is awful. Bamboo forests and clean water are much more valuable. Relationships are much more valuable.
Relationships seem much simpler here. People actually like people. Friends hold hands. They want to be around people without any hidden motives. Just the other day we sat in a little tea shop and this amazing lady poured us cup after cup of tea for free! There was no pressure to buy anything, she simply enjoyed the art of making tea for company. Her helper even smelled the lid of the tea pot everytime she brewed something because she enjoyed it so much. She even had me and a friend try to do it ourselves. Needless to say we ended up buying plenty and pledging our loyalty to the store.
Other notes
-just got an hour long back massage for 40 yuan or about 7 dollars. soooooo gooooood
-bananas taste better here and my favorite fruit lady has tasty papaya! *salivates* My favorite
-Had my own tea party today with my new tea set! And a flower tea that blooms in water!
-I hate Chinese toilets. They are a basically a plastic hole in the ground that flushes. You squat and "do your business" as my teacher Li Shumin says. You also need to bring your own toilet paper
-I really need to do laundry
-I'm on skype between 7-9PM Iowa time most days