Finally found a decent apartment for a decent price with decent roommates in a decent location. My bedroom is pretty small, my mattress a bit firm (but not plywood), and my window nook/balcony nonexistent, but I am satisfied. And moved in! It feels good to be organized again and not living out of three suitcases.

My apartment, besides being in a rather upscale complex, complete with a courtyard garden, is also right down the street from a Walmart, where I immediately went to pick up some food and personal necessities. It got me thinking: Because China is usually backwards, is Walmart still evil as it is in the States? I don’t know what the impact Beijing Walmarts have had on the local stores; my feeling is that it hasn’t been very big. Prices are already low, and I can’t imagine Walmart prices being significantly lower that people would brave Beijing’s inconvenient transportation system just to save a few yuan, especially when Wu-Marts, Chaoshifas and Carrefours are themselves everywhere. Besides, with everything Walmart sells made in China, it’s not like shopping there is bad for the economy.

I got myself a down pillow for 79kuai at Walmart. Score!