35 hours and counting

In thrity five hours this trip will officially be underway. I just found out that there will be another English speaker at the school where I'll be working which is definitely a relief. I am all about immersing myself in this culture, but it is nice to know I'll be able to speak English on occassion if I really want to. I now know seven Chinese words, which is better than the previous high of one. I've been told that I can offer to exchange my knowledge of English for another teacher's knowledge of Chinese, so hopefully I'll be able to ask such things as "where is the water?" and "where is the emergency room?" within a few weeks. In all seriousness, I'm really curious if I will actually be able to learn a language just by being immersed in it. I hear that works but I remain skeptical. Okay, more to come, but probably not until I'm on the other side of the Pacific. Take care,
Zack