Chaoyang District, Beijing, China

July-August was a whirlwind of packing decisions, Craigs-listing belongings, exhausting travel, humid high-temperatures and, unrelenting culture shock. I’ve lived abroad before, and knew we all would definitely have some uncomfortable adjustments . Still, I vastly underestimated how difficult it would be to adapt while all was fresh. Luckily we lived in the 798 district this first month. It was just full of photographable novelties.  Once in a while, I could walk around and take photos to help me process my new surroundings. It became a welcome break from daily life’s grocery-store-puzzles, transportation mysteries, new smells, and adjustments to my concept of personal space.  Click any photo for a larger view.