So in case you didn't notice, I haven't really been happy with my life in general these first weeks here in China. Of course, I've had fun and happy times, but my basic emotion hasn't been that of happiness, which is quite unlike me. I don't want to complain, because I've had huge help from my relatives, but it has been quite a rough ride in a way so far.
I can't say for certain that the tide is turning, but today, faced with two good examples of Chinese bureaucracy; I laughed instead of getting annoyed. Maybe I'm getting used to it - I do hope so, and in turn, I can perhaps now focus on exploring some fascinating aspects of Chinese culture and society I've only glimpsed so far.

Bureaucracy 1:
In miniscule text, on an information sheet we received two weeks ago, it said you could apply for campus cards (essential for eating at the Beida cafeterias and using the library). A small notice entirely in Chinese one week ago gave information about where to go for the necessary photo-taking. I wander over to the building - not an easy feat in itself - and ask about five security guards before one says "third floor". I take the elevator to the third floor and as the doors open, I see two guys with cameras and computers sitting there. I just started laughing right there and then, it felt like I had won the first price at a scavenger hunt.

Bureaucracy 2:
Yesterday I asked my teachers if I could switch to a lower Chinese writing class. The only suitable one was not allowed though, because we used the same books, it was just the pace that was different. Which sounded perfect to me - I like the book, but it's going too fast for me. But no, it wasn't allowed. So I asked anyways, explained that the next class not to collide with my Chinese oral class was way too easy for me, and hoped they'd make an exception because of my extenuating circumstances. They hummed and talked amongst themselves, shook their heads, and told me to come back the next day, but they wouldn't guarantee anything. If I did it, everyone would, the teachers would be mad at each other, bla bla bla. I said thank you, they said nothing was certain, come back tomorrow.
I go back there today, hand them the relevant documents and they cheerfully, without questions, change me to my preferred class. It took about five minutes. I was laughing inside as I walked out.

Lessons learned: No matter how strictly regulated it all seems to be, if the rule is silly or if you're persistent enough, there's always a way. Just keep politely nagging them.

All in all, a good day. Tomorrow, I meet my new class..