Fire at Fudan

Thursday, December 13th, 2007



As I was going to class on Wednesday, I saw a fire break out on campus. The fire was in the art building which was next to building 5 and 6. I had my international political economy class in building 6. Apparently the fire was on the top floor of the art building and you could see a massive amount of smoke fuming out of the windows. By the time I got there, it looked like the smoke had been coming out for awhile because it looked so heavy. I guess it was also kind of hard to tell since it was also rainy and foggy that day. I couldn’t really do anything. There were already spectators, so I’m sure someone called 911. What would you call in China anyway? It’s probably not 911…something I should have probably looked up. So I just carried on with my business and went to class. I didn’t start hearing the fire trucks come until a little after I got into class. I’m not surprised, it’s China. Throughout our whole entire class I could hear the sirens get louder and louder and then stop. I never saw fires blazing but a local student sitting in front of me told me that her friend inside the art building text her asking to get help, but not to send anyone that wouldn’t be helpful, like students. We didn’t know what to do, nor was there much we could have done anyway. By the time I got out of class, nothing was there. It looked like the fire didn’t exist at all, so I guess it wasn’t that bad. I hope no one was hurt but since we’re in China, I’m sure we’ll never find out that kind of information.

I’m basically done with all my finals except for the one tomorrow afternoon, but it’s going to be a take home final anyway. Our history class doesn’t end until January but since all the Americans are leaving, he’s giving us a take home final that will be due sometime Saturday afternoon. I had a final last Wednesday and then this Monday and Tuesday. They weren’t bad, especially if you studied. Since Tuesday, I’ve just been doing little things. Monday night we had a Secret Santa celebration. It was basically with all the students from University of California (UC). I’ve grown to be very fond of the UC kids. They’re pretty sweet. The event was a great success and everyone had a great time. Tomorrow night the UC students have their graduation dinner. I’ll probably work on my final during that time. Afterwards we’re going out to this place called Creek Art. There’s a Christmas party with swing jazz there so I’m looking forward to it. I’m not too sure what I’m doing Saturday yet. But Sunday night we’re having a birthday dinner for 3 people from UC. Their birthdays are 3 days in a row at the end of the month. Then after that, we’re going to KTV.

I can’t believe I’m leaving Wednesday night. It’s definitely way too soon. I’m really going to miss the people I’ve met here.