Before the Trip
Before any trip that I've taken, I have always had a really bad habit of getting overly excited! This never turns out well because when I'm over excited it means that I CANNOT SLEEP. So before the trip, I have to concentrate on my finals and put the trip in the back of my mind so it doesn't interfere with my studies. I can be excited after finals are over. :D
Some pictures, big thanks to USI Photo Services.
Some pictures, big thanks to USI Photo Services.
On the Plane (May 16- May 18)
Plane rides are always the most time consuming parts of the trip. I left from Indianapolis on Thursday, May 16. It was a forty-five minute plane ride from Indianapolis to Chicago, and in Chicago, I met up with the rest of the China gang.
The 12 hour flight from Chicago to Tokyo was extremely long, and when we finally arrived in Beijing we were all relieved... Until we found out that our luggage was still half way around the world. A nice change of clothes would have been nice after a day of traveling, but being in the beautiful city of Beijing, no one could complain.
The 12 hour flight from Chicago to Tokyo was extremely long, and when we finally arrived in Beijing we were all relieved... Until we found out that our luggage was still half way around the world. A nice change of clothes would have been nice after a day of traveling, but being in the beautiful city of Beijing, no one could complain.
Finally, We're in Chongqing! (May 18)
The group arrived in Chongqing at two and immediately we ate our first meal!
I was starving after the plane ride from Beijing to Chongqing, and the food they prepared for us was delicious! Everyone seemed to enjoy all the dishes even though they were different compared to the American-Chinese food they experience in the United States. It's important to keep an open mind when visiting new countries and try all the different cuisines.
Dishes varied. We always had a vegetable dish, a couple of meat dishes, soup, and rice.
I was starving after the plane ride from Beijing to Chongqing, and the food they prepared for us was delicious! Everyone seemed to enjoy all the dishes even though they were different compared to the American-Chinese food they experience in the United States. It's important to keep an open mind when visiting new countries and try all the different cuisines.
Dishes varied. We always had a vegetable dish, a couple of meat dishes, soup, and rice.
Touring Southwest University (May 19)
Southwest University (SWU) is very similar to other colleges in the United States. The students enjoy different activities like Cosplay and Kungfu. Cosplay like the picture to the left is very popular in Asian countries like China and Japan; students will dress up as their favorite Anime character and role play. I never really see this in USI, but here in SWU, it is a weekly event so students can get together.
Even after our long tour, we had not even seen most of the campus. Southwest University's campus is so huge, it takes nearly forty minutes to walk from one end of campus to the other. Everyone who went on the tour was exhausted, but luckily when we got back to our dorm, our missing luggage had finally arrived!
Even after our long tour, we had not even seen most of the campus. Southwest University's campus is so huge, it takes nearly forty minutes to walk from one end of campus to the other. Everyone who went on the tour was exhausted, but luckily when we got back to our dorm, our missing luggage had finally arrived!
First Day of Class (May 21)
Oddly, waking up at seven in the morning in China is easy. Back home, I can barely wake up for my nine o'clock classes, but with the jet lag, our bodies are being oddly. It took a few days to get back to our normal routine, but not having regular is different. There aren't any computer labs open to people that aren't full time students. However, there is wifi connection in the classrooms. If I look in the windows I can see college students on the phone, using their wifi like many American students.
Our first language class was today! For Shannon and Jessica, it was all new. We learned the basics like we would in any foreign language class: hello, what is your name, how are you, and nice to meet you. There family should be really proud that they are learning such a hard language, and just in one days work, they have learned half of unit one! It's very impressive!
An hour before dinner, we met our language partners for the first time. They are the ones who will be helping us improve our Chinese while we help them on their English. We have much more to learn from them. Their English is much more advanced compared to our Chinese. Afterwards, we went onto the streets and got our first taste of Chongqing street food! And boy was it spicy! There are bright red peppers in almost every dish. Since the weather here is so humid, we don't really sweat. The peppers in the food really makes us sweat bullets! I'm not a fan on spicy foods, but since I'm here, I can't leave until I try the local flavors.
Walking out in the streets at night might not be a fad in Indiana, but its great exercise for people in China after a big dinner. A few of us went walking around nine o'clock. We stop in a game parlor! They are super popular in China. The employees there were really helpful when they explained the games to us (in Chinese). Many people have never seen foreigners in Chongqing, so they jumped at the chance to help all of us out. Many shops were closed at this hour, but we stumbled across a McDonald's walk-to-window. We all ordered our American favorites; it was delicious. We all noticed the nice cream was a little different, but it was still the of cream we remembered.
Our first language class was today! For Shannon and Jessica, it was all new. We learned the basics like we would in any foreign language class: hello, what is your name, how are you, and nice to meet you. There family should be really proud that they are learning such a hard language, and just in one days work, they have learned half of unit one! It's very impressive!
An hour before dinner, we met our language partners for the first time. They are the ones who will be helping us improve our Chinese while we help them on their English. We have much more to learn from them. Their English is much more advanced compared to our Chinese. Afterwards, we went onto the streets and got our first taste of Chongqing street food! And boy was it spicy! There are bright red peppers in almost every dish. Since the weather here is so humid, we don't really sweat. The peppers in the food really makes us sweat bullets! I'm not a fan on spicy foods, but since I'm here, I can't leave until I try the local flavors.
Walking out in the streets at night might not be a fad in Indiana, but its great exercise for people in China after a big dinner. A few of us went walking around nine o'clock. We stop in a game parlor! They are super popular in China. The employees there were really helpful when they explained the games to us (in Chinese). Many people have never seen foreigners in Chongqing, so they jumped at the chance to help all of us out. Many shops were closed at this hour, but we stumbled across a McDonald's walk-to-window. We all ordered our American favorites; it was delicious. We all noticed the nice cream was a little different, but it was still the of cream we remembered.
School Visits (May 22 - May 23)
Schools here are a bit different compared to the United States. In China, the students have two hour lunch break, where they go home, eat lunch, and take a nap. After the break the students come back to school for lessons. It might seem nice to American students to take a two hour break in between their morning and afternoon classes, but because of that break, they have to say in school until five.
We visited a boarding school for high schoolers on May 22, and if American students thing their teachers/professors gave a lot of homework, they need to go to a Chinese boarding school.Every students in that class literally had a stack of books on their desk that was a foot tall. I don't even know how they find time to hang out with friends and play basketball on the playgrounds after school. The juniors in the class we visit were very amused with the Americans in the room, but when we walked in, they didn't skip a beat. A few glanced up, but most were indulged in their studies. After class was over, many were too shy to ask questions, and we had to go by to each group of students. The middle schoolers were visited right after were quite different. They jumped at every chance to talk to all the Americans but me. :( To many of the middle school students I blended in, On May we visited our first elementary school. It was there at a littler Chinese girl came up to me in the hallway and said "hello, where are you from?" and it was a great feeling! A child finally acknowledged me (as sad as that sounds, it was nice). Every one else was signing autographs and shaking hands, but that littler girl made my day.
On Monday, the students all go to school in their uniforms. This is the only day where they have to wear them because they have to watch the Chinese flag go up in the morning and down in the evening. It is a formal event that students are suppose to be prepared for every Monday. On other days, the the dress code is very casual. There did not seem to be a big dress code. The clothing some of the female teachers wore seemed different from American teachers. Some female teachers wore very short dresses and high heels, which seems inappropriate to us Americans who always see teachers dress very business like.
Education in China is free and compulsory from grades K-9. After that, students can chose if they want to attend any higher education. One of China's education goals is to get all students to get education higher than the ninth grade. Another goal is to completely erase illiteracy.
I have not seen schools in China segregate students by race, but mentally disabled students will go to a completely different school, so they will get the care they need. Classrooms typically have a fairly even ratio of boys to girls. Since China has the one child policy, it is nice to have children interacting with one another during school. One of the classrooms I was in, the teacher set up the seating chart so that every girl was next to a boy. This is a good way for students to interact with the other gender since they do not have other siblings.
At seven, we met a group of nutrition students. We were suppose to be talking about foods and regulations, but somehow, we ended up on Taobao street. It was a busy street where all the college students go to shop! When I finally found a dress I liked and fit me, all the nutrition girls swarmed the store worker so that they could bargain for the best price. They all complained about the high price of 145 yuan at the same time (around $20) like they priced their amazing bargaining technique. They worker finally settled on the girls price of 100 yuan (around $16). Even though we had just met those girls for a few hours, they treated us like we had known each other for years.
We visited a boarding school for high schoolers on May 22, and if American students thing their teachers/professors gave a lot of homework, they need to go to a Chinese boarding school.Every students in that class literally had a stack of books on their desk that was a foot tall. I don't even know how they find time to hang out with friends and play basketball on the playgrounds after school. The juniors in the class we visit were very amused with the Americans in the room, but when we walked in, they didn't skip a beat. A few glanced up, but most were indulged in their studies. After class was over, many were too shy to ask questions, and we had to go by to each group of students. The middle schoolers were visited right after were quite different. They jumped at every chance to talk to all the Americans but me. :( To many of the middle school students I blended in, On May we visited our first elementary school. It was there at a littler Chinese girl came up to me in the hallway and said "hello, where are you from?" and it was a great feeling! A child finally acknowledged me (as sad as that sounds, it was nice). Every one else was signing autographs and shaking hands, but that littler girl made my day.
On Monday, the students all go to school in their uniforms. This is the only day where they have to wear them because they have to watch the Chinese flag go up in the morning and down in the evening. It is a formal event that students are suppose to be prepared for every Monday. On other days, the the dress code is very casual. There did not seem to be a big dress code. The clothing some of the female teachers wore seemed different from American teachers. Some female teachers wore very short dresses and high heels, which seems inappropriate to us Americans who always see teachers dress very business like.
Education in China is free and compulsory from grades K-9. After that, students can chose if they want to attend any higher education. One of China's education goals is to get all students to get education higher than the ninth grade. Another goal is to completely erase illiteracy.
I have not seen schools in China segregate students by race, but mentally disabled students will go to a completely different school, so they will get the care they need. Classrooms typically have a fairly even ratio of boys to girls. Since China has the one child policy, it is nice to have children interacting with one another during school. One of the classrooms I was in, the teacher set up the seating chart so that every girl was next to a boy. This is a good way for students to interact with the other gender since they do not have other siblings.
At seven, we met a group of nutrition students. We were suppose to be talking about foods and regulations, but somehow, we ended up on Taobao street. It was a busy street where all the college students go to shop! When I finally found a dress I liked and fit me, all the nutrition girls swarmed the store worker so that they could bargain for the best price. They all complained about the high price of 145 yuan at the same time (around $20) like they priced their amazing bargaining technique. They worker finally settled on the girls price of 100 yuan (around $16). Even though we had just met those girls for a few hours, they treated us like we had known each other for years.
SheHong (May 24)
We went arrive in a city called SheHong. It's a city that's about two
hours away from Southwest University. SheHong Tuo Pai Experimental
School is a school for students ages K-9.We were told that we were
going to be teaching there the next day, so the students can
experience natural English speakers engaging in conversation with
them. After receiving our lessons plans, we went to this beautiful
restaurant. It was like dining with the Queen of England. There were
about 25 dishes that seemed never ending. They all sat on the biggest
lazy Susan I have ever seen. (I just recently learned the term lazy
Susan. Before this trip, I called it
"The-Big-Turny-Thing-in-the-Middle-of-the-Table"). The faculty here
heard that we, Americans, loved beef, so this restaurant served us all beef related dishes.
After dinner, we went back to our hotel. Pang laoshi (teacher Pang)
wanted to drink tea and play Mahjong like the locals. The third floor
of the hotel had what seemed like endless Mahjong rooms. Mahjong is a
very common game in China that many people play to pass time. The goal
is to get four sets of triplets and two pairs. In the TuoPai Hotel,
all the Mahjong tables are electronic, so the players don't have to do
the piece shuffling. It saves a lot of time. We push all the pieces
into this tub that opens and the table assembles the pieces for us.
Shannon and Collin, who did not know how to play this game previously,
learned extremely fast with a little help from the a worker that was
there. The hotel worker stayed by Collin's side for most of the night.
I just thought," Don't you have a job to do?" He got paid for play
Mahjong with foreigners.
hours away from Southwest University. SheHong Tuo Pai Experimental
School is a school for students ages K-9.We were told that we were
going to be teaching there the next day, so the students can
experience natural English speakers engaging in conversation with
them. After receiving our lessons plans, we went to this beautiful
restaurant. It was like dining with the Queen of England. There were
about 25 dishes that seemed never ending. They all sat on the biggest
lazy Susan I have ever seen. (I just recently learned the term lazy
Susan. Before this trip, I called it
"The-Big-Turny-Thing-in-the-Middle-of-the-Table"). The faculty here
heard that we, Americans, loved beef, so this restaurant served us all beef related dishes.
After dinner, we went back to our hotel. Pang laoshi (teacher Pang)
wanted to drink tea and play Mahjong like the locals. The third floor
of the hotel had what seemed like endless Mahjong rooms. Mahjong is a
very common game in China that many people play to pass time. The goal
is to get four sets of triplets and two pairs. In the TuoPai Hotel,
all the Mahjong tables are electronic, so the players don't have to do
the piece shuffling. It saves a lot of time. We push all the pieces
into this tub that opens and the table assembles the pieces for us.
Shannon and Collin, who did not know how to play this game previously,
learned extremely fast with a little help from the a worker that was
there. The hotel worker stayed by Collin's side for most of the night.
I just thought," Don't you have a job to do?" He got paid for play
Mahjong with foreigners.
Teaching (May 25)
Today was the first day we began teaching in SheHong Tuo Pai
Experimental School. Mrs. Rietman and I began giving the students
ideas on what they should say on the speaking portion of their English
test. Afterwards, Isaac, Shannon, Mrs. Rietman, and I all gave 80
students their oral exams. It was very exhausting. If teachers had to
this for every class, I would give all teachers a big round of
applause for a job well done.
Lunch to was just as big as the dinner last night. We has 23 dishes
that we could not finish.The food kept coming, but our stomachs were
already full. May of us tried turtle, pig ear, and intestines for the
first time, and SURPRISINGLY, they found it very delicious! May 25
Today was the first day we began teaching in SheHong Tuo Pai
Experimental School. Mrs. Rietman and I began giving the students
ideas on what they should say on the speaking portion of their English
test. Afterwards, Isaac, Shannon, Mrs. Rietman, and I all gave 80
students their oral exams. It was very exhausting. If teachers had to
this for every class, I would give all teachers a big round of
applause for a job well done.
The school in SheHong was definitely different than the boarding school in Chongqing. The students here seem to act up and not want to listen to their teachers, while the school in Chongqing, the students were very focused on their studies. Since the school in Chongqing is a private school, it is considered private, unlike this school in SheHong. Private schools might be more strict on their students studies compared to a public school.The private school students did not act up in class. The public school children did not listen to a word we tried to teach then even though the teacher was watching for most of the time. I feel as though the teacher could not control them at times. The public school children seem a lot more carefree compared to the strict schedule the private school children were on. However, even though the children weren't listening in school does not mean the teacher will not tell the parents outside of school. Parents can discipline their children a lot more than their teachers can. Even though the parents won't yell at their child in public does not mean that they will not yell at them at home. Chinese parents have to put up a "face" in public. They must defend their child in public, but they will scold their child about what he or she did wrong when they get home so they don't embarrass their child.
.
Both the students from Chongqing and SheHong learned by rote. They repeated the words many times. The high school class we observed in Chongqing were really into their English studies. They would repeat sentences many times. The third graders in SheHong also repeated their vocabulary words multiple times that day.
Lunch to was just as big as the dinner last night. We had 23 dishes
that we could not finish.The food kept coming, but our stomaches were
already full. May of us tried turtle, pig ear, and intestines for the
first time, and SURPRISINGLY, they found it very delicious!
Experimental School. Mrs. Rietman and I began giving the students
ideas on what they should say on the speaking portion of their English
test. Afterwards, Isaac, Shannon, Mrs. Rietman, and I all gave 80
students their oral exams. It was very exhausting. If teachers had to
this for every class, I would give all teachers a big round of
applause for a job well done.
Lunch to was just as big as the dinner last night. We has 23 dishes
that we could not finish.The food kept coming, but our stomachs were
already full. May of us tried turtle, pig ear, and intestines for the
first time, and SURPRISINGLY, they found it very delicious! May 25
Today was the first day we began teaching in SheHong Tuo Pai
Experimental School. Mrs. Rietman and I began giving the students
ideas on what they should say on the speaking portion of their English
test. Afterwards, Isaac, Shannon, Mrs. Rietman, and I all gave 80
students their oral exams. It was very exhausting. If teachers had to
this for every class, I would give all teachers a big round of
applause for a job well done.
The school in SheHong was definitely different than the boarding school in Chongqing. The students here seem to act up and not want to listen to their teachers, while the school in Chongqing, the students were very focused on their studies. Since the school in Chongqing is a private school, it is considered private, unlike this school in SheHong. Private schools might be more strict on their students studies compared to a public school.The private school students did not act up in class. The public school children did not listen to a word we tried to teach then even though the teacher was watching for most of the time. I feel as though the teacher could not control them at times. The public school children seem a lot more carefree compared to the strict schedule the private school children were on. However, even though the children weren't listening in school does not mean the teacher will not tell the parents outside of school. Parents can discipline their children a lot more than their teachers can. Even though the parents won't yell at their child in public does not mean that they will not yell at them at home. Chinese parents have to put up a "face" in public. They must defend their child in public, but they will scold their child about what he or she did wrong when they get home so they don't embarrass their child.
.
Both the students from Chongqing and SheHong learned by rote. They repeated the words many times. The high school class we observed in Chongqing were really into their English studies. They would repeat sentences many times. The third graders in SheHong also repeated their vocabulary words multiple times that day.
Lunch to was just as big as the dinner last night. We had 23 dishes
that we could not finish.The food kept coming, but our stomaches were
already full. May of us tried turtle, pig ear, and intestines for the
first time, and SURPRISINGLY, they found it very delicious!
Crazy Driving!
The driver was picking us up from the restaurant and the roads are so
narrow.They get so close to cars while trying to back out. The driving
here might seem dangerous to many Americans, but the Chinese don't
seem to have any problem manuvering around the cities, head first into
incoming traffic. The honks are more like warnings to other drivers
that they are getting close to. The drivers here seem a lot more alert
compared to the drivers in the States because there are so many things
like people and cars that just dart out into the streets without
warning. And because of many Chinese drivers in the United States,
they call Asians "bad drivers," but in fact, they are very skillful
and can handle more difficult driving situations.
In the picture to the left, you can see how close the bus driver gets to the parked car. If you ever go to China, don't worry about the crazy driving, the drivers know what they're doing!
Watch out! No one around here really has the right of way. Everyone just takes turns. People will walk out on the streets and cars will probably not stop. Be careful!
narrow.They get so close to cars while trying to back out. The driving
here might seem dangerous to many Americans, but the Chinese don't
seem to have any problem manuvering around the cities, head first into
incoming traffic. The honks are more like warnings to other drivers
that they are getting close to. The drivers here seem a lot more alert
compared to the drivers in the States because there are so many things
like people and cars that just dart out into the streets without
warning. And because of many Chinese drivers in the United States,
they call Asians "bad drivers," but in fact, they are very skillful
and can handle more difficult driving situations.
In the picture to the left, you can see how close the bus driver gets to the parked car. If you ever go to China, don't worry about the crazy driving, the drivers know what they're doing!
Watch out! No one around here really has the right of way. Everyone just takes turns. People will walk out on the streets and cars will probably not stop. Be careful!
Karaoke (May 28)
After a rigorous day of kung fu training with one of the teachers, we finally went to get fitted for a qipao. Qipaos are very traditional in the Chinese culture. There are many different styles of these dresses, and the longer they are the more traditional they look. We went to a store that took our measurements, so they can make a dress specifically for us.
We won't get those dressed until June 3rd, but the wait is worth it for our own custom dresses.
The fabric I chose is very similar to the picture on the left. However, I told the tailor that I wanted the dress ankle-length with no sleeves. It is very different compared the to qipao that I currently own, which is exactly the same as the one on the left but with pink floral patterns.
It's rare to see people nowadays wearing these dresses around the street, but I've seen a few here and there. People in China are usually seen wearing very western clothing that are very colorful. Fabric here feels different because people here do not machine dry their clothing. Clothes bought in China must be taken care of well because they might shrink if you put them in the dryer.
Everyone decided to go eat across the street for the qipao tailor. Mrs. Rietman and I wanted something to drink, so I went next door to the restaurant to buy drinks. While I was picking out the drinks we wanted two boys came up to me and asked me a question. Since my Mandarin is terrible, I simply replied with: Wo de Zhongwen bu hao (my Chinese is not good). They gave me hand gestures to explained to me that they wanted a picture with my American friends they saw me with earlier. I agreed. Many locals around here have not seen an American person much less six in a group. I was digging in my bag for bills and one of the boys was handing the owner of the store ten yuan to pay for our drinks. It was a token of gratitude because I helped them get a picture with a group of Americans. The two boys were too nervous to approach the others when we saw them earlier, and they finally got the nerve to ask me when I was alone. So to all the people out there reading this, it's okay to ask for pictures, we don't bite...hard.
Everyone parted ways after dinner. A few of us went to sing karaoke for the first time! There is a karaoke place that's right in front of the university. It looked really small from the outside, but it was huge on the inside. It was like walking into a dark maze with neon lights. Rooms ranged from small to huuuuuge. Shannon, Isaac, and I were a little hesitant about the singing but the air in that building was so full of life, that we couldn't help but sing our lung out. We left karaoke at eleven and walked into the street when it started storming. What an eventful day. :)
We won't get those dressed until June 3rd, but the wait is worth it for our own custom dresses.
The fabric I chose is very similar to the picture on the left. However, I told the tailor that I wanted the dress ankle-length with no sleeves. It is very different compared the to qipao that I currently own, which is exactly the same as the one on the left but with pink floral patterns.
It's rare to see people nowadays wearing these dresses around the street, but I've seen a few here and there. People in China are usually seen wearing very western clothing that are very colorful. Fabric here feels different because people here do not machine dry their clothing. Clothes bought in China must be taken care of well because they might shrink if you put them in the dryer.
Everyone decided to go eat across the street for the qipao tailor. Mrs. Rietman and I wanted something to drink, so I went next door to the restaurant to buy drinks. While I was picking out the drinks we wanted two boys came up to me and asked me a question. Since my Mandarin is terrible, I simply replied with: Wo de Zhongwen bu hao (my Chinese is not good). They gave me hand gestures to explained to me that they wanted a picture with my American friends they saw me with earlier. I agreed. Many locals around here have not seen an American person much less six in a group. I was digging in my bag for bills and one of the boys was handing the owner of the store ten yuan to pay for our drinks. It was a token of gratitude because I helped them get a picture with a group of Americans. The two boys were too nervous to approach the others when we saw them earlier, and they finally got the nerve to ask me when I was alone. So to all the people out there reading this, it's okay to ask for pictures, we don't bite...hard.
Everyone parted ways after dinner. A few of us went to sing karaoke for the first time! There is a karaoke place that's right in front of the university. It looked really small from the outside, but it was huge on the inside. It was like walking into a dark maze with neon lights. Rooms ranged from small to huuuuuge. Shannon, Isaac, and I were a little hesitant about the singing but the air in that building was so full of life, that we couldn't help but sing our lung out. We left karaoke at eleven and walked into the street when it started storming. What an eventful day. :)
Leftover pictures from the Adventure thus far
Bargaining (May 29)
Shannon was bargaining for underwear today. It was to be a gag gift for a friend. You should always try to bargain on the streets or in a store. Some stores will have signs up that say no bargaining, other will say that it's the best price compared to other places. Usually when they say that it's the best price, they might be willing to bargain a little. Since today was our first official day without Pang laoshi, I had to test out my bad bargaining skills when I was trying to get Shannon her underwear. The older woman running the sidewalk stand insisted that it was ten yuan because it would be fifteen yuan if we bought it anywhere else when I asked her to bring down the price. Ten yuan is 1.6 American dollars; fifteen yuan is about 2.4 American dollars. Since Shannon and I looked to hesitant about buying the underwear, the street vendor went down one yuan. Shannon bought the red, silk underwear with Chinese characters on them for nine yuan, a total of 1.45 American dollars. I tried bargaining...
Traditional Chinese people usually had their parents or another relative set the young adult up with a person they know. But it's the 21st century now! Many young couples are beginning to date on their own without their parents help. Some older adults might still not understand this concept, but we see couples all around campus. Americans in general get a lot of stares, but an interracial couple attracts them all. Not only do they rarely see people of different races, but a white person and a Chinese person holding hands is a real head turner.
Chinese Culture Memo:
While I was watching the news one late night, there was a segment about popular universities. The host was saying that many people think that just because people graduate from top notch schools like Beijing University and Shanghai University, they will be perfect for the work place. The host said that this is not always true, and that he met with graduates from, those schools and graduates think that they will always get a job because of the prestigious school they went to. However, he states that many graduates are overconfident. This was his way of saying that there aren't important universities but important people. Chinese students like going to English speaking schools like Australia, the Unites States, and New Zealand. If many leave China to go to school in other country, it typically means their family is wealthy, and they will attend popular, well-known schools.
Traditional Chinese people usually had their parents or another relative set the young adult up with a person they know. But it's the 21st century now! Many young couples are beginning to date on their own without their parents help. Some older adults might still not understand this concept, but we see couples all around campus. Americans in general get a lot of stares, but an interracial couple attracts them all. Not only do they rarely see people of different races, but a white person and a Chinese person holding hands is a real head turner.
Chinese Culture Memo:
While I was watching the news one late night, there was a segment about popular universities. The host was saying that many people think that just because people graduate from top notch schools like Beijing University and Shanghai University, they will be perfect for the work place. The host said that this is not always true, and that he met with graduates from, those schools and graduates think that they will always get a job because of the prestigious school they went to. However, he states that many graduates are overconfident. This was his way of saying that there aren't important universities but important people. Chinese students like going to English speaking schools like Australia, the Unites States, and New Zealand. If many leave China to go to school in other country, it typically means their family is wealthy, and they will attend popular, well-known schools.
Dinner with the Language Partners (May 31)
Our language partners took us, Americans to our first hot pot dinner. They wanted to treat us. It is not uncommon for Chinese people to treat you if they asked you to go out with them first. Many Chinese are seen fighting over the bill because they always want to treat their friends.
After dinner, we all went to Taobao Street. It's a street with lots of shopping and street food. I talked to a couple of girls on the way back. We got on the interesting topic of divorce somehow, and in China, divorce is uncommon unlike the U.S. Kelly, one of my language partners said that if a woman has kids out of wedlock or if they are divorced, the women will be discriminated. It will be hard for them to find other husbands and it is very disgraceful to their family. It is a touchy subject that they do not like to talk about in detail.
We see many students participating in normal leisure time activities like shopping, karaoking, and playing sports. Many other students have other hobbies like dressing up for cosplay and reading.
In China, you will see many elderly woman doing dances out on the street. It's like a slow Zumba for older women. They might pay a small fee to the head dancer and they can just join in. It's a great way for people to exercise.
It is not unusual to see businessmen shaking hands, but if it is a casual greeting with a new friend, a simple ni hao is good. Ni hao is also used when greeting old friends. Ni hao means hello, while zaijian means goodbye. After an amazing night with new friends, we parted ways. We waved goodbye and said "zaijian" and "bye". Hopefully we will see them again before we leave for Beijing.
After dinner, we all went to Taobao Street. It's a street with lots of shopping and street food. I talked to a couple of girls on the way back. We got on the interesting topic of divorce somehow, and in China, divorce is uncommon unlike the U.S. Kelly, one of my language partners said that if a woman has kids out of wedlock or if they are divorced, the women will be discriminated. It will be hard for them to find other husbands and it is very disgraceful to their family. It is a touchy subject that they do not like to talk about in detail.
We see many students participating in normal leisure time activities like shopping, karaoking, and playing sports. Many other students have other hobbies like dressing up for cosplay and reading.
In China, you will see many elderly woman doing dances out on the street. It's like a slow Zumba for older women. They might pay a small fee to the head dancer and they can just join in. It's a great way for people to exercise.
It is not unusual to see businessmen shaking hands, but if it is a casual greeting with a new friend, a simple ni hao is good. Ni hao is also used when greeting old friends. Ni hao means hello, while zaijian means goodbye. After an amazing night with new friends, we parted ways. We waved goodbye and said "zaijian" and "bye". Hopefully we will see them again before we leave for Beijing.
The pictures above are pictures of our dinner with our language partners. They took us shopping afterwards and we found T-shirts in a can.
The pictures in the second row are older pictures from earlier this week. The first picture is of the entire gang during a visit to a traditional Chinese hospital. The second picture is the China gang going out to eat lunch. The last picture is our first time at karaoke.
Chinese Culture Memo:
There is no age limit for drinking in China like there is for the Unites States. However, from what I've seen, it hasn't been a big issue. The girls that I've talked to chose not to drink even though they can. The men however love their beer. Drinking is big in the business world of China. The more you can drink, the better of a businessman one is.
The pictures in the second row are older pictures from earlier this week. The first picture is of the entire gang during a visit to a traditional Chinese hospital. The second picture is the China gang going out to eat lunch. The last picture is our first time at karaoke.
Chinese Culture Memo:
There is no age limit for drinking in China like there is for the Unites States. However, from what I've seen, it hasn't been a big issue. The girls that I've talked to chose not to drink even though they can. The men however love their beer. Drinking is big in the business world of China. The more you can drink, the better of a businessman one is.
The Chinese Experience
When we walk on the streets there are many couples at night. There is a park on campus and many couples go there for alone time because they have around eight roommates back at their dorm. When the couples are together it is not unusual to see the boys carry the girl's purse or grocery bags.
The elderly also have a lot of privileges. They youngest are suppose to treat the elderly with great respect. That means if there aren't any bus seats available when an old person climbs on, you better offer them your seat.
Mao served a big role in the Chinese world. Many see him as a hero here, but the current generation look up to athletic role models. Many people here recognize athletic faces like Yao Ming, Dwayne Wade, and Kobe Bryant. Basketball is very popular in China, along with badminton, ping pong, and soccer (which is called football here). We see many commercials on TV with basketball stars and music stars like Avril Levine. Most of the television shows we see involve lots of soap opera dramas. However, many kids here enjoy shows like the Big Bang Theory, which is also common back in the states. They're also kid shows that are similar to what Americans watch. They want to teach the kids about words and phrases.
Like the European countries, China has a rest period in their day. After lunch, people scurry back home so they can get a little nap in before they reopen their shops or go back to school. It's a refreshing after a long morning of classes. I've seen many people meet up with their friends at this time, so they can chat or play a game of mahjong. If you are invited to dinner by a friend, it's best to show up on time. Of course they will wait for you if you're late, but it is rude in any culture to keep someone waiting. If the meet is important then being early is the best route to go . Arriving late for important events such as a job interview will make one seem irresponsible no matter what culture you come from. However, students are very work oriented. If we ask them to join for the evening, they will say no because of their homework load.
The elderly also have a lot of privileges. They youngest are suppose to treat the elderly with great respect. That means if there aren't any bus seats available when an old person climbs on, you better offer them your seat.
Mao served a big role in the Chinese world. Many see him as a hero here, but the current generation look up to athletic role models. Many people here recognize athletic faces like Yao Ming, Dwayne Wade, and Kobe Bryant. Basketball is very popular in China, along with badminton, ping pong, and soccer (which is called football here). We see many commercials on TV with basketball stars and music stars like Avril Levine. Most of the television shows we see involve lots of soap opera dramas. However, many kids here enjoy shows like the Big Bang Theory, which is also common back in the states. They're also kid shows that are similar to what Americans watch. They want to teach the kids about words and phrases.
Like the European countries, China has a rest period in their day. After lunch, people scurry back home so they can get a little nap in before they reopen their shops or go back to school. It's a refreshing after a long morning of classes. I've seen many people meet up with their friends at this time, so they can chat or play a game of mahjong. If you are invited to dinner by a friend, it's best to show up on time. Of course they will wait for you if you're late, but it is rude in any culture to keep someone waiting. If the meet is important then being early is the best route to go . Arriving late for important events such as a job interview will make one seem irresponsible no matter what culture you come from. However, students are very work oriented. If we ask them to join for the evening, they will say no because of their homework load.
Weekend Adventure (June 1- June 2)
On Saturday June 1, we went traveled to the Dazu Rock Cravings by bus. The drive was three hours, but definitely worth it. This is was first time in this area of Chongqing. The rock cravings are a series of rock cravings that are thousands of years old. They are much influenced by Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist beliefs.
My favorite piece there was the 18 Levels of Hell. Our tour guide gave us a brief about the hell craving. She only told us 11 out of the 18 hells. Each level sorts individuals into categories.
Level one- knifes and swords hell
Level two- boiling pot hell
Level three- freezing hell
Level four- tongue cutting off hell (for liars)
Level five- sneak hell (for cheaters)
Level six- sawing hell
Level seven- beating hell
Level eight- burning hell
Level nine- drunkards hell
Level ten- eating hell
Level eleven- killing hell
It is very dark and creative at the same time.
My favorite piece there was the 18 Levels of Hell. Our tour guide gave us a brief about the hell craving. She only told us 11 out of the 18 hells. Each level sorts individuals into categories.
Level one- knifes and swords hell
Level two- boiling pot hell
Level three- freezing hell
Level four- tongue cutting off hell (for liars)
Level five- sneak hell (for cheaters)
Level six- sawing hell
Level seven- beating hell
Level eight- burning hell
Level nine- drunkards hell
Level ten- eating hell
Level eleven- killing hell
It is very dark and creative at the same time.
Ci Qi Kou, the ancient town was extremely busy on Sunday (June 2). The shopping there was AMAZING! There were so many different types of foods and souvenirs to buy! I could have stayed there all day if I was given the chance. Many of the shops there sold similar items, so going to different stores to check out the prices were nice. It's important to get the right price on everything. Ripping off tourists, are the workers' jobs here. Many places, however, do not bargain.
I bought my brother a painting that was painted using his Chinese name. Looking at how beautiful his was made me buy a customized name painting for myself. Along with a gift for my brother, I got a few gift for friends. Even though I was in China just last year, friends still expect a little something.
Afterwards, we traveled to the center of Chongqing. There were many name brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, but name brands here are doubled compared to the U.S. Every mall around the town square was expensive. I picked up a pair of shoes for 600 yuan (GASP!) That's about $100. People around here have expensive tastes.
We also visited Chongqing's Three Gorges Museum and Hong Ya cave. Picture are located below.
I bought my brother a painting that was painted using his Chinese name. Looking at how beautiful his was made me buy a customized name painting for myself. Along with a gift for my brother, I got a few gift for friends. Even though I was in China just last year, friends still expect a little something.
Afterwards, we traveled to the center of Chongqing. There were many name brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, but name brands here are doubled compared to the U.S. Every mall around the town square was expensive. I picked up a pair of shoes for 600 yuan (GASP!) That's about $100. People around here have expensive tastes.
We also visited Chongqing's Three Gorges Museum and Hong Ya cave. Picture are located below.
Dazu Rock Cravings |
Ci Qi Kou
Getting our Qipao (June 3)
There was no language class today! The group of ladies went out to do a bit of morning shopping before our afternoon class. Mrs. Rietman fell in love with Hands Coffee. She'll be living there for the next week.
After our afternoon seminar class, Shannon, Katlyn, and I went down stairs to the lobby before everyone else. A group of girls taking a survey for the foreign language department came up to us. They wanted foreigners to fill out a little survey about Chinese street signs. A girl handed the survey to Shannon first. I held out my hand thinking I was getting one, but she handed the other paper to Katlyn. I was paperless. Yeah, I felt dumb. I look Chinese, so I don't get treated like a celebrity like all the other foreigners. I'm just another Asian here like I'm just another Asian in the US, no special treatment. Like did they hear my awesome American accent.
The financial firm we went to was very nice. They gave us a presentation about their firm and we gave them a presentation about USI in return. Each one of us gave a quick preview about out major. Everyone got their qipao a little before we left for the firm. I was really disappointed that my custom made dress was two sizes two big. Qipaos are suppose to be stylish and tight fitting, but mine is loose and baggy. The designer said that we could come back and make changes. Hopefully, I will have enough time before we leave for Beijing with this hectic schedule.
After our afternoon seminar class, Shannon, Katlyn, and I went down stairs to the lobby before everyone else. A group of girls taking a survey for the foreign language department came up to us. They wanted foreigners to fill out a little survey about Chinese street signs. A girl handed the survey to Shannon first. I held out my hand thinking I was getting one, but she handed the other paper to Katlyn. I was paperless. Yeah, I felt dumb. I look Chinese, so I don't get treated like a celebrity like all the other foreigners. I'm just another Asian here like I'm just another Asian in the US, no special treatment. Like did they hear my awesome American accent.
The financial firm we went to was very nice. They gave us a presentation about their firm and we gave them a presentation about USI in return. Each one of us gave a quick preview about out major. Everyone got their qipao a little before we left for the firm. I was really disappointed that my custom made dress was two sizes two big. Qipaos are suppose to be stylish and tight fitting, but mine is loose and baggy. The designer said that we could come back and make changes. Hopefully, I will have enough time before we leave for Beijing with this hectic schedule.
Flying Cockroach! (June 4)
After having nightmares about my qipao not fitting, Pang Laoshi took me back to the tailor to get it re-sized. I haven't tried it on yet, but hopefully it'll fit. I didn't want to bother the tailor anymore than I already was. We ate dinner across the street, while the tailor finished working on the dress. Pang Laoshi and I had a long conversation about how I needed to start standing up for myself better. >.<
We went straight to the presentation sight, where all the USI students had to a short introduction about their major(s). After a long presentation, we divided into several groups so that the Southwest University students could ask us questions. Most questions were about campus life and our personal lives. Students in China are very jealous of our USI dorms. We have one roommate with two suite mates; they have seven or eight roommates in one room. They also use public showers, while we have personal bathrooms. Many of the students wanted to visit USA, but they were afraid that all we ate was pizza and hamburgers every night. HAHA! It is a very American stereotype, just like the one that states that all Asians are good at math. Jessica and I told a few girls that Americans get very nervous and easy embarrassed when we have to do things in front of people, and they didn't understand why. I guess they are used to singing and dancing in front of people.
We left the classroom after a group picture. Most of the group had not had dinner yet, so we went across the university gate to get street food. The past several days, we had been eating at a street vendor that makes the most delicious noodles! We can pick what we want in our noodles. There's pork, eggs, and and many vegetables. There was also four different kinds of noodles to choose from. It's sad to say, but it was my fourth meal of the day and I still devoured it.
Katlyn was getting in the shower and I was leaving the room for a minute. A cockroach was flailing around in front of our front door and I stated that there was a cockroach. Katlyn heard me in the bathroom, which is next to the front door. The cockroach flailed from the front door, underneath the bathroom door, right to Katlyn's feet. I've never seen a girls scream and squeal that much. She was in the feeble position, hyperventilating. Pang Laoshi had to step on it, being the only one with shoes on, and Isaac flushed it. That an eventful night.
We went straight to the presentation sight, where all the USI students had to a short introduction about their major(s). After a long presentation, we divided into several groups so that the Southwest University students could ask us questions. Most questions were about campus life and our personal lives. Students in China are very jealous of our USI dorms. We have one roommate with two suite mates; they have seven or eight roommates in one room. They also use public showers, while we have personal bathrooms. Many of the students wanted to visit USA, but they were afraid that all we ate was pizza and hamburgers every night. HAHA! It is a very American stereotype, just like the one that states that all Asians are good at math. Jessica and I told a few girls that Americans get very nervous and easy embarrassed when we have to do things in front of people, and they didn't understand why. I guess they are used to singing and dancing in front of people.
We left the classroom after a group picture. Most of the group had not had dinner yet, so we went across the university gate to get street food. The past several days, we had been eating at a street vendor that makes the most delicious noodles! We can pick what we want in our noodles. There's pork, eggs, and and many vegetables. There was also four different kinds of noodles to choose from. It's sad to say, but it was my fourth meal of the day and I still devoured it.
Katlyn was getting in the shower and I was leaving the room for a minute. A cockroach was flailing around in front of our front door and I stated that there was a cockroach. Katlyn heard me in the bathroom, which is next to the front door. The cockroach flailed from the front door, underneath the bathroom door, right to Katlyn's feet. I've never seen a girls scream and squeal that much. She was in the feeble position, hyperventilating. Pang Laoshi had to step on it, being the only one with shoes on, and Isaac flushed it. That an eventful night.
Travel Information (June 5)
Today was a typical day. We had class in the morning and our usual lunch break. During our break, Isaac, Shannon, and I went with our language partners to try and find a mahjong set to take back home. The mahjong stand wasn't hard to find after a little bit of asking around. We all bought a mahjong set. Shannon got a travel sized one that was easy to carry around. Isaac and I got a standard sized set, which weighs about ten pounds each. Buying it was the easy part. Carrying it back home is the hard part.
Travel information!
Traveling is a very tiring process that can lower someone's immune system. When traveling carry items like Gas-x, Immodium, Tums, and Advil. You never know when you or someone else you are traveling with needs them. However, if you are in China and didn't bring any western medicine, there are pharmacies around. Every time I walk by a pharmacy I can smell the herbs the medicines are made from. The pharmacies around here aren't clearly labeled in English, so you might have to ask around.
There are hospitals around, and there is two on campus. One of our USI students went there because of a slight illness. They gave him some herbal tablets. Te tablets didn't smell good but he was better in a day. It was only 50 yuan, which is about nine US dollars. If you aren't close to a hospital call 119 for help.
Also, make sure you keep a copy of your passport picture back home just in case. A visa is also needed so a copy of that would be nice too, just in case your passport gets stolen. If it your passport does get stolen, contact the person in charge right away so they can get a hold of the embassy.
Travel information!
Traveling is a very tiring process that can lower someone's immune system. When traveling carry items like Gas-x, Immodium, Tums, and Advil. You never know when you or someone else you are traveling with needs them. However, if you are in China and didn't bring any western medicine, there are pharmacies around. Every time I walk by a pharmacy I can smell the herbs the medicines are made from. The pharmacies around here aren't clearly labeled in English, so you might have to ask around.
There are hospitals around, and there is two on campus. One of our USI students went there because of a slight illness. They gave him some herbal tablets. Te tablets didn't smell good but he was better in a day. It was only 50 yuan, which is about nine US dollars. If you aren't close to a hospital call 119 for help.
Also, make sure you keep a copy of your passport picture back home just in case. A visa is also needed so a copy of that would be nice too, just in case your passport gets stolen. If it your passport does get stolen, contact the person in charge right away so they can get a hold of the embassy.
I LOVE STREET FOOD! (June 6)
I was sitting there with nothing to do after our afternoon seminar. The language students were waiting to go to an event later on that evening to watch people from other countries speak Chinese. Katlyn recently finished Jessica's book, Wildflower Hill, so it was laying on the nightstand. I picked up the book and started to read the back of it. The summary sounded interesting so I flipped to the first page. Being busy with college, I haven't had the time to read, but this book got me from the first page.
Sadly, I had to put it down so I could go to the speaking competition. It's a big event on campus where students who aren't native Chinese speakers go on stage and give a four minute speech, then a talent of some sort, and finally, a one minute questionnaire. It was amazing to see how much a person could improve a foreign language when they live in an area for only eight months. Some speakers have been here for four years, and if you close your eyes, you can't even tell that you aren't speaking to a native Chinese person.
After the competition, I went out to the street to get street food, but my favorite stand wasn't at their usual place. They were gone and it wasn't even raining. I went to the alley where there was a street of restaurants, hoping I could get something I was craving for. I looked around for minutes but I had my mind set on my noodles. I glanced at a little vendor that sold street food. Street food is the best. I would pick it over restaurant food anyway. So I made my way to the vendor and it happened to be the same one that is usually set across the street. Pang laoshi asked them why they moved. They vendor owners said that they cannot set their cart out by the streets when college entrance exams are in place. The government wants the students to study at this time and things like vendors could be distracting.
Sadly, I had to put it down so I could go to the speaking competition. It's a big event on campus where students who aren't native Chinese speakers go on stage and give a four minute speech, then a talent of some sort, and finally, a one minute questionnaire. It was amazing to see how much a person could improve a foreign language when they live in an area for only eight months. Some speakers have been here for four years, and if you close your eyes, you can't even tell that you aren't speaking to a native Chinese person.
After the competition, I went out to the street to get street food, but my favorite stand wasn't at their usual place. They were gone and it wasn't even raining. I went to the alley where there was a street of restaurants, hoping I could get something I was craving for. I looked around for minutes but I had my mind set on my noodles. I glanced at a little vendor that sold street food. Street food is the best. I would pick it over restaurant food anyway. So I made my way to the vendor and it happened to be the same one that is usually set across the street. Pang laoshi asked them why they moved. They vendor owners said that they cannot set their cart out by the streets when college entrance exams are in place. The government wants the students to study at this time and things like vendors could be distracting.
Finding Rietman (June 7)
Today was our last day of official language class. On Sunday we were to go back to the classroom and take our final exam. It is an odd feeling being in a classroom on a weekend, but the Dragon Boat Festival caused all of the professors schedule to become rearranged. Instead of having Saturday and Sunday off, they now haveMonday and Tuesday off as well as this Wednesday. This Wednesday is the day of the actual festival but rearranging their scheduled rives them a three day weekend. In America, we would have a random holiday in the middle of the week that workers will take off, but for this special event they have a three day week day break that they've already made up. This helps China promote more selling of items. Some workers get the days off, but others who work in tourist sites don't because its a day when everyone goes and watches the festival. Many people will be spending money, buying gifts and eating out on a special day.
We invited our language partners and some of our friends that we've previously met to go karaoke with us after our Korean BBQ. It was the first time I've ever had Korean BBQ. You cook everything yourself on a pot like stove. The meat is raw so cooking it until it's well done is important. We don't want anyone getting sick. Before we even finished eating, Jessica noticed that is was almost pass the time we were supposed to pick Mrs. Rietman up from gate five. We rushed out of the restaurant, and found a turtle bus (Southwest Universities school bus). We took turtle bus three like we usually do. We paid our two yuan and hopped on the bus, but we arrive at dorm buildings. Apparently we took the wrong colored turtle bus. Instead of taking blue turtle bus three, we took purple turtle bus three. Jessica and I were lost. It took us more than an hour to get back to gate five after checking her dorm room and by that time everyone else had found Mrs. Rietman. Luckily she was okay! But she was standing there for forty-five minutes waiting on us D: WE DIDN'T FORGET ABOUT YOU, MRS. RIETMAN! After we were finally reunited, we went to karaoke. It was a lot of fun. Both English and Chinese songs were sung, and I even got street food afterwards!
We invited our language partners and some of our friends that we've previously met to go karaoke with us after our Korean BBQ. It was the first time I've ever had Korean BBQ. You cook everything yourself on a pot like stove. The meat is raw so cooking it until it's well done is important. We don't want anyone getting sick. Before we even finished eating, Jessica noticed that is was almost pass the time we were supposed to pick Mrs. Rietman up from gate five. We rushed out of the restaurant, and found a turtle bus (Southwest Universities school bus). We took turtle bus three like we usually do. We paid our two yuan and hopped on the bus, but we arrive at dorm buildings. Apparently we took the wrong colored turtle bus. Instead of taking blue turtle bus three, we took purple turtle bus three. Jessica and I were lost. It took us more than an hour to get back to gate five after checking her dorm room and by that time everyone else had found Mrs. Rietman. Luckily she was okay! But she was standing there for forty-five minutes waiting on us D: WE DIDN'T FORGET ABOUT YOU, MRS. RIETMAN! After we were finally reunited, we went to karaoke. It was a lot of fun. Both English and Chinese songs were sung, and I even got street food afterwards!
Studying (June 8)
Katlyn, Isaac, and I didn't do anything that morning. We woke up later that morning am studied for the test tomorrow. Shannon and Jessica went to a temple with a friend that we met here. They were back really early, which made the rest of us really jealous. We didn't go because we thought that we wouldn't have enough time to study! But they got back at around noon.
We all took a study break and went to run some errands. There is a photo center on campus where we picked up pictures that Shannon and Jessica asked them to develop the day before. The pictures were meant as presents for Mrs. Rietman, Pang laoshi, and Dai laoshi (our Chinese professor in China). But pictures can't be given without a frame, so we found a cute shop that sells bicycle frames. The bicycle holding the picture symbolized our travel together as Shannon put it. The photos for Dai laoshi will be put on a map on Indiana. We will all circle the city/town we are from and write our names by them.
Later on that night we went to a house visit to Pang laoshi's friend's house. Her friend works at the university, and the house we were visiting was actually bought for her parents to live in. Her friend, Moore, has an apartment on the other end of the city but lives with her parents because it is closer to the campus. The house was amazing! It was very modern. However, not everyone can live this life of luxury. A lot of people don't have a financial position as well as theirs.
The financial position of an USI student compared to a SWU student is a little different. Many SWU students say that their parents pay for their schooling and that their parents won't let them find a job because they do not their child to fall behind in school. USI students might have part time job because many parents do not pay for their children's expenses. The living conditions are also different. USI students have one roommate and two suite mates. Two people share one bathroom. The four students share a kitchen and a living room. SWU students have eight roommate with one bathroom. Foreign students, however, have one roommate and a bathroom to share. They also have a kitchen down the hall while non-foreign students are forced to eat at the dining hall because they will get in trouble if they cook in their dorm. Their stove will be confiscated. Foreigners like to live in the foreign students building because they actually have air condition. Eight people in a room without air conditioning sounds HOT.
I ate street food for the third day in a row. I'm in love!
We all took a study break and went to run some errands. There is a photo center on campus where we picked up pictures that Shannon and Jessica asked them to develop the day before. The pictures were meant as presents for Mrs. Rietman, Pang laoshi, and Dai laoshi (our Chinese professor in China). But pictures can't be given without a frame, so we found a cute shop that sells bicycle frames. The bicycle holding the picture symbolized our travel together as Shannon put it. The photos for Dai laoshi will be put on a map on Indiana. We will all circle the city/town we are from and write our names by them.
Later on that night we went to a house visit to Pang laoshi's friend's house. Her friend works at the university, and the house we were visiting was actually bought for her parents to live in. Her friend, Moore, has an apartment on the other end of the city but lives with her parents because it is closer to the campus. The house was amazing! It was very modern. However, not everyone can live this life of luxury. A lot of people don't have a financial position as well as theirs.
The financial position of an USI student compared to a SWU student is a little different. Many SWU students say that their parents pay for their schooling and that their parents won't let them find a job because they do not their child to fall behind in school. USI students might have part time job because many parents do not pay for their children's expenses. The living conditions are also different. USI students have one roommate and two suite mates. Two people share one bathroom. The four students share a kitchen and a living room. SWU students have eight roommate with one bathroom. Foreign students, however, have one roommate and a bathroom to share. They also have a kitchen down the hall while non-foreign students are forced to eat at the dining hall because they will get in trouble if they cook in their dorm. Their stove will be confiscated. Foreigners like to live in the foreign students building because they actually have air condition. Eight people in a room without air conditioning sounds HOT.
I ate street food for the third day in a row. I'm in love!
Closing Ceremony (June 9)
It was the big day! The day of our final Chinese exam! Katlyn, Collin, Isaac, and I are the language students talking it for credit, but Shannon really wanted to try and take the test. Luckily, EVERYONE PASSED!!!
Shannon, Jessica, and I went to a nail place on campus to treat ourselves. It took 45 minutes to do our toes, and since they only had two workers, we were stuck there for two hours. It was worth it; we got our nails done and they look pretty. Jessica was really upset that her finger nails keep getting scratched up. But it was only 30 yuan, which is five US dollars. Shannon and I got pedicures. They put four codes of the base color on then the design. After that they put two coats of glitter on certain spots for design, followed by two coats of clear. It's a long process that costed 70 yuan (11 US dollars). It's very cheap compared to the $30 we have to pay. They do a lot more than what they would usually do in America. Before painting, they soak your feet, take off old polish, clean your toenails, and exfoliate the sole of your feet. But the seats are not comfortable like the ones back home.
We got back to our dorm with less than 30 minutes to spare! We had to go to our closing ceremony. We were all dressed up ready to see our test scores, and of course we all passed! Shannon, who started at level zero, passed! Closing ceremony lead to dinner at the famous Dragon Hotpot with teachers and heads of the international office. It was a blast! We stayed there for almost three hours just talking. The students all sat at a table with Ben (a student assistant) and Mr. Wang (our history teacher here). The food was delicious! The food was handed out on individual plates and we had to place them in the hotpot. The hotpot is a round pot with a sealed off section in the middle. The middle was not spicy and the outer circle was hot hot hot! Food in placed in the hotpot filled with boiling broth. I was sitting in front of the control switch, which means I can control the pots temperature.
*There will be a picture of me trying duck tongue. It's a very weird feeling biting into it.
Ben, the student assistant, stated that he is ranked third in the university for ping pong. He also told us about new ways to greet each other. He said there is a slap greeting that friends do where one friend pretends to slap another friend, and that friend will move his head side to side pretending to take the hit. Another thing he mentioned was that boyfriends here buy there girlfriends lots of gifts when the girlfriend is sad or upset. Girls should come find there boyfriends here ;).
Shannon, Jessica, and I went to a nail place on campus to treat ourselves. It took 45 minutes to do our toes, and since they only had two workers, we were stuck there for two hours. It was worth it; we got our nails done and they look pretty. Jessica was really upset that her finger nails keep getting scratched up. But it was only 30 yuan, which is five US dollars. Shannon and I got pedicures. They put four codes of the base color on then the design. After that they put two coats of glitter on certain spots for design, followed by two coats of clear. It's a long process that costed 70 yuan (11 US dollars). It's very cheap compared to the $30 we have to pay. They do a lot more than what they would usually do in America. Before painting, they soak your feet, take off old polish, clean your toenails, and exfoliate the sole of your feet. But the seats are not comfortable like the ones back home.
We got back to our dorm with less than 30 minutes to spare! We had to go to our closing ceremony. We were all dressed up ready to see our test scores, and of course we all passed! Shannon, who started at level zero, passed! Closing ceremony lead to dinner at the famous Dragon Hotpot with teachers and heads of the international office. It was a blast! We stayed there for almost three hours just talking. The students all sat at a table with Ben (a student assistant) and Mr. Wang (our history teacher here). The food was delicious! The food was handed out on individual plates and we had to place them in the hotpot. The hotpot is a round pot with a sealed off section in the middle. The middle was not spicy and the outer circle was hot hot hot! Food in placed in the hotpot filled with boiling broth. I was sitting in front of the control switch, which means I can control the pots temperature.
*There will be a picture of me trying duck tongue. It's a very weird feeling biting into it.
Ben, the student assistant, stated that he is ranked third in the university for ping pong. He also told us about new ways to greet each other. He said there is a slap greeting that friends do where one friend pretends to slap another friend, and that friend will move his head side to side pretending to take the hit. Another thing he mentioned was that boyfriends here buy there girlfriends lots of gifts when the girlfriend is sad or upset. Girls should come find there boyfriends here ;).
Pianyan Ancient Town and Golden Blade Gorges (June 10)
Our first stop was to the ancient town of Pianyan. Unlike Ci Qi Kou (another ancient city), it was filled with shopping. There were many shops but none of them really sold touristy items. The things they sold were more like toys for kids and groceries. Pianyan is also not remodeled. Ci Qi Kou was looked reconstructed, so tourists will come. Pianyan was calm with little tourists. Some of us enjoyed shooting a bow to pass some time.
After lunch, we went to the Golden Blade Gorges. It took us almost four hours to explore the entire area. SO MANY STAIRS!! My calves will be tired and sore tomorrow when we climb the Great Wall of China. The gorges were beautiful. There was a cave that we had to walk through and tight spaces that we squeezed through. Peacocks and monkeys were in cages. Some monkeys ran around, taking the peanuts we were feeding them. By the end of the hike, everyone was covered in a mixture of sweat and water. Water would constantly splash us. It was cold and refreshing.
So much for keeping my shoes dry.
After lunch, we went to the Golden Blade Gorges. It took us almost four hours to explore the entire area. SO MANY STAIRS!! My calves will be tired and sore tomorrow when we climb the Great Wall of China. The gorges were beautiful. There was a cave that we had to walk through and tight spaces that we squeezed through. Peacocks and monkeys were in cages. Some monkeys ran around, taking the peanuts we were feeding them. By the end of the hike, everyone was covered in a mixture of sweat and water. Water would constantly splash us. It was cold and refreshing.
So much for keeping my shoes dry.
The Great Wall (June 11)
The plane was to leave at 8:00 that morning, which meant we had to get up at five in the morning to make it on time. On the plane, we left Chingqing in the same seats we arrive in. Our plane was also delayed again... It was the most relaxing plane ride I've ever been on. The nice thing about early departure is that you're tired enough to sleep the entire four hours to Beijing.
We arrived an hour and a half late. Everyone was hungry because no one enjoyed the airplane food. We made a quick stop to McDonald's so that we would have enough time to climb the Great Wall.
The Wall was harder to climb than I remembered. Maybe it's because I'm getting cold, but six years ago, I made it to the top like a pro! This time, I was out of breath (and out of shape). The steps are very uneven; some are tall and steep others are short like little bumps on the ground. Our calves were tight from yesterday's hike, and they are even tighter now. Shannon was stopped by a family that wanted to take a picture with her. No one approached us as a group because there's too many people. Since Shannon and I ended up alone, she looked more approachable because she was with a fellow Asian. She modeled with the family as I snapped pictures of her with her camera. Tomorrow is her birthday, but everything she likes, she buys for herself. What to do?
We got to Minzu University very late due to a horrible traffic jam that I slept though. Inching after inching, we finally made it. The dorm rooms here are amazing! They are so spacious, and the bathroom is huge. Finally, a shower that had a door to separate it from the rest of the bathroom so we don't get anything wet.
Some of us had pizza for dinner, while the rest of us ate street food. But before we finished buying everything there were warnings that the police were going to come. The whole street of vendors scattered. The were all gone in a matter of minutes. It was quite impressive.
We just started walking back to the dorm when rain began to pour. Jessica gave the two professors her umbrella while us students made a run for it. It was a pretty long run, but I was surprising not too much out of breath. I think we got enough exercise for the day.
And just when my shoes actually dried from yesterday's adventure.
We arrived an hour and a half late. Everyone was hungry because no one enjoyed the airplane food. We made a quick stop to McDonald's so that we would have enough time to climb the Great Wall.
The Wall was harder to climb than I remembered. Maybe it's because I'm getting cold, but six years ago, I made it to the top like a pro! This time, I was out of breath (and out of shape). The steps are very uneven; some are tall and steep others are short like little bumps on the ground. Our calves were tight from yesterday's hike, and they are even tighter now. Shannon was stopped by a family that wanted to take a picture with her. No one approached us as a group because there's too many people. Since Shannon and I ended up alone, she looked more approachable because she was with a fellow Asian. She modeled with the family as I snapped pictures of her with her camera. Tomorrow is her birthday, but everything she likes, she buys for herself. What to do?
We got to Minzu University very late due to a horrible traffic jam that I slept though. Inching after inching, we finally made it. The dorm rooms here are amazing! They are so spacious, and the bathroom is huge. Finally, a shower that had a door to separate it from the rest of the bathroom so we don't get anything wet.
Some of us had pizza for dinner, while the rest of us ate street food. But before we finished buying everything there were warnings that the police were going to come. The whole street of vendors scattered. The were all gone in a matter of minutes. It was quite impressive.
We just started walking back to the dorm when rain began to pour. Jessica gave the two professors her umbrella while us students made a run for it. It was a pretty long run, but I was surprising not too much out of breath. I think we got enough exercise for the day.
And just when my shoes actually dried from yesterday's adventure.
An Eventful Day (June 12)
It was a going to be a long day today. We had to go to the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, a Planning Exhibition Hall, and a huge shopping street.
The Summer Palace was beautiful. It was early in the morning so it wasn't hot yet. Our tour guide was pushing us through everything so fast when we were wanting to take pictures. The shopping was great. We only got an hour and a half to spend there. An hour is not enough time for sufficient shopping. We would have liked to stayed there than go to the planning exhibition hall. The exhibition hall was very empty. There was only one other group in there, which happened to be a group of little American kids running around and taking selfies. We all look this time to rest before we went to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. It was going to take us three hours to walk all of it.
After a three and a half hour hike Monday, climbing the Great Wall Tuesday, and a full days walk today, we all needed rest. We will get to sleep in tomorrow.
The Summer Palace was beautiful. It was early in the morning so it wasn't hot yet. Our tour guide was pushing us through everything so fast when we were wanting to take pictures. The shopping was great. We only got an hour and a half to spend there. An hour is not enough time for sufficient shopping. We would have liked to stayed there than go to the planning exhibition hall. The exhibition hall was very empty. There was only one other group in there, which happened to be a group of little American kids running around and taking selfies. We all look this time to rest before we went to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. It was going to take us three hours to walk all of it.
After a three and a half hour hike Monday, climbing the Great Wall Tuesday, and a full days walk today, we all needed rest. We will get to sleep in tomorrow.
Our Last Meal Together (June 13)
Mind the date on that picture, it's the U.S. date. The Chinese are a day ahead.
The last meal with the group was absolutely delicious! I finally had Peking Duck, which I was looking forward to during the entire trip. It was great! The duck was the first dish to have come out and we all devoured it before the second dish even came out. No one at the table really ate Beijing's Peking Duck before except me, so I was my job to teach them. Many parts go into the Beijing's Peking Duck. There is the wrapping, the hoisin sauce, and vegetables. You take a thin piece of the steamed wrap, then take a spoonful of the hoisin sauce and spread it on the wrap. Put a piece of the duck on the wrap and pick your choice of vegetables that you would like to go with your duck. Now all you have to do is roll it up and enjoy. And man, was it good!
The last meal with the group was absolutely delicious! I finally had Peking Duck, which I was looking forward to during the entire trip. It was great! The duck was the first dish to have come out and we all devoured it before the second dish even came out. No one at the table really ate Beijing's Peking Duck before except me, so I was my job to teach them. Many parts go into the Beijing's Peking Duck. There is the wrapping, the hoisin sauce, and vegetables. You take a thin piece of the steamed wrap, then take a spoonful of the hoisin sauce and spread it on the wrap. Put a piece of the duck on the wrap and pick your choice of vegetables that you would like to go with your duck. Now all you have to do is roll it up and enjoy. And man, was it good!
Time to go Home (June 14)
It's the day to hop on the plane, which also means it's time for me to complain about every little thing!
A few of our bags were overweight but it was easily fixable. Jessica ended up paying the fee because it was easier. The rest of the check in at Beijing was a breeze. We arrived at our gate with a few minutes to shop. I slept for half of the 12 hour flight.
Everything fell apart at Chicago. My flight was suppose to start boarding at 10:45 am but I was still in customs. I tried to ask one of the workers that was trying to make the line move quicker. All she told me was it was already 10:45. Eventually, I made my way through the line. The man who was checking me out of customs wrote an A on my customs paper. I didn't find out until the next station that the A meant that I had food, to which I got sent to another baggage check. The put the baggage on a large conveyor belt and it went through without a problem. I even made sure to tell the man at customs that I did not have food, yet he sent me through more security checks, which delayed me even more. After that I went to the American Airlines counter to see if I can board the next flight since I thought I missed the one I was suppose to be on. The woman said that the flight was delayed and for me to hurry. I quickly dumped my luggage onto the conveyor belt and left with the rest of the gang.
We took a monorail to our terminal. I found that we needed to go through another security check! The line was long. Jessica asked one of the workers there to help me. She found my gate and put me in the priority check-in line. There, I was stopped again. They wanted to inspect my mahjong pieces because they were so unfamiliar with it. When the Chinese saw my pieces they just laughed. The lady in the Chicago airport looked through the bag of mahjong and said that she knew how to play.
At this point I was very annoyed with the Chicago airport.When I finally got to my gate, I asked a woman there if this flight has boarded. She stated it started boarding at 12:15. I thought I had missed the flight because my cell phone was an hour behind. Another girl that was on the China flight also asked her if she was late for the flight because we both experienced the awfully long security process. The lady that was working replied: it says that it's leaving at 12:15, does anyone read?
That has to be the rudest remark I've heard today... At least I was going home.
Thank you for putting with my Weebly rant for the day!
Traveling is amazing, but there are always problems that get in the way. China was an amazing experience that I will never forget. I've met great friends that were strangers before this trip, and by the end, all of us girls wanted to push the beds together and share the same room. I never thought I would get so close to everyone and meet as many people as I did. If you ever get the chance to travel abroad, DO IT!!!
A few of our bags were overweight but it was easily fixable. Jessica ended up paying the fee because it was easier. The rest of the check in at Beijing was a breeze. We arrived at our gate with a few minutes to shop. I slept for half of the 12 hour flight.
Everything fell apart at Chicago. My flight was suppose to start boarding at 10:45 am but I was still in customs. I tried to ask one of the workers that was trying to make the line move quicker. All she told me was it was already 10:45. Eventually, I made my way through the line. The man who was checking me out of customs wrote an A on my customs paper. I didn't find out until the next station that the A meant that I had food, to which I got sent to another baggage check. The put the baggage on a large conveyor belt and it went through without a problem. I even made sure to tell the man at customs that I did not have food, yet he sent me through more security checks, which delayed me even more. After that I went to the American Airlines counter to see if I can board the next flight since I thought I missed the one I was suppose to be on. The woman said that the flight was delayed and for me to hurry. I quickly dumped my luggage onto the conveyor belt and left with the rest of the gang.
We took a monorail to our terminal. I found that we needed to go through another security check! The line was long. Jessica asked one of the workers there to help me. She found my gate and put me in the priority check-in line. There, I was stopped again. They wanted to inspect my mahjong pieces because they were so unfamiliar with it. When the Chinese saw my pieces they just laughed. The lady in the Chicago airport looked through the bag of mahjong and said that she knew how to play.
At this point I was very annoyed with the Chicago airport.When I finally got to my gate, I asked a woman there if this flight has boarded. She stated it started boarding at 12:15. I thought I had missed the flight because my cell phone was an hour behind. Another girl that was on the China flight also asked her if she was late for the flight because we both experienced the awfully long security process. The lady that was working replied: it says that it's leaving at 12:15, does anyone read?
That has to be the rudest remark I've heard today... At least I was going home.
Thank you for putting with my Weebly rant for the day!
Traveling is amazing, but there are always problems that get in the way. China was an amazing experience that I will never forget. I've met great friends that were strangers before this trip, and by the end, all of us girls wanted to push the beds together and share the same room. I never thought I would get so close to everyone and meet as many people as I did. If you ever get the chance to travel abroad, DO IT!!!
The Last Picture from China
Reflection (June 22)
It's been a little over a month since the USI group has traveled to China. I now find myself reading my older posts and thinking that my time in China went by so fast! Since the China trip was during the beginning of the summer, nothing during the rest of my summer could top that adventure. Going to China really brought our group closer. We were strangers when we met, but by the end we were all having our own group talk in Katlyn and mine's room. We've all gotten so close that some of us (Katlyn, Isaac, Shannon, and I) went on a kayaking trip together. :) It was like we were all in China again.
I'm going to have so many decorations that will be hanging in my dorm room next year.
I'm going to have so many decorations that will be hanging in my dorm room next year.