TIC 2007: The Highlights
As we prepare to leave China on Wednesday we can't help but be a bit nostalgic about our five weeks here. After all, This Is China. Here are a few of my favorite moments from each city we visited during our journey:
Shanghai: To commemorate our last night in Shanghai, our group ventured to a club called Bon Bon. At first a bit apprehensive to follow Taylor's directions once again, we wound up at a great spot with a million-mile tall doorman. We all enjoyed a fun night with an enthusiastic DJ and vivacious atmosphere. The most memorable moments of the night included a crazy bathroom where the water in the faucet came from the ceiling, a dance contest featuring Caroline and Cami, a VIP table complete with addictive dice games and music from America. It was a night when all of us were together and justly represents the fun of Shanghai.
Henglu: Henglu was all about the people. The village was such a culture shock and the best part for all of us I think was getting to interact with all of the kids that lived there. My favorite part of the weekend was Saturday night: dumplings and the talent show. Competing with 10 other people for a bowl of dumplings, chopstick against vicious chopstick in the bowl, was both hillarious and exhausting, and ultimately very satisfying. The talent show, where Caroline, Cami and I performed My Girl, was really fun and the juxtaposition of American culture, like the theme song from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Chinese culture was depictive of the cultural differences in a fun way.
Hangzhou: After hearing about it from everyone we talked to, we finally got to see West Lake. It was absolutely beautiful, with lush gardens and beautiful architecture. Matt, Cami, Caroline and I enjoyed overpriced tea and delicious noodles and fried rice (two helpings) overlooking the lake. While we never found the peony garden we had been searching for, we encountered several photo shoots and even some peacocks.
Wuhan: Wuhan was a fun city with great shopping. A personal highlight was the tshirt I bought that reads Big Mac and then Attack underneath it five times in different colors. As a group, we all really enjoyed the Wuhan Institute of Physical Education. Getting to see the gymnasts train was an awe-inspiring sight. Also, talking with the students was exciting because they were all so enthusiastic about talking with American students. It was yet another opportunity to exchange emails and further the America-China network we've seen growing since we've been here.
The Splendid China: The cruise was fantastic. Actually going through the Three Gorges Dam was something I'll always remember. I think my favorite part of the cruise was the talent show. Our dance to the Jock Jams Mega Mix was so much fun to prepare and even more fun to perform. While part of me didn't want to satisfy the boat director Linda by entering the talent show, it was definitely worth it for our great costumes and creative dance moves. Yet, I'm still a little bitter that they started our music too softly at first and we had to skip a couple of the best moves, but Bryce still had his solo at the end which was a vital part of the routine. Also, as posted earlier, gua sha was awesome.
Beijing: I slept on the only man-made structure visible from space. Camping on the Great Wall of China is quite possibly the highlight of our entire China trip. We actually got to see stars in China and instead of being woken up early by Linda's voice, we were woken up early by the sun. Using my cell phone on the Great Wall of China was also an interesting mix of old and new aspects of China's culture. One thing I don't love about the Great Wall is that there's nowhere to go to the bathroom and drinking water requires the decision between being thirsty, having to hike down to use the bathroom, or having to hold it all night. Being slightly uncomfortable was definitely worth sleeping there, and it was somewhat alleviated by delicious Oreos, which from now on will always make me think of Cami. Also in Beijing I bought a sword, and I'm really excited about that.
Coming home soon and back here eventually!
Katie Simpson