Re: Student Memories of China

From Beijing to the airport where I am now sitting in Guilin, it's been a complete dream come true and then some. I adored working with the children in the orphanage, the boat ride down the Li river, going out on the town in Xi'an where we got our hair done, taking over a thousand pictures and still thinking I missed some of the beauty. My experiences here cannot be completely described with words and can't be captured in my photos. China is absolutely astounding.

Re: Student Memories of China

Thus far, i'd have to say that i loved going to the park the most on our last day in Xi'an. At first i just walked around the first big rock formation, and listened to the musicians, but then I crossed a bridge and saw some of our groupies playing in zorbs. i joined in, but after that i continued to walk around alone, and it was actually really calm, until Ion accidentally walked out of the park and was swarmed by toothless banshees (street vendors). I also loved buying random stuff and swimming in the river. that was purty cool.

Re: Student Memories of China

My only regret is that we do not have more time. i wanted to do the mud bath, have a massage, and see the dragon back mountains(terraced rice patties). I totally have loved the whole trip and would not trade this experience for the world. My athighlights are walking the streets and getting to know the culture, going to the schools and orphanage and getting to know the people! The park rocked, the people totally accepted us and we loved them. Also the tourist attractions were also all amazing. The three words that best describe it are overwelming, wow, and wow.

Re: Student Memories of China

There was really no negtives, but all positives! From the streets of Xi'an, to the mountains of Guilin, and Phil and Jake's Window Streaker, the entire trip was amazing. The mountians of Guilin are the very same ones as in the pictures-they rise in unbelievable shapes, and disappear into mist and hunidity. In Xi'an, my Dad met two university students, Tina and Joyce. They led us around into culture streets, and in the morning, to Tina's father, who is a Tai Ji master. The morning Tai ji was a spectacular show, and unlike others, attracted crowds from performing word play, spears, and regular martial arts. I think we might come back to visit these two towns...

Re: Student Memories of China

Walking through china i got caught up in the presentaion of china and often missed the reality of china. the reality is that most chinese people live in a totally different world but they are not totally different people. If i had the chance to live in china i'm sure i would meet chinese i really liked and chinese i could't get along with very well. China is a beautiful place and i've been bleseed to be able to meet and mingle with the chinese people.

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Getting free time to do whatever we want, like in the square in Guilin or in the town in Xia’an. I also enjoyed the boat ride when were allowed to get in the water and swim around. But together I really enjoyed everything except all the people who smoke.

Re: Student Memories of China

china has been the coolest thing ever. The best part has been meeting everyone from Arapahoe. But all the sights were excellent.

Re: Student Memories of China

This trip has been one I will never forget. Although the sights smells and sounds of China were truly amazing there is one reason why this trip was so memorable. POOFY! I roomed and hung out with an odd little boy named Jake who started the trip with a large poof of hair on top of his head. I laughed all the time because of Poofy’s hilarious antics and his clumsy manner. There was never a dull moment and it was all because of the boy who dropped his shoe in the toilet, shaved his head, couldn’t turn the shower on, and had skin the color of the dumplings I was consuming. This is a tribute to Poofy the man with the Poofy personality.

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Seeing all of the historical things like The Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and The Terracotta warriors were all cool, but by far my favorite parts have been when we had the chances to meet Chinese people and talk with them.

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There is so much here to see, hear, and just experience. Its not like I couldn’t type It all to you. Its something you would have to find out for yourself because it was different for every person here. Not one person on this trip had the same thing happen to them. It was such a life changing experience for me that it has changed my view on how I will plan to live my life. If anything I wish I could come back a million times, and yes I did get over the food no worries. I’m very excited to get home and just chill out.

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Ni Hao I am tired because it seems as though we have gone to every possible tourist attraction in China but Gavin, our guide, assures me that we still have much more to see. Zia Jen

Re: Student Memories of China

The trip has been unforgettable! It’s really amazing seeing all the architecture from thousands of years ago, still intact. Also, all the Chinese students willing and wanting to speak English and they’re all curious about our culture and how we live in America. In the park at xi’an when the community came together and invited my mom and I in to dance, they care for everyone and want to include other people. The whole trip has been a wonderful experience!

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The Chinese people are wonderful. I am considering becoming one myself. The only problem is that I don’t look like one. Also, I really like being an American. Plus, I only like American Chinese food – it is more Chinese. Though the food was not the highlight of the trip, I still ate it a couple times. Shaking hands with Chairman Mao Z. Dong was exhilarating. I really enjoyed three things in China: the scenery, not understanding anything that was said, flirting with Chinese girls, being with good friends, being able to say dumpling, and buying stuff dirt cheap. I bet it would be fun to be an emperor – or President. My favorite memory was when I asked a Chinese girl, in Chinese, to be my girlfriend. She said yes. I think.

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One of my favorite memories was the park in Xian. At the beginning we were just watching people doing Tia Chi, which was cool but got kind of boring. Then we were invited o play a rock, paper, scissors game with a teacher and her class which was more fun. The we crossed the river and there was a open amusement park area. My sister and I went into these balls on the water that you try to stand up in, it was a blast. We were able to see tons of people because it was Saturday. We could see their daily life which was very interesting. That is why I loved the park so much.

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I loved reading your comments. What different experiences and memories you all have! I feel certain that you left positive feelings toward the US behind you. How powerful and important is that?!

Re: Student Memories of China

Thank you all for sharing your memories. I'm excited you were able to have these experiences. My thanks to all the adults who made the trip possible and memorable!