The Show Goes On!

Another report, more photos, this is terrific! But first, let’s hear from Korin . . .

"We're in Qufu now. It's a lot more fun -- we get more free time to walk around  the campus. Our first performance is tonight. E-mail communication might be a  little sketchy, so don't count on it."
 

REPORT 6 -- April 4

Jenny, Chaperone

QUFU  We awaken today, as everyday to the sound of piped-in music outside our windows. The music can be heard everywhere on this campus of 19,000 students. At 6 AM a large group of elementary students joins 24 soldiers for raising of the Chinese flag. All very precise. Very official. Very Chinese.

Later in the day we see 500-600 elementary students exercising in neat rows. Student leaders, all of nine years old, stand at the head of each line facing their fellows, leading the group. Teachers stand to the side. All very precise. Very Chinese.

Our students have classes with Ann and Tom today. It’s interesting to hear how their preconceptions have changed or been strengthened as they just begin to understand the reality that is China. Our kids are draped over chairs and couches, each other, dressed in a kaleidoscope of colors.  Insights and ideas cyclone through the group—no written script, not even for the teachers. Very chaotic. Very American.

The first performance tonight. Nerves on edge… “Where’s my scarf?”  Costumes pieces on the floor. “Who was supposed to move that set piece?,” “Where’s the black tape?,” “This make up is too dark.”

Nathaniel shines. Mitch can really dance. The Chinese love Jess, Audrey and Rachel’s scene. Happy Birthday, Elayna! Alex looks positively evil as the cowboy. Nick and Ida become Romeo and Juliet. Kess glowing. Liza doing the boys’ makeup. Cate tripping again (must have been the fish eye she ate). Korin takes on his role. Wow! Our gentle Sarah’s voice. Ashley—beautiful and serene. Kim’s got the computer stuff down. Maura and Marcus backstage clowns. Aubrey opens up at last. Wow. Julia’s laugh lights us all. Devin is home again. Elton organizes us…and the Chinese. Eric’s voice soars. Thank God for Wei Wei. All very chaotic.  Very American. Applause. They love us.

Wow. That is one fantastic report! It appears that their first performance went well. Whew! Good to have that one over with.

According to their itinerary, the group will stay with host families today through the weekend. This will give the kids a real first-hand experience with home life in China. And the neat thing will be that they will each have different experiences. This means that by the end of the weekend, they’ll have stories to share with each other! Can’t wait to hear these! So, three more performances and they head out of Qufu.

From the reports and pictures, Qufu appears to be a really nice stay for the group. Lots to see, fun shopping experiences, and some freedom to walk and run. Have you noticed how green the grass is and the leaves on the trees? We look forward to more pictures of their performances and further experiences with their host families . . . and those cute little kids! Aaaaahh!

Here are some new and interesting links:

• The Chinese Flag
• China Education and Research Network
• Chinese Yahoo! (Ever wonder what Yahoo! looks like in Chinese?)
• Traditional Chinese Music (You can listen to these samples)
• Learn Chinese (This is a really cool site. Listen and learn now!)
• Chinese Dictionary (very cool!)

That’s it for now. As always, when we get new stuff in, we’ll post it on the site. So be sure to check back throughout the day! Until the next time . . .

GOODBYE!