Where Are They?

LGUHS

ASOP

FREEMAN

It’s April First-- No Fooling!

Hi Everyone. We have a ton of photos for you today!

As you read this, the group is packing their things for an early morning departure from Chongqing. Their next destination is Qufu, through Jinan. Before we leave for Qufu, let’s look at some more photos of Chongqing.

The group met with (L&G graduate) Geneva Holden the other day. Here she is with the city lit up behind her.

Tom says:

[Below are] a number of shots of the Chongqing skyline (part of it) taken from the large ferry that we were on for well over two hours as we cruised around the city. There is also one [above] of Geneva Holden, JE 2000-

More photos of the “neon” city below.
 

Okay, let’s get right to the photos of the kids . . .
 

Tom comments on these photos (above and below) taken on their final day in Chongqing . . .

There are a few of the Stilwell Museum and our kids interacting with some Chinese students who were with us for the day. The Chinese kids will all be spending the summer or the academic year in the States

There are others taken from the bus as we traveled on the narrow streets along one of the hillsides, which, by the way, are honeycombed with caves that the people of Chongqing retreated to during the Japanese bombing from 1938 to 1943.

We also visited the old city and there are a few of that scene. I also threw in some photos of huge billboards surrounding the very updated, modern, chic mall. Again, the contrasts are remarkable.

There are some of the" stick soldiers" with their poles. The stick soldiers or heavy lifters are everywhere in this city.

It was a great day, lots of interactions, fascinating tour of different parts of the city and bright, bright, neon. Lots of glitz. [Tom]

The gang also visits the Dazu Buddhist Stone Carvings and we should have photos of that experience later. Let’s take a tour of Chongqing . . .
 

Chongqing

And here is what Casey has to say about here day in Chongqing . . .
 

Saturday, March 31, 2007 -- Casey DeMarsico, Freshman

It has been a long, fun day! This morning we got to sleep in a little bit which was very nice. The first part of the day Richard [our wonderful Chongqing guide] took us to the Stilwell Museum which was US General Joseph Stilwell’s house in Chongqing during World War II from 1942-44. We also met up with 10 or so Chinese students who are visiting the USA soon. They were very fun and friendly. We talked with them about everything from Johnny Depp to everyone's favorite classes.

After the museum we went to lunch with the same group of students. They were fun and taught me that I use chopsticks the wrong way. (Sure, as soon as I thought I got it down, turns out I'm wrong). After lunch we went to an old village. I think it holds so much culture, everything is so unique. One of the Chinese students helped me bargain something from 80 kuai [or yuan] to 15.

Bargaining is lots of fun but the language barrier can be tough. After old town we went to this more urban shopping district with department stores. I preferred the shops more but the department stores were still fun. Everything is still pretty cheap and all the workers are helpful. So I almost got lost in this huge department store as I was trying on shoes. It was horrifying. As if trying to ask for a smaller size in the sneaker I wanted was hard enough, when I looked up and saw literally no familiar faces, I didn't know what to do. It ended up being fine but it's times like those when I realize how different the rest of the world is and how sheltered I have been.

--Casey
 

I wonder how many students will find themselves automatically bargaining for a package of gum at the local market when they return to the U.S.!

Andi Anderson, one of the amazing chaperones on this journey (more about them later) shares a little about the kids and events:

The kids are amazing. They are so adventurous. Trying new foods, bargaining for a deal and going going, going all day and night where most would drop. We started really getting into the interaction the other day when we visited a Foreign Language School. We had an international soccer match, a basketball round, and badminton. I think they were most amazed that our girls play soccer and basketball.

These students were amazing. They spoke English so well and were full of interesting questions. Our kids really started seeing many of the differences. It was fun to talk about our world and see the looks of wonder as we talked about such a small school, and that we all live so far apart. The fact that we have to drive 30 minutes to shop for groceries astounded them. [Andi]

Great stuff, Andi. The many places and events the group visits will provide cultural and historical education for our kids, but the times our kids spend with their Chinese peers will probably be their most memorable and, for many, will have the most impact of their journey.

The gang is now headed for Qufu, also know as the “city of “______”? If you’ve been doing your homework, you’ll know this. (Here’s a little help: Go to Qufu).

To see what a typical Chinese web site looks like, read about Qufu here.

The group will fly first to Jinan and then will take a thrilling bus trip to Qufu, home of Confucius. Do you know how to pronounce Qufu? No, it’s not “koofoo.” And it’s not “kwoofoo.” Are you ready? Check this out, it is, believe it or not, “choofoo.”

Qufu is an amazing place. The group will learn and experience the teachings of Confucius. And they will also put on their first performances of the trip!

More exciting times ahead for the Journey East group. And for us too!

Have a great day everyone!