Back in the US

It has almost been a month since our last night in Beijing. Here in Rochester I have been asked by alot of people I know how the trip went. Every time a new person asks me how it was all that I can say is that it was "amazing" I don't think that many words could sum up our entire trip. So many amazing things happened and I don't know how to explain it all. The day after I arrived in Rochester my family and I went to Michigan to see my cousins. The change between here and Beijing was very drastic. When I arrived in Michigan I was so happy to see my family but at the same time I started to realize how much I was able to connect with the people from DC but also how much I enjoyed my stay in China. Living with 9 new people in a different country you would think would be a hard thing to adjust to. But I believe that was not the case with the DC and Rochester people. We all got together very well and started a long lasting relationship with each other that I believe will last a very long time.
During my stay in Michigan we stopped at a fruit stand, and another family that was there was speaking in Chinese, I was amazed that even though I had only been home for 3 days I have already been able to hear Chinese being used around me. When I told my mom that the people next to us were speaking Chinese she said "really, I didn't know". I think that this moment proved to me how much more I am going to achieve and how much more I am going to be able to learn in life knowing Chinese. I know that even the day before I left for China I would have been oblivious to the fact that the people next to me were speaking Chinese.
I would like to thank every one that contributed either in a large or a small way to bringing our group of 10 students to China. This opportunity for me would not have happened at all if it was not for this organization.
Thank you so much for believing that a teenager from Rochester Ny would be able to grow from being in China and for opening up my eyes to what I will be able to accomplish in my life.
-Julianna Turner

Chinese Orphanage

Chinese Orphanage

The students really enjoyed spending time with the children. Some of the infants were severely disabled. The State-run orphanage is run by private donors. Some of the children receive surgeries to correct their ailments before they are adopted. Others might have a short time on earth due to their disabilities. One organization affiliated with the orphanage is called "The Chinese Daughters Foundation." Our students showed their true colors by playing with the children, helping them exercise, and making them happy. We donated several bags of items that we thought the children could use (i.e. lotions, towels, shampoo, sponges, etc.). It was a great day. 

July 13: The Chinese Opera!

Although everyone was recovering from the exhausting and wondrous experience of the walk on the Great wall we "toughed it out." Once we slept in awhile, we were on our way to attend the Peking Opera. While we were there we were able to see the beginning of the process as well as the final product. Before viewing the show we got a brief tour of some of the most famous costumes and their story in the opera. Then we got to see the actors and actresses put on their "faces" and watch how intense, careful, and focused they are when getting into character. One correct stroke of make-up matters because it helps give a representation of the character. A line of red on the forehead could symbolize that the character is evil. It was really fascinating to see the things being put together and it made for great anticipation for the show. The show was exciting to watch, but upsetting because of lack of comprehension on our part, but with what Chinese we did learn we were able to pick up a few things here and there.

The Great Wall of China

Today was the Great Wall of China!!!!!!!!!!!!! (or Chang Cheng in Chinese)

Even though it was sweltering hot and it seemed like there was no end in sight, I can proudly say that we all made it up to the top! On the way down, most every one took a different way .Some went down a really cool slide that went all the way down the side of the mountain, some took the "ski lift" down, and some took the traditional grueling walk all the way down. The views that were in and around the Great Wall were beautiful. When you were taking a break and got the chance to look around it was mind blowing that you were standing on such an important piece of history. Once we were able to make it down and into an air conditioned bus we were surprised to find out that Paula was going to treat us to a delicious BBQ!!!! It was such a good surprise! The restaurant was at the base of the Great Wall and was beautiful all around. We were in the countryside and quite a nice change from the busy city of Beijing. Most importantly of all though was the bathrooms :) They had western styled toilets and were very very clean!!! At the restaurant we were able to meet the owner and learn about her organization. Which was practically an organization that helps preserve the countryside style and look in a way that is practical for the people that live there as well as the many tourists that come. This also allows there to be job opportunities for the local people so that they will not move away. We also found out that there were many opportunities for internships there. Today was absolutely amazing and tomorrow we get to SLEEP IN!!!! Something that we all desperately want!

July 11: Chinese Dance and Cheerleading

This morning we woke up, but not really sure how because we slept through 2 alarm clocks! But after breakfast we had out Chinese dance lessons. It's kind of like cheerleading, so it was pretty cool. Then we had class and went over the format for our midterms. Yes, sadly, we have to take midterms and they are coming up pretty quickly. Instead of having our third hour of class, though, we had a geography class to teach us about the Great Wall and some other really cool places in China. During the class we were able to use Google Earth and were able to take a look at home as well! In the afternoon we had Kongfu again and it went really well. We all seem to learn really fast at it and enjoy it a lot!

July 10th: The Forbidden City and Clocks

Today was the Forbidden City, it was really neat. While at the Forbidden City we found out a lot of interesting things like how the Emperor had 27 Concubines and an Empress. We also found out that the Emperor and Empress had two separate rooms that were across from each other. At one point in time the Emperor ended up leaving the Forbidden City for one of his concubines and when he eventually left the city he caught smallpox and died. Before the Emperor had died he found an interest in clocks because he was introduced to them by a Westerner. His clocks are now in a museum but in total he had about 999,000 clocks. Also at the Forbidden City we got to look through the Imperial gardens. When we were there we sat down to take a break and a person just started to draw Lyla's (Yi Li's) picture on a plate and it turned out to look just like her. It was so cool because he only did it in about 2 minutes.