What a trip! Trying to describe what the time in China was like, it is probably easier to break it down by what we did, and general perceptions, rather than a day-by-day rundown of our time activities. I've listed below a link that will take you to the 140-something photos with descriptions of the time we spent there - so make cup of tea or coffee and enjoy!
University students!
We had the opportunity to participate in classes at a university where the students are learning English (they learn from an early age, but these students now have concentrated studies as they are planning on bilingual careers). Our group would introduce ourselves to a class, and then break up into groups and each of us would spend about 15 minutes talking to a small group (4-6 students) so they could practice their English and ask us questions about America. Then we would switch to another group until the class was over. Some/most of the students had not met any Americans (except for their teacher). A lot of their exposure to Americans were from TV shows they have seen on the internet. Some of the shows they mentioned viewing were Desperate Housewives, Big Bang Theory, Friends, Sex in the City..... Quite a collection of "real" American life!
They had a lot of questions about the freedom and independence that American teenagers have. They wondered what our everyday life was like (and we explained it was a routine, probably much like theirs or their parents). They were wonderful, curious, and open. Even though they were hesitant about their ability to speak English, they were very proficient. Most would not imagine dating before college-age, and they don't get driver's licenses until they are 18. None that we spoke to had a car (they were 2nd year students, so most were probably 20). The city was quite large, and getting around by walking, bus or taxi was probably the norm. At the school, the first day, we went to take the elevator up to the 3rd floor, and it went past 3 to the 5th floor. A couple students told the teacher (who was with us) that it doesn't stop on the first few floors. I assume they figure, with the number of students and only two small elevators, if you needed to go up just a couple flights, you take the stairs!
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