Concluding Reflections

May 27  -- Written by Christie Rosenzweig

Don’t be sad that it is over; be happy that it has happened. That phrase is one of the only things keeping my eyes dry right now. Those words, along with the anticipation and anxiety of seeing my loved ones. I feel anxious to see them because how can I ever answer the inevitable question “how was your trip?” To say “it was amazing” or “the time of my life” would be an incredible understatement of the experience that I just had. I can still hardly fathom that I just participated in the 2012 China Exchange program. I can barely believe that I have friends that I will miss desperately on the other side of the world from my home. As a child I dreamed of digging a hole in my backyard to China, but I never imagined what it would be like to actually be there.  And when I realized that a trip to China was my reality, what I experienced greatly exceeded any preconceived expectations. The kindness, generosity, and friendship that I was shown are still almost unfathomable. Not to mention the scenic beauty of the setting where this amazing experience took place. A dream could not have been as sweet.

        At first I was not sure I would be able to handle spending almost an entire month away from everything I have ever known. As a first time traveler, and a complete homebody, I was more than nervous about how I would react in such an unfamiliar setting. Now that this trip has ended, I feel as if the time I spent here was only a mere fraction of the time needed to truly engage in this kind of experience. There is so much to learn about China, and Chongqing, too,  that only experience can teach a person. I feel as if I have had a little taste of what life is like in China, and it has only made me hungry for a much larger bite.

       I feel now more than ever that I want so badly to return to this country. As I squinted through tears while I waved my last goodbyes to the students who truly made this trip worth writing home about, all I wanted was to stay and continue on this incredible journey.  Saying goodbye to my closest Chinese friends was like leaving a part of myself behind. I will cherish the new friendships that I have made and hopefully maintain them for the rest of my life.  This is just the beginning of our relationship and I hope to continue to learn and grow from my conversations with my Chinese friends and not let distance interfere with the bonds we have made.  I can only hope that they know how much I truly appreciate all that they have done.  I could never say “thank you” or “she she” enough times to compensate for the efforts and kindness they provided.  I know I will never be able to repay my friends for what they have given me through our brief interactions, but I don’t think that is as important as what their behavior has truly displayed. Because of how I was treated, I want to welcome newcomers to my country and assist them in any way I can. It’s not about repaying the friends I have made, but about showing that kindness to complete strangers who are in need of the same kind of assistance as I needed over these past few weeks. It is challenging and even slightly embarrassing to be unable to communicate with the people in your surroundings. I will never again be annoyed by foreigners in America who are struggling with English, because I know now that it can be equally as frustrating for them. Even people who were not partners were patient, understanding and helpful, and I cannot say that I see these same qualities demonstrated as blatantly in the country where I am from. I can only hope that I have the opportunity to repay the kindness of the CTBU students as I have these kinds of encounters in my American life.

        There are too many things to miss about China to list because it would only make me upset again. I do believe, however, that the attitudes and behaviors that I was introduced to, and appreciated while abroad can be just as prevalent here in America if I allow them to be.  I will never, ever forget the lessons I have learned or the friends I have made on this trip.  I have a new appreciation, and respect for Chinese culture, people, and attitudes and I am so grateful for this incredible experience. 

The Adventure Comes to an End

May 27 -- Written by Paula Silver (Blog Editor)
The students left Chongqing this morning at 5:30 am to begin their long journey home.  They will fly from Chongqing to Beijing, transfer airplanes, and finish their trip from Beijing to New York City.  Join me in congratulating them on their wonderful adventure.  It is clear from their postings that the learned a great deal about a culture quite different from their own -- yet in some ways very similar.  In the process, they appear to have learned a great deal about themselves.  They have made what hopefully will be lifelong relationships with people half way across the world.  Most importantly they have expanded their world view and have significantly enriched their lives and those of their Chinese friends.  Continue to watch for posts as the students write about the experience in retrospect.

The Art of Papercutting

May 25 -- Submitted by Sarah Zappulla

The other day we went to a class to learn about Chinese paper cutting.  Paper cutting is an ancient Chinese tradition.  Long before papercutting had begun, the Chinese had developed techniques for paper tearing. The practice of papercutting began during the Han Dynasty with Emperor Wu Di over 2,100 years ago.  Emperor Wu Di had a paper cut image of Li Furen, a late favorite concubine, made in order to comfort him in his sorrows.  During the Southern Dynasty, it was a custom to paste well thin silk cut into the shape of a person on screens during festivals.  The oldest recovered papercutting dates back to 1,500 years ago.

After learning the history of Chinese paper cutting, the teacher taught us the five main symbols that one can use in  paper cutting: sun, crescent, willow leaf, dripping, and saw tooth.  The sun symbol is simply a circle and the crescent looks like part of a moon.  The willow leaf is similar to an arc and dripping looks like a rain drop.  The saw tooth is made up of triangles in a straight line to look like sharp teeth. After making each of these symbols, we put all these symbols together to create animals and designs. Using stencils, we each made different objects. I made a tiger and a monkey.  It looks very easy, but it was quite difficult because there is so much precision and patience that goes into making paper cut images.

Later, when we were done making our paper cut images, the teacher shared her paper cut images that she has made.  She had several portraits and they were absolutely amazing in their detail.  She said that one of the images took her three days to do.  I think it is astounding how much detail and effort goes into this tradition.  It makes you appreciate the Chinese customs and traditions.

Final Martial Arts Class

May 24 -- Written by Jackie Tomasetti (Social Work)

We had our final martial arts class today and I have to say it was fantastic.  The music combined with the moves were truly magical.  I have never done martial arts before so to encounter it was simply beautiful.  I really admire our teacher "Professor Hao."  She showed us two types of martial arts during our stay here Kung Fu, and Tai Chi.  She showed us exercises that will help improve our breathing and promote a healthy body, mind and soul.  She taught us how to follow through with our movements and listen to the music as we "bonded" with it.  As I looked around everyone looked so peaceful and calm; it was nice to see.  I have always know martial arts to be from China, but I thought it always required  "hard" movements, and not an art like it truly is.  Martial Arts allow you to showcase yourself in a different form than normally.  I really enjoyed this last class and to see everyone else enjoy it put a smile on Professor Ha's face.  I am truly grateful for having met her and having the experience of seeing myself and others in a different light.   

Attached are some pictures from our last class.

More on Chinese Culture

May 22 -- Written by Rebecca Coyle (Social Work)

One of the first classes we attended was a course on Chinese Culture.  The professor’s name was Liu Yong, but he allowed us to call him by his American name which was Kevin.  It is amusing yet relieving when a new CTBU professor or friend is introduced with a simple American name after reciting their long Chinese name.  We usually pronounce the Chinese names incorrectly several times to get the pronunciation right, and sadly it doesn’t take long to forget names because they are so unfamiliar.  Chinese names are unique because each one has a meaning.  My CTBU partners gave me the name 如月 (ru yue) which means “like a moon.”  They explained that they chose this name because they believed I was beautiful like a moon. 

I envy the Chinese culture because the people seem to have a special meaning behind everything.  In class we learned about the Chinese characters and how each one has a symbolic meaning behind the strokes that are used to create it.  The Mandarin Chinese character 好 (hǎo) means “good.”  It is made up of the two radicals 女 (nǔ) which means woman, and 子 (zǐ) which means child or son.  The character symbolizes the custom in ancient China that a woman who had children was doing the correct or “good” thing.  Americans often find it intimidating to learn Chinese because characters are used instead of an alphabet, and the Chinese feel the same way about learning English.  Kevin explained to us that Chinese people find it difficult to master English because the letters and words lack meaning, making it less significant and harder to remember.  I found this really interesting because it makes sense but is something that most people never consider.      

Class was filled with various other topics, including facts on the dynasties and power distinctions.  We learned that the three major ancient religions practiced in China are Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.  Unlike most other religions, these three are not centered around one God, but rather many different Gods that all play specific roles in the culture.  My favorite ancient Chinese story is about the creation of the universe.  The Chinese believe that the first God, named Pangu, created everything that now exists today.  Pangu woke up in a cosmic egg filled nothing but chaos formed by a mixture of yin and yang.  He used an axe to separate yin from yang, therefore creating the earth and sky.  His arms are now mountains that keep the two apart.  The wind is his breath and thunder is his voice.  His eyes are now the sun and moon.  

A Visit to Ciqikou

Written by Caitlin Pinter (Education)

The first time that we went to Ciqikou was on May 13.  Ciqikou is an old town that has been preserved in the modern Chongqing Shapingba district.  The town reportedly looks as it did at the turn of the 19th Century.  There are two main streets that have many different shops, places to eat and and shops that let you try on traditional Chinese clothing, which some of us did. We even found a bit of America when we saw cotton candy being made alongside some traditional Chinese snacks.  The shops carried calligraphy tools for Chinese characters, handmade crafts, toys, and even rice jewelry.  While I was walking along the streets I was very surprised to find that most of the stores featured handmade gifts.  The rice necklaces have pieces of rice paper with English characters spelling your name on one side and Chinese characters on the other side.  The rice paper is placed in a very tiny bottle and some of them have very small flowers inside the bottle too.  My partner was with me during this trip, along with several of the other CTBU partners.  My partner was showing me some of the traditional food that they have in China that I had not seen before.  In China serving food on sticks is popular and I was able to try some of these foods. They were all very spicy.  One thing that I have seen in a lot of different places in China is corn cob on a stick. Many of our partners seem to enjoy this and like to eat this as a snack.  I found a pearl shop, where I bought some jewelry.  Just outside the store there was a man who was opening oyster shells and pulling the pearls out right in front of you.  After the pearl shop there was a store that had a lot of traditional Chinese outfits on display.  I decided that I was going to put one on, and take pictures.  Jackie and Alex also tried of different outfits and took pictures too.  The outfit that I had on was blue, pink and yellow.  It had lots of intricate designs on it and was very beautiful.  After I had put the dress on, the woman shopkeeper did my hair.  I had a hair piece on and rhinestone crown that was very large.  Part of it was in my hair and the other half of the crown was hanging down on my forehead.  Jackie was wearing a traditional Chinese bride outfit and had a very elaborate head piece which consisted of pearl-like bubbles, sticks, flowers, and rhinestones.  We had lots of fun dressing up in these outfits and our partners enjoyed watching us get dressed up and taking pictures with us.  We were supposed to go back to Ciqikou today; however, it is the first day that it has really rained a lot. There was a large thunderstorm last night and it still has not stopped pouring.  Hopefully we will be able to go back again before we leave to return home.        

A Visit to the Hot Springs Spa

May 21 -- Written by Sara Watson (Social Work)

On May 20^th a group of us decided to go to the Hot Springs on the day we were free.  It was kind of like a water park only the pools and tubs were filled with warm and hot water.  There were many pools you could go into.  There was a larger pool that had a water slide, a lazy river where you could just float in and travel around in a circle, there were caves you could go into that held many small hot tubs (at about 37 Celsius, which is 98 degrees Fahrenheit) and a large sauna.  There were also beds within the pool you could float on top of and little water jets shot up onto your back, giving you a message while you’re lying in the pool.  One pool in particular had our group very intrigued.  There are these little fish in the pool that if you dip in your foot (or your whole body, as our group liked to do) then the fish will swim to you and eat your dead skin.  Hot spots for the fish were feet, especially heels; knees and elbows.  I thought this was so fascinating.  The fish felt like little tiny lips nibbling on your skin, it just tickled.  We all had different opinions about this interesting experience with the fish.  For example, Jackie and Caitlin would dip their entire body in and have the fish nibble on their lower lips, whereas Rebecca and I were hesitant to just put our feet in.  But it was a lot fun to watch!  There was a buffet that was available, so we decided to eat lunch there.  We found out that the food is on the second floor and as we’re walking trying to find the buffet, we’re told that we have to go into the bathrooms, shower, and change into clothes that are given to us.  We had fun taking pictures in the clothes.  We were given long brown shorts with baggy brown shirts.  They looked like Chinese traditional clothing.  After we were dressed we were then able to head to the buffet.  The food there was really good.  They had fried rice, noodles that were similar to lo mein, shrimp, duck meat, and of course watermelon! The deserts were very tasty as well.  For our group, the egg tarts were a big hit.

 

The Hot Springs was such a relaxing place to go to.  They were playing nice, calm, music at various pools around the park.  There were hot tubs with incense in them with flowers floating on the top for a nice fragrance.  The incense in the hot tubs has different purposes.  We think the hot tub that had rose petals floating on top softened your skin.  It was a very peaceful day and we were all so glad that we went.  It was an experience that added to all the other great experiences that is making this trip one to remember.

Sara at the hot springs spa

Jackie and her little friends

Ooh. . . they tickle

More on Martial Arts and Thai Movies

May 16, 2012 -- Submitted by Alex Reeder (Business)

Today was a busy day for the Widener Students studying at CTBU. Our day started at 2:30pm when we had a Martial Arts Class. Our instructor taught us 11 steps in the basic martial arts. It was important for us to keep our energy and focus during the moves. We started out practicing each step slowly, and then added them together piece by piece. Some were better than others, but we all had a great time learning the Chinese Martial Arts. In the class we ended our session by learning some Tai' Chi. Tai' Chi is a moving meditation that relaxes the body, mind and soul.

After class we met the CTBU exchange students that will be coming to Widener in the Fall. There are 7 students coming to Widener, with most of them studying in accounting, and some social work. They seem eager to come to America, and had good questions to ask us. As Widener students, we are excited to host them at our school and make sure their experience is just as memorable as our time at CTBU.

The night ended with a Thai Film Appreciation night. We all gathered in a classroom and watched the film. It told the story of a young boy who is gifted at playing a Thai instrument, and is chosen to play for the king. The film includes the trials and tribulations of the apprentice, while he must gain the respect of the other ensemble members. The apprentice must perform for the king and a rival ensemble.  When they battle it out, the apprentice becomes the master, and is gifted with the responsibility of continuing the traditional music.

Overall the day was packed with varied types of cultural information, and we are all enjoying our time here! I don't want to leave!

Alex Catches on Quickly

Martial Arts -- Step One

The Art of Martial Arts

May 16, 2012, Submitted by Sara Watson (Social Work)

Today we all participated in Chinese Martial Arts.  It was so much fun!  I’ve never done martial arts before so this was a new experience for me.  I’m not a very flexible or coordinated person and I realized that you need just that in order to hold each pose successfully.  Our instructor was absolutely amazing.  She would show us each stance then we’d start slow and gradually build up speed faster and faster.  Unlike me, many of the students from both Widener and Thailand were picking up martial arts quickly, but I had a blast either way!  It’s amazing to experience the art and coordination that one needs in order to be graceful at martial arts.  No wonder why everyone is so tiny and fit here!  It was such a strenuous workout that I felt as if I had been exercising for four hours instead of only two.  I am so grateful that we got to experience martial arts.  I absolutely have a greater appreciation for all who do this art so well.  I hope I will be able to practice again in the future!

Sara in a Pose

Faculty "Martials"

A Fearful Sight

Catching On

Looks Good to Me

Professor Dyer Has All the Moves

More on the Space Invasion

Submitted by Jen Egee (Business)

On Thursday, May 10th, my fellow classmates and I enjoyed a very unique experience.  The students at CTBU organized an exciting series of games for us. The event was called "Space Invasion."  We all were divided into four teams; Mercury, Mars, Venus, and Saturn.  The idea of the games was to win each round which meant you preceded more spaces on the giant game board.    The game board had one hundred spaces, and looked very similar to a large Candy Land board. Each game had a first, second, and third place winner.  Depending upon the place you won, was the amount of spaces you preceded.  The games were very exciting.  However, Thursday was the most hot and humid day yet at the University.  We were all excited and began the games with dances that each of our teams created.  We all had our team name on the back of our shirts.  Each team also had its own tent where you could relax and hydrate.  

Our Chinese partners were all present at the Space Invasion event, either participating or cheering us on.  The first game involved each team running with cups of water to a bucket.  The team with the most water in their bucket at the end of the game won.  Second, was jumping rope.  Each rope had five team members jumping.  The team that had the most consecutive jumps in one minute won.  The third game was a game in which your team members got in a line and attempted to transport playing cards to the end of the line using their mouths. The team with the most cards at the end of the line after two minutes won the game.  The next game required four team members to stand on two boards with their feet taped.  The idea was to go up the field and back all in one piece.  It was pretty funny, because each team fell at least once.  Another game was very similar to basketball.  The team that made the most baskets in a trash can won. Last, we finished up throwing tiny balls into a board with many holes. The more balls you got in the holes, the higher your team would score.  

In the end, Mars took away first place.  We all had a great time, and the experience created lasting memories. The Space Invasion gave us all a chance to bond with our Chinese friends as well as classmates.  We all were so thankful for all the time our partners contributed to the game.  They really are constantly making sure we are having a great time. I cannot adequately express how much of a great time we are all having in China.  These experiences are opening my mind to different aspects of Chinese culture each day.  

Team Venus

Jen and Aaron at the Games

Caitlin Carrying the Bag

Peking Opera and Chinese Culture

Written by Kaiti Pappas (Business)

Throughout this trip, I’m constantly trying to compare aspects of Chinese culture to our culture. However, there is nothing I know of in the United States that can compare to the Peking Opera. From what I’ve seen, their operas involve folklore, history, and precision. The makeup is dramatic, yet detailed and, like most aspects of Chinese culture, has a distinct meaning.  Our teacher told us that the audience can typically distinguish the characters’ roles through the colors and patterns of the actor’s makeup.  She then showed us pictures of various characters with appearances so foreign from our style that I can only compare it to characters in Star Wars – from Princess Lea to Darth Vader.

Whether you’re a crazy Star Wars fanatic or have only seen the characters through McDonald’s happy meal toys, you know that the man with the red and black face must be “the bad guy.” In the Peking Opera, however, red and black faces have a positive connotation implying that character is brave and wise. In contrast, blue, white and yellow colors that we often associate in Christianity with “heavenliness,” have negative meanings. This left us with an interesting dilemma when we were asked to make Peking opera masks : whether to make our masks look like “good guys” in Chinese culture or to create a more Americanized look. Without thinking, I drew a swirled pattern on my mask with a solid line from forehead to chin and then instinctively grabbed for the silver, blue, and gold paint. Many of us, however, made the masks in traditional Chinese style with red and black markings.

One thing I’ve learned from being here for a full week is to always expect the unexpected. Some things that you would think would be a taste of home, for example, a dish that looks like steak and potatoes, could easily be radishes and tofu. In Chinese culture everything is more than it seems. Every Mandarin written character  has a story that can be 1,000s of years old.  Chinese culture seems to have a depth that most aspects of our culture lack. I am guilty of taking familiarity for granted, but as much as I miss American food and the simplicity of my everyday life, I am excited to continue experiencing all that China has to offer.


Photos below were submitted by Jackie Tomasetti (Social Work)

The Finished Products

The Artists at Work

Caitlin and Jackie as Peking Opera Stars

Let the Games Begin

 May 13 -- Written by Jackie Tomasetti (Social Work)

The other day we participated in sports activities with CTBU students, I really enjoyed it.  The students and the school planned the event so well they had 4 teams and each was a planet.  They called the game space avengers. There were little games within a larger game.  For example every time your team won the little game your team would move ahead spaces on the big board.  First planet to the end of the board won!

All the students at CTBU were excited and willing to help us have fun in every aspect.  They encouraged us every step of the way making us feel right at home and comfortable to play the sports.  The games were probably one of my favorite things we have had so far.  It truly showed me the spirit of the Chinese students and how we are different, but yet similar.  They were spirited and wanted us to enjoy ourselves. They were screaming for us and helping us create memories that will last a lifetime.

The University was very prepared with tents and bottled water and games that we knew in America,but did not know in China.  CTBU and the students went above and beyond to make sure we would have fun.  They put us before themselves and to me for an entire student body to do that is amazing. Even people not participating in the games who were watching were cheering for us.  

At CTBU the students want to know about America and want to know about Widener students and activities like this helped us interact and get to know each other better.  This experience is helping me grow as a person everyday and the sports activities were something to add to my memories.  I made so many new friends and memories that I have for the rest of my life.

Attached are a few pictures from the event.

May 13 -- Games, Pandas and Lots of New Friends

May 13, 2012 -- Submitted by Christie Rosenzweig (Nursing)

The past few days have flown by and been so exciting! Even though we’ve only been here for a little over a week, it feels as if we’ve been here for such a long time. I think it may be because we cram so much into each day. Regardless, I’ve been having a great experience here in China.

I think the key to this experience is that you have to be open. This applies to multiple aspects of the trip. We are constantly exposed to unfamiliar food, people, places, perceptions, and cultural behaviors. Even the members of our group are just getting to know one another, even though we feel so close because of our mutual situation. It is seemingly crucial that judgments be abolished because almost nothing is what it “seems”.

This pertains to literal things like tasting new foods. Today many students enjoyed a cold slice of meat that we assumed to be duck. After the meal we were informed that it had in fact been rabbit! Often times we are served foods that look like they are going to taste a certain way, and we are frequently surprised. However, being open to tasting dishes that are blatantly unfamiliar in appearance, texture, and smell, has the tendency to be a pleasant surprise. There are so many food options here that are not available at all in the states. Trying them and asking later has allowed me to have a better understanding of this important aspect of Chinese culture.

The people on this trip may have been internally judged by one another as a "type" of person or associated with particular group. Even though we spent two hours a week together last semester, it was hardly enough interaction to form an accurate impression of anyone. These people who I once labeled as “the sorority girl”, “the athlete”, or “the hipster” are now my closest friends. These people are so much more than the labels I might have originally slapped on them. I truly hope that we will always remain friends after sharing this experience with one another. Team Widener China!!

Interacting with the new students at CTBU is also somewhat of an adjustment. Communicating with them is often a challenge because of the slight language barrier. Being with them requires patience, and an open mind. I rely on my Chinese friends a lot because the things in my surroundings that I can’t understand confuse me. Getting to know them has been wonderful and I’m looking forward to continuing this process over the next few weeks. Learning about them is a holistic experience. Some of the stories the students tell and the reasons for their beliefs are just plain different from how I would approach the exact situation. However, it is necessary to look at their upbringing, surroundings, and culture to understand where they are coming from and to be open to accepting their perspectives even though they may be extremely different from what I believe to be true. I have grown to think that it is really cool to hear a variety of perceptions. To reject things at first glance would mean putting myself at a huge disadvantage. I have learned that there are opportunities for amazing experiences that often come in very strange packages.

I have a lot of new Chinese friends too! Kiki is my best friend because she’s my CTBU partner, but when we’re in a group and all the partners are together I get to talk to some of the other CTBU students and make some friends. Melo, Bobby’s partner, sat next to me on the bus on the first day and gave me a Chinese name. It’s the name of the actress in the movie I had to watch for the class- I don’t know how to spell it right and I definitely say it a little bit wrong sometimes but it is Zizyee. That probably looks really weird but, Melo is the only person who calls me that so it doesn’t really matter anyway. There’s also this really funny guy, Ayo, who I sat next to in class the other day and we talked the whole time and kind of got in trouble -- but not really. The class was very long.  What was I gonna do?!  I don’t really talk to my other partner that much. I only met her once, but maybe I’ll be spending more time with her soon.

The other day we had this really awesome sports activity. It reminded me of my elementary school’s field day. There were a lot of relay type games that everyone got really into and it was awesome. They had it set up so nicely! It seemed as if it was professionally organized. There were four teams, each a different planet (go Venus!!- that was me) and a big game board that was outer space themed. Every time a team won an event they got moved up on the game board and the first team to the finish won. We came in third, but it was seriously still so much fun!  It was a perfect day too - hot and sunny!

Later that night we went to the hot pot restaurant- it’s really popular in Chongqing. There’s a big pot in the table with a smaller pot inside. The outer pot has spicy broth in it and the inner pot is not spicy. We were served a bunch of dishes with an assortment of raw meats and vegetables. Some of them I recognized, others were quite foreign. I tried the spicy broth but it was a little bit too much for me. Most of the food was really delicious! I liked trying the new things because now when I see them at restaurants, I’ll be more comfortable choosing them (or not!) 

The next morning (yesterday), we left for Chengdu! It was a long bus ride; about four hours, I think. Once we got to the city and ate we went to a temple housing Lui Bei’s tomb. It was pretty cool and had some beautiful buildings. There was also this really cool shopping area where I found some awesome souveniers I’m really excited about.

Today was another early day, but it was awesome because we went to the panda reserve!! It was seriously the coolest thing! I looooove pandas, like seriously adore them!!!! They are so cute and peaceful. It was like a zoo for all types pandas, but it was all open. I took so many pictures! They had some red pandas there too, but they weren’t as cute (haha that’s so mean!)

Afterward we grabbed lunch and now we are on the long bus ride back to Chongqing. It has been an exciting and exhausting time here but I’m loving every second of it!

Christie and Teammate

East Meets West Games

Christie at the Panda Preserve

Christie and Teammates

They Are SO Loveable!!!

May 9 -- A Night Out at KTV

May 9 -- Written by Jen Egee (Business)

Yesterday, We went to Chinese Culture class at nine am.  It was really interesting.   We learned a lot about the city of Chongqing itself.  As well, we learned how to write some Chinese characters.  After class, we all went to an area of the city referred to as Nanping.  Nanping has a lot of stores and places to eat.  It reminds me a lot of New York City.  We shopped for a little at an underground market called Women's Street.  They have really inexpensive clothes, shoes, jewelry, and gifts.  It was really interesting to see everything.  After shopping, we went to KTV. KTV is a Karaoke club where everyone gets their own room.  You have flat screen tvs where you choose the songs you would like to sing.  After KTV, we went to a barbecue buffet.  There was a variety of different meats to choose from and you could grill them yourself at your own table.  It was amazing.  After, I went back to my room and fell asleep.  It is very tiring with all we get to do in China. We are having a great time!   Attached are photos from the day.

Sarah Hollywood and Jen Egee -- Karaoke Duet

A typical Evening Meal

Jen Stirs It Up at a Chinese Barbecue

May 9 -- The Fun Continues

May 9 -- Written by Sara Watson (Social Work)

Attached is a photo of my team -- Team Saturn --  for today's sports activities. The games were so much fun. Bobby, Kati, Alex and I were on the same team with some of the Chinese students. We had such a good time participating. My favorite game that we played was where you put a playing card on your mouth and you have to transport that card to the next person to their mouth as you go down the line. The first team who could transfer all cards with their mouths won. Our team won that round! Overall Team Saturn got 2nd place. The photo is our team happy about 2nd place!

Team Saturn Wins 2nd Place!!

May 8 -- English Corner and More. . .

May 8, 2012 -- Written by Jackie Tomasetti (Social Work)

On Wednesday I experienced my first English corner. English corner is where Chinese students go every Wednesday evening to practice their English, like a "club".  We were welcomed with open arms by the Chinese students and I was so overwhelmed.  They were so excited to see us and they genuinely want to know how I was and everything about America.  At English corner our group performed a dance because they wanted to see how Americans dance. We put on poker face by Lady Gaga because they love her, and we did American funny moves like fist pumping, disco, running man, and sprinkler.  They absolutely loved every minute of it. They were clapping and taking pictures and videos.  I thought it would just be for that person, but apparently the pictures and video went viral all over campus and everyone was talking about our performance.  I have never felt more welcomed and respected in my life.

During English corner I talked to many students, all wanting to know about my life and where I come from and how America is different from China.  Most of the students said that cost was a big factor in their ability to visit the U.S., but they hoped one day they could.  They kept thanking me for how honest I was with them about everything.  They felt so honored that I had taken time to speak to them and practice English, but I thanked them for showing me so much about China and myself.  

The Chinese students here are very open and genuine and I am so thankful for this experience. It has taught me so much about different cultures and most importantly myself. English corner was a huge step for many students because they cannot speak very well and they thought we would not listen to them if they could not speak well.  I would tell them it's ok to slow down and describe what they are trying to say.  They were very appreciative.  I am absolutely loving my experience in China.  Time is moving very fast and I wish it wouldn't. I am grateful to the students of CTBU and the experience they have given me so far.

Attached is the picture from the banquet dinner we had before we left for China at a Chinese restaurant in Delaware.  The food is even better in China.

May 8 -- At the Tea House

The pictures below were submitted by Caitlin Pinter.  They were all taken at the Tea House, an authentic restored tea house situated at the base of one of the mountains that rise at the North end of the CTBU campus.  As you can see, it is a beautiful and serene spot.  Chinese tea culture remains to this day an important part of Chinese tradition -- a long way removed from Lipton or Tetley!!!  (Paula Silver)

Submitted by Caitlin Pinter (Education student) 

Here are some pictures from CTBU and the tour that we took.  These photos are from the tea house at the top of the mountain situated on campus! One of the photos is of me and my exchange partner.  Her English name is Sunny! I am loving it so much.  My Chinese partner student is wonderful and we are getting along great! 

Caitlin Pinter  (Education) and Amanda Chang (Nursing)

Widener Faculty at the Tea House (Sue Greenberg and Pat Dyer)

Sarah Hollywood (Business) and Jackie Tomasetti (Social Work)

Caitiyn and Sunny,  her CTBU Partner

The Group at the Tea House with New Friends

May 8 -- Massages, English Corner, Treasure Hunts. . .

May 8, 2012 -- Written by Christie Rosenzweig (Nursing)

Today, after our introduction to Chongqing and CTBU presentation, I, along with Jackie, Alex, Caitlin, Sara, and Professor Huang, went to get a massage. For the price of 90 Yuan (about 15 American dollars) I was massaged for one hour and forty minutes. It was amazing. Who knew that heaven was on the other side of the globe this whole time? We were all in the same room, which was helpful because professor Huang helped us to communicate with the women.  They were definitely talking about us at some points but I’m pretty sure that it was nothing bad.  Afterwards we went to a little local restaurant and I had the best meal that I have had so far. The food was delicious I couldn’t get enough of almost every dish we ordered.  The best was the sweet potatoes covered in caramelized sugar- yum! Then we had our scavenger hunt to get a feel for what it is like to be out in the city of Chongqing. This was a really fun, competitive, and exhausting way to learn! We were running around like crazy trying to beat the other teams to the different destinations. It was fun getting to know some new people and we went to a lot of places that I definitely want to go back to and spend more time at. My team ended up coming in second, but I still got a cool Chinese fan as a prize.

Later there was an activity called “English corner” which was a cool experience. Chinese students who are studying English meet every week to practice English.  Our group participates while we are there.  The students really want to talk to us. We started out with some kind of awkward games and dancing but it was fun and it’s so cute how enthusiastic and excited they are about interacting with us. It’s contagious!! I love talking to them and hearing about their lives. What they do can be really different, but how they are is very similar, if that makes sense? Anyway, it is a very good time. After English corner, I did a little bit of shopping with a few of my widener friends but now I’m really tired from running around for the scavenger hunt today.           

There are some things I’m learning here that are clearly universal. Not everything in china is as different as we might think. Talking to my partner, Kiki, teaches me much more than how to get around and what to say.  When we go to lunch and she tells me that some times are very crowded because that is when a lot of classes let out. I cannot help but relate because we are in the same predicament at Widener all of the time. Also, as I’m getting to know her, Kiki and I talk about our families. She explained to me that whenever she is sad talking to her family makes her feel better. She told me that when she Skypes with her family she feels that she is loved by them and she is so thankful that they sent her to school to create a better life for her. She even said that sometimes it can be boring just saying all of the “blah, blah, blah” but she still shares so much love with them. This is exactly the way that I feel.  I appreciate the love and support of my own family because I know it is what has gotten me this far, and is setting me up to live a good life. I also turn to my family when I’m feeling down. It is crazy to think that Kiki and I grew up on opposite sides of the globe. We went to completely different schools, have different customs, expectations, ages, heritages, and beliefs, but still share these same important values. Or maybe it is not crazy? Maybe all people, Chinese, American, or anything have the same inherent concepts that drive our lives. We all are human and long to fill our lives with love, laughter, and feelings of accomplishment. We want to please the people that make us happy. We are grateful to those who help us on our way. Sometimes we all feel lost or alone. China is not that different from America. Just like me, Kiki wants to do well and make her family proud of her. She wants to make friends and have fun. Sometimes her classes are boring and she doesn’t want to go. Whether it is something as insignificant as skipping a class just because it is boring, or as crucial as feeling warmed by the love of one’s family, the evidence is clear that we are all related because we are all human.

I love all of my experiences in China so far and am excited to continue learning! The excitement and enthusiasm the CTBU students have is contagious! I love spending time with them and learning about them, China, myself, and the world!