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!
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