June 19th: China at Last

The first thing I noticed in sepping off te plane as that the air tasted different- a sort of smokey, humid tang like cities and rivers intertwined. We took a bus to the hotel that aternoon where I dozed in a sort of stupor after getting no sleep at all on the plane. It was there that we met the Indian group and headed out to dinner.

Over some traditional Chinese cuisine, I talked with some of the Indian students about their day-to-day life and how things were sort of different between our two countries. I disovered that while in America we take different courses every year--for example, Geometry, Algebra I, Precalculus--in India, students have a "math" class, which cumulatively builds on their knowledge of all aspects of the subject. Also, squash and cricket, two sports practically nonexistant in the states, are very popular in Inda.

I managed to barter for the first time in Chinese with a street vendor out side, using my new favorite phrase, "Ni shir baba Chunglung-ma?" or, "is Jackie Chan your father?" Needless to say, he was very confused.

As we drove home on the bus, I saw Shanghai transformed. After the sun set, the buildings lit up like Times Square times ten, sparkling with rainbow light and waterfall of color and flashing ads. It was amazing to see, and I'm anticpating the boat-tour we take at night to better see the lights.

I tumbled into bed that night and was asleep within minutes, completely exhausted.

Shopping, Packing, and Backpacking

Well readers, I've got just under ten days until my departure- can you believe how time has flown? I've been working on final preparations and packing these past couple of days: I've gone to the bank to order some Chinese currency, gotten a visa card, and done some seriously hard-core shopping for summer clothes (i.e. bought a million and one sun dresses). I don't know how I'm going to fit it all into my suitcase. The little blue EF tours backpack is perfectly sized for carry-ons, though.

I've also been talking a lot with the students I'm going to be traveling with via facebook. It's been great to get to know the American kids, and even more intersing to talk to the Indian students. Who knew cricket was so popular? We're friends already, so I can't imagine how close we'll be by the time we depart for home. Also, the fifteen hour flight is sure to help- people bond through trauma.

Some other news: I've been selected to be filmed in a documentary EF is making of our tour to China! Myself and one of the boys, Jason from Hawaii, will be representing America, along with two of the Indian students. I won't lie, I'm very excited- I've never been followed around by a camera crew before!

33 Days and Counting

So things are really getting busy now, with about a month to go until I leave. (Departure date has been set: June 17th, and I'll be flying in to Chicago and then OVER THE TOP OF THE WORLD. Very cool.) I've recieved my passport, my visa, and my vaccinations (ouch).

Also, tonight I had my second conference call with the rest of our group, where we talked about some of the details of our trip. Fun fact- I'll be getting a penpal from Shanghai, to get to know someone I'll be personally meeting on the trip! What's interesting about our trip is that apart from the standard sightseeing, we'll also be visiting a couple of schools and getting to observe the differences in the way Chinese, Indian, and American students study. I'm really looking foward to that.

On a different note, I'd like to share the film that my essay prompt was based on. It's called Two Million Minutes and it's a documentary that captures the essence of education and youth in America, China, and india. It's a great movie, you should all check it out!

Anyway, I'll be updating more frequently as our departure date approaches. Stay tuned!

-Jackie