June 25th

That afternoon we were able to test our bartering skills at Chi'enmen Market, a market place near Tienanmen Square. We separated off into groups to explore, trying our hands at a little bit of independence and strengthening the friendships we'd been building. Unfortunately for me, it was then that I discovered my wallet was missing. I spent the afternoon frantic until we returned to the hotel and cancelled my Visa card (waking up my poor mother at two in the morning!) Needless to say, I learned a hard lesson about watching out for one's belongings.



We relaxed together at the hotel for a little while, playing some team-building games and then simply spending time with each other, whether it was obsessing over our new favorite hackey sacks, ordering mass amounts of food from the French waiter at the cafe, or just sitting and talking. I was realizing just how close I was becoming with my fellow Global Citizens--and how sad I would be when we all went our separate ways in two days time. The ten days had truly flown by.

After dinner we stepped out into Beijing for a spectacular kung fu show. Some of the feats performed were truly incredible and we were all absolutely awestruck. Unfortunately, no photography was allowed so I can only let you use your imaginations.

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!