Hi everyone ... well, our stay in Jining has come to a close and although we'll leave tomorrow morning for Tai'an, the friendships we have made here will last a lifetime! Here are some pictures of today's activities!
A group shot of all of the Canton Students with their host students from the Affiliated Middle School of Jining Institute at the farewell dinner -- they were very patient ... it seemed like 30 different people all wanted to take their picture!
All of the Canton students before heading back home for their last night with their families.
All of the students posing outside the library at Jining Institute!The following pictures are of each of the Canton students touching the dragon on the stone pillar at Confucius' temple. It's believed that if you rub the dragon, you will experience good fortune ... so each had a turn!
An inside shot of Confucius' temple!
An inside shot of Confucius' temple!
Today, we went to Qufu (pronounced "choo foo"), the hometown of Confucius. There we toured through the temple dedicated to him, his mansion (or, his family's mansion) and his "woods" (the cemetery where all descendants of Confucius are buried). Confucius thought is evident in many places in Chinese culture -- and as a teacher, I am extremely interested in the philosophies and lessons from him!
After Qufu, we went to Jining Institute, the university affiliated with our sister school. There, we posed for pictures outside the library! We were also treated to lunch there by Mr. Li, who used to be the principal of our sister school, but has since been promoted to a position at Jining Institute!
In the evening, we had a wonderful farewell dinner with the host families and Mr. Meng and Mr. Li! The school presented each student with a gift -- a plaque of Confucius!
Tomorrow, we're leaving early in the morning for Tai'an, where we'll climb Tai Shan (Mt. Tai). From there, we'll drive to Jinan and spend the evening there, before heading out on the express train early Friday morning for Beijing! We'll be home before you know it!
Wan an :)
Hi Jen,
ReplyDeleteI wanted to let you know that I have been following the Blog you created and read about the past three days a few minutes ago. You have done an amazing job on this project for your student, their parents, and our community! I know it has been a labor of love because each day you must have been very tired at the end of the evening, and yet you spent that extra time downloading the terrific pictures and writing your comments for everyone to read. The parents must be thrilled to scroll through and see their children so healthy and happy. What a thrill to see everyone has had the trip of a lifetime!
Have a safe return!
See you soon,
Lynn
Mrs. Gembala..
ReplyDeleteAs Lynn mentioned.. we greatly appreciate the time you spend each evening (after your long and busy day) adding to the blog and uploading all of the pictures of your journey. We are experiencing China vicariously through your postings!
I am anxious to hear all of the stories once the group returns home but a bit saddened as this awesome trip will soon come to an end for all of you!
Enjoy every minute possible of the next three days... Thank you for all that you have done for the group!!
I also echo the same sentiments. I really look forward to seeing what you are all up to everyday. It brings a smile to my face to see that the kids are not only having a good time, but learning about a different culture as well.
ReplyDeleteI hope that some of that good luck from the dragon does rub off and comes home with my girl. Everyone could use a little good luck.
I can't believe your journey will be ending soon. But you will all have some wonderful memories to look back on and hopefully some lasting friendships have been formed. Looking forward to your next post!
At our house too! It has become a daily habit to look on the blog and see the stories and photo's! LOVE it. And what a nice surprise to see our chinese 'son' Daniel and his brother Harry on a couple of the photo's. What a small world!
ReplyDeletesounds like u guys had a wonderful adventure in china so far... looks like a lot of fun!!!
ReplyDelete-Brooke Coffey
Hi everyone!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the wonderful comments -- I have had a lot of fun posting on the blog and it's been a terrific way for me to "journal" about the adventures here! I look forward to reading all of your comments too (I make sure to check each morning before I head out for the day!) And, yes, I am really sad that the trip is coming to an end ... this country has so much to offer travelers -- from meeting wonderful people, tasting new foods, participating in traditions and customs, and appreciating it's history -- that I do hope this is one of many trips I will make to China in my lifetime!
Until I post again :)
~ Jen Gembala