Tom – Closing remarks

Hey, it’s Tom, back for one final reflection on the trip.

Some things have only hit home after getting back and talking to people. Like the distance we’ve travelled. I spoke to my physics teacher, who isn’t exactly a recluse, and who I’ve assumed has travelled far and wide in the world in previous jobs. And he said ‘I’ve never gone that far’. It really is a massive distance. To walk in a straight line from Worthing to Jinan would take over 10 weeks without rest. It was a great honour to be able to travel further than most of the world will ever get the chance.

The journey around China was a brilliant one, made more brilliant by the people I met and talked to. The group were all fantastic, as well as the leaders. Miss Zhen, Iven and Miracle were also brilliant as guides and hosts. The people we only met briefly were great as well, from the 12 year old sister of my home stay friend, to the 51-year veteran of marine biology. Everyone was very polite, and very open to talk about anything, especially the students we met at each university. My politics teacher said before I left that I’d be able to feel the difference between my Democratic country and the oppression under the Communist government, but there was none, just different values for a different set of people.

I will always remember all the wonderful things we’ve seen as well. From the big names such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden city, to things that the average tourist doesn’t see, for example the institute of oceanography or the place with all the brides. Each place shows a different side to the Chinese culture, and what Chinese people view most proudly. Would we take people to the GSK offices in Worthing, like we were taken around the Haier offices with such pride?

People always ask ‘How was China?’ as a throwaway remark. When they ask, I have to restrict myself to ‘it was amazing’, because if I got started on how I felt about the whole thing, it would take hours to list all the great things we did, all the off-plan spontaneous moments, that would be unfunny to the rest of the world. It truly was like being a family. I seem to come back a changed person. My caution whilst crossing the road is all but gone, and I feel a lot happier to let things unfold around me. Two skills that I’ve learnt from being in China, which may not always be the most useful.

All in all, it was a truly awesome trip, and I would happily go back and live it all again, changing nothing. Thanks to everyone who made it possible.

Signing off
Tom

A look back – Lara

So, we arrived back home yesterday and after a 10 hour flight we were all pretty exhausted. However, the overall mood was that of… heartache?! I know I don’t only speak for myself when I say I will truly miss every member of the group and am so sad to know that our China experience is over. We couldn’t have asked for a better reception from the Chinese people, and the trip was simply perfect.

When I got back home and was reeling off story after story to my parents, I realised how much had been fitted into 12 days, and I am grateful in particular to Ivan for planning such a faultless visit. I only hope we can match up to it on the Chinese return trip. I can’t wait to show English culture just as the Chinese culture was shown to us. The best thing will be the homestay, because I think young Chinese people may find English culture a bit of a shock! All that bland food!

Also, the thought of going downstairs and having cereals for breakfast strangely fills me with dread. I want my egg-fried rice and pak choi and random spicy food. Oh, and some watermelon.

One last note to say thank you to everyone who played a part in the organisation of this trip, I am forever grateful for that once-in-a-lifetime experience. THANK YOU AND I WISH IT NEVER HAD TO END!!! xx

Day 9, Rosie – Qingdao

well what to say about my 12 day experience we’ve seen a lot of universities and walked a lot of steps as well as having random chinese people take pictures of us in the streets which is so funny.  I’ve learnt a lot about myself while i’ve been out here and i’ve realised that although i’ve taking a lot of chances with what i’ve eaten i’ve also realised that i have probably let a lot of experiences that i will never have again pass me by. Some of the food has been really interesting and it’s taken me 8 days to find it out and to find that i tastes really good so I’m disappointed in myself for not taking these chances.

 

The home stay we did on the 4th night was a real shock for me going into the family with a closed mind being nervous, scared and having so many other emotions that some of the other people didn’t have. I regret all the things i should have done which i haven’t on this stay like learning some more chinese words.

 

Today we went to a Marine Biology centre which was a real experience for me because i had considered becoming a marine biologist seeing all the dead animals stuffed in jars made me feel sad but then i realised we’re not going to discover anything if we don’t take these specimen out of the sea and dissect  them to find out what’s happened in the sea and what could happen in the future.

 

My experience here in China, has been one that i will remember for the rest of my life but i have realised throughout this whole experience that opportunities only come round once in a life time and you should make the most of the opportunities that come round because what you have at home will be so much more appreciated after you’ve been away for a long time and experienced someone else’s culture.

Days 1 – 4, Lara – Beijing to Shanqing World

Hi guys this is Lara, and this is my first blog to date, so will include all details I can remember from the trip! Be prepared for an extensive blog! Plane journey was good, first breakfast was SPICY, Great Wall was amazing.

 

Oh, and while we’re talking about the Great Wall, a few members of the group and I decided to travel down the Great Wall in a most imaginative way! We found a ride that travels down the mountain and it completely controlled by a little man who makes use of a single handle to brake. That was mighty exciting. When we arrived at the bottom we were in a market/bear place…! There were several pits, one of which was around 5m x 10m and contained 10-15 black bears. It was one of the most distressing and upsetting sights, especially as there was nothing we could do.

 

Anyway, skipping a few fun-filled and eventful days, on Saturday night we were off on our home-stays which was quite simply one of the most insanely wow experiences ever. I can’t even explain! The family were so friendly and were constantly taking photos (photos took about 1hr 30m!). Wow. I got presents (including something impressive for the lounge, Mummy and Daddy), I ate good food, we talked as much as permitted and generally had a great time. The next day, having been hurried out the door after a few more photos, we went to the zoo with a few other members of the group and their hosts. Taxis were fun, as were buses and walking and GO-KARTING! Woop! So much to talk about but no time.

 

Today was lots of activities for team building etc which was awesome. The Shandong Youth Federation hosted the day and the banquet in the evening which was so nicely organised. Had the best time. The Chinese are so friendly. I wish I could stay just to get more to grips with their culture etc. Lots of toasts after which you must finish your drink! And I thought Asians had a low tolerance…! Wow just, so much has happened.

 

The best thing has to be the food. Love it. Something different every time. My friend Dahlia and I have been daring each other to eat chilies and the like. Funny as hell.

 

Another great point is I LOVE THE GROUP OF PEOPLE! Everyone’s different and I just know I’ve made some lifelong friends. Couldn’t ask for a better group. And the leaders have been amazing too.

 

Big shout out for Tom! Miss you! (Because he asked )

 

So, bye guys! Hope everyone’s well, and will see you in just over a week! x