Day 8

Hello! Here's an update on what we did today.

This morning we played team bonding games with our Chinese buddies.  We split up into three teams of 12 and played four different games.  The first game is a little bit difficult to describe, so please bear with me.  First, each team took multiple sections of newspaper and spread it out on the floor.  Then, we each used packaging tape to stick each section together.  Eventually, we brought the two ends together to make a circle.  The goal of the game is to make a "wheel" of newspaper, where six people are standing inside of the wheel and need to move to the other side of the room.  (Imagine a hamster inside of a wheel.)  Once we got to the other side, we had to switch with our other teammates, so that they could race to the other side.  We found it difficult to make the newspaper sturdy enough to stand on, but luckily my team won the race!

The other three games were the human knot, a balloon race, and an 11-legged race (12 people with their ankles tied together!)

Later that afternoon, we went to visit a local elementary school.  We split up into six groups to visit different classrooms.  Kate, Nate, and I went to a classroom that was very energetic!  It turns out that it was just about time for their gym class, so we accompanied them outside to the courtyard.  We played badminton, basketball, and even jump rope with them.

Shortly after our elementary school visit, we hopped back on the coach and went to an industrial area.  We toured a leather factory that is based out of Hong Kong.  It was very interesting to see the long process it takes for each type of bag or purse.  Unfortunately, due to regulations, the company was unable to tell us where they distributed these goods.

By this time we were starving-or at least I was!  We went to a local restaurant and experienced the "hot pot."  There is literally a hot pot in the middle of the table with food surrounding it (similar to our fondue style).  There is a broth premixed in the pot and you can add whatever you like to the pot.  Many of us students felt like this was one of our best meals!  I personally enjoyed the noodles, rice, and tofu filled with pork.  I was even a little adventurous and tried chicken stomach!

Now, we are resting in our rooms and off to bed.  We'll write more tomorrow! 

Danielle