Did you know the national flower of China is the peony? That's one of the many, many things we are learning!
We started our second day in China with an early flight from Beijing to Xian. It was quite mountainous as soon as we left the ground in Beijing. By the time we arrived in Xian, a two hour flight, we were once again on flat land that looked much like the farmland of Nebraska. The airport is quite a distance from the city because we passed a great deal of rural land before arriving in the heart of this city which many here consider the "cradle of Chinese civilization."
We are staying at a new hotel which just opened in October. In fact, this is the "soft" opening, meaning that they are not advertising yet. It is a lovely hotel with lovely windows, marble and many mirrors!
We were warmly welcomed in an official opening ceremony at Jiaotong University. Dean Kostelnik's remarks reflected our appreciation for this opportunity to learn more about the culture of China. We then toured the university, guided by student volunteers. They were wonderful, answering all of our questions and giving us their thoughtful perspectives on many subjects, including what they hoped to gain from their educational experience in Xian.
As we were eating lunch about 1:30, we saw many parents taking their children home from school on the backs of their bicycles. Some were sideways, some were backwards and all were very, very cute! We look forward to our school tours on Friday. That is also when we will have the opportunity to meet with several middle school administrators to discuss the every day lives of their students and teachers.
Our evening meal (yes, we eat often!) was hosted by our Jiaotong University hosts and was family style (my term for it). First we had a variety of appetizers that were put on a large, large glass (much like a lazy susan) in the middle of the table. It continued to turn so we could experience all of the different items. Then, more food was added but none was taken away. There was pork, duck, pumpkin, fish, cabbage, dragon fruit and much, much more. The dinner was over when no one had the energy to turn the glass anymore!
It was a grand first day in Xian!
6 comments:
I'm glad to hear that you're learning much and eating well. Both are the marks of a good trip. I'm anxious to hear about your school visits. What an amazing opportunity! Take care.
Hi Jadi...
It is amazing...we are going to a kindergarten, primary, middle and high school tomorrow. Then on Monday (I think) we head to a village city, so it will be interesting to compare the urban/rural differences in education and then reflect upon them in terms of what we do in Lincoln/Nebraska. Am learning much and laughing often with your dad...but will let him tell you the stories!
Take care,
Sue
I can't wait to hear about your expierence in the villages. I wonder what it is like compared to Tanzania.
Is their anything you two won't eat?
Be safe.
Hey Jessie...
So far no, there hasn't been anything we wouldn't eat...now there are a few interesting textures of food here. A soup we had the other day, was well, not good....can't recall the name of it.
Yes, it will be interesting to compare Tanzania & China...
Much Love,
Susan
Well, I don't eat everything...but almost! I've never seen this many items on a buffet...and there is buffet in each hotel in this city of 14 million!
Mary- June Bug would love the food updates if she were online!!! Remember how we had German Christmas . . . need we experiment at the Kirschbaums for Chinese New Year a little early???
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