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The 2016 local trip was a very memorable experience for students like me who were not able to attend the China trip for reasons such as an injury or passport complications. This year’s local trip group was larger than many of the past years. The local trip was led by Mr. Baier, Ms. Candiotti, Ms. Cline and Ms. Kresak. The group saw some really great scenery and tasted some of the finest cuisines that Guangzhou has to offer. From the top of Baiyun Mountain to the top of the Canton Tower, the local trip viewed it all. From the buffet at the Four Seasons to the dim sum at Ersha, the local trip tasted it all.
On day one, we went to Baiyun Mountain and had a great time. When we arrived at the top of the mountain, we were shocked at how beautiful Guangzhou appeared. We hiked down the mountain and enjoyed a pleasant buffet at a restaurant. The day ended with us going back to Science Park for some time to relax and rest. While we were at Science Park, Jeff Lee commented on the day, saying, “Baiyun Mountain was awesome. The best part about this entire day was the people. We had many, many meaningful and interesting discussions about so many different things. There were discussions about school, about life, etc. It really is an unique experience.”
On day two, we went on a tour of Guangzhou with a local tour guide that the school hired. We followed him through some of the famous historical sights and neighborhoods and learned about some history of Guangzhou. For lunch we ate at a local restaurant where we enjoyed some of the finest local cuisines. Overall we learned a lot and had a great time. Paraash Manwani at the end of the day said, “I never thought that Guangzhou had such a rich history. Since I live in Foshang, I rarely have the chance of seeing this side of Guangzhou and it is so amazing. From the buildings to the environment, it’s really breathtaking. Even though there was way too much walking, but I feel like today was worth it.”
The next day, we visited the Canton Tower. At the top of the Canton Tower, most of us walked around and enjoyed the view. Jun Lin said, “seeing Guangzhou from the top of the Canton Tower really gives you a new perspective and a new image of Guangzhou.” After the tower, we ate lunch at Ersha. The lunch was a whole new experience for many and people were shocked at the size of the table. There were over twenty people sitting around one giant round table, and Jun mentioned that “this setting really reminds [him] of Chinese New Year dinners. People were constantly conversing, sharing thoughts and opinions not just to their neighbors, but to the whole table.” After lunch, we went to visit the Guangzhou English Training Centre for the Handicapped (GETCH). Like a school, GETCH has a campus with many classrooms, libraries, media rooms, a playground and dormitories. When we arrived, we were greeted with a warm welcome from the students there. We introduced ourselves and then we went on a tour led by the students there. During the tour, we visited the music room and listened to some of their performances. After listening to their performances, Kunru Du and Paraash Manwani decided to perform as well. Kunru performed a few rap songs and Paraash played the drums. After seeing their school, Martin Kim said, “People here are really cool, just like us. One of my favorite parts of the whole tour was their library and their music performances.”
On day four, we went to visit the Art Museum on Ersha Island. In the Museum of Art, we looked at many beautiful artworks. During the museum visit, Max Zhou commented, “these paintings and sculptures are among some of the greatest artworks I’ve ever seen.” After the art museum, we then went to a buffet at the Four Seasons Hotel. The buffet featured some of the finest foods people can eat in Guangzhou. After eating, we then continued our visit of the Four Seasons Hotel. After the visit, we went to the Guangdong Museum and finished our amazing day with a lesson about the history of China.
On our last day, we went to the Garden Hotel and learned how to make some traditional dim sum. Under the instruction of a few of the finest chefs in the city, we had an amazing time. After our culinary experience, we reluctantly went home. Even though the local trip is over, the friendships and the memories created will never be gone.
The local trip was a unique experience for all of us. People made new friends, experienced a whole new side of Guangzhou and people had fun.
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