Markevis Gideon: A Day with a Chongqing Family

So yesterday was an excellent experience, for the most part. We were all afforded the opportunity to spend an entire day with a local family, and it was quite an adventure. The day began pretty normal, you know I woke up at a decent hour, took a shower, ate some cookies for breakfast and met in front of the dorm to prepare for the day’s outing. We all walked over to the administrative building and as we walked in, we were greeted by several different families. As our names were called off we were briefly introduced to our family for the day, and I must admit I was a bit nervous, but quickly overcame the fear. It was my pleasure to meet Mrs. Catherine, an English Teacher at the school and her husband. As soon as I stepped out of her car, at her place of residence, I was immediately greeted by her 2 year old daughter! She called me “Co Co”, which means brother, and I felt honored! In addition to her 2 year old daughter, her parents, brother, sister and nanny also were there. We all discussed the program for about a hour and then we went to a wedding. I was a bit confused, being that I was wearing cargo pants and a hoody, but it was totally acceptable. In a way I guess this wedding could be described to be a Western Style wedding, but it was still pretty different. There were no exchange of rings, in the background there was a narrator during the whole wedding and the overall layout was different, but interesting. We remained there for about an hour and then we left. They noticed that I did not eat anything so they parked the car and within a few minutes jumped back in with some KFC, and I was soooo happy. So we went back to their place of residence and then I ate. Afterwards, Catherine’s husband asked if I would like to learn some Tai Chi, which is a slower form of Karate! We practiced for about an hour, and boy was that a work out. It looks fairly simple, but it is actually pretty difficult and at times strains the muscles. Once I finished that, I got my butt beat in a game of ping pong by a neighbor. This lady was great, she tried to give me some pointers, but you know the whole not being able to understand Chinese did not help! So after being beat, about seven games in a row, Catherine asked if I would like to take a nap. So I rested on the couch and about an hour or so later woke up. Then the big moment arrived....DINNER TIME! They were so excited to take me to hot pot, and it was such an experience. Though I did not remotely enjoy the food, I had a grand time. There was about five different performers strolling around with an amplifier strapped to their back with some type of instrument and a microphone to sing! It was very noisy, but funny at the same time. I will not go into too much detail about hot pot because I do not want to ruin anyone’s experience, but on a brighter note...it did smell good! So following hot pot we went back to the campus and I gave them a small gift of appreciation for all of the hard planning they did for this day. They were the greatest, and I would encourage them to look into doing it again for a second time next year!

Tiffany Walker

So my trip to China is beginning to come to its close and while I’m so ready to go back home I really don’t want to leave. This is been one of the best experiences of my life. This trip has again helped me to realize how blessed I really am. There has not been a day gone by that I don’t take a moment and soak in the fact that I’ve been living in China for the past month. Taking a taxi into the city, the night view with all the beautiful advertisements all in Chinese characters, finding tons of foreign insects in my room at night, these are all constant reminders that I am here, living, breathing and being in Chongqing China. This place is so different from any other that I have visited. Every aspect from the food, the music, the style and the scenery is unique. I have been truly touched by the students here. They have worked so hard to make this trip as enjoyable as possible for us. They come to our every beck and call without hesitation or neglecting their own school work, I wonder how they do it. They constantly work hard in everything they do and barely get a moment to breathe. I’ve learned that everything is chosen for them, their major, their university of attendance, their careers and life, even the times they are allotted to shower.  They attend classes Sunday-Saturday from September until January and everyday they must abide by an 11pm curfew, including weekends.

Tell me how much different that is from our college experiences in the United States?  I could not imagine not having the freedom to choose my college, or major which in turn dictates the rest of my life. Every time I come across college students from different countries it sometimes seems they have it better, usually because the cost is extremely cheaper. But I have come to the realization that you can not put a price on choices. A girl I met here is studying automobile engineering. I know it sounds impressive but it’s sad to learn that she is stuck studying something else and it’s not her dream. She wants to study tourism or education. She said she always wanted to teach little children. That will probably never happen. I asked her does she like her major and she responded by saying “I learned to like it”.  I’m sure that her career in automobile engineering will be successful and lucrative but I’m not so sure she’ll enjoy it. I can’t imagine being at another university or studying something different. In the beginning of my college career I almost regretted my choice in school, but it was my choice and I could live with that. I changed my major mid-way through the first semester of freshman year, added a minor and then chose a second major. I shower when I want to, I choose what time of the day I have classes and if I don’t like something or don’t want to do it—I won’t. Nowhere else in the world do you have that freedom—and that’s something you can’t put a price tag on.

Sarah Leone

I have to admit that this country or city never ceases to amaze and surprise me.  Everyday is something new.  I wake up in the mornings wondering whether it'll be a good day or a bad day.  Some are good, and some are bad.  The days that are good are ones I'll cherish forever.  The bad ones, I'll just throw away because its taken a while to realize but this whole trip really is how you make it.  My bad days are because of stupid reasons.  From here on out, I plan on enjoying every single moment, adventure and challenge Chongqing throws my way.  Sometimes my temper gets the best of me, but I've realized it has to stop.  Chongqing, China, is a beautiful city and though their culture is so different and I get thrown off sometimes, I really do love it here.  The students at CTBU have been nothing but welcoming and friendly.  I've never met such warm people before in my whole entire life.  Whenever I'm feeling homesick or sad, a student is right by my side to reassure me that everything is okay.  Whether it's a Widener, CTBU, or other international student, they always make me feel better.

My nights are usually spent relaxing on the steps outside of my dorm with different students.  It's great making friends from all over the world.

In China there are always people outside, always.  In the mornings you can see tons of students on the courts playing basketball or ping pong.  During the hot afternoons the pools are filled with people.  Walking along the streets you can find tons of food and fruit stands with happy people.  People on the streets get so excited to see us foreigners.  Wow, it's weird to be calling myself a “foreigner.”  Haha. Anyway, I've seen such amazing historical sites in these past two weeks I've been in China.  I can't believe how much the China natives are into their culture and history.  The students love tagging along with us, being our tour guides when we visit sites such as the People's Palace, the Fishing Village, and the Dazu Stone Carvings.  They know so much about these sites, even if they haven't been there yet.  You can hear the passion in their voices and see it in their faces whenever they speak of their country.  I love that.

Yesterday was the best day I’ve had here.  I spent the whole day with my Chinese family.  I was so nervous going into it.  I didn’t know if they would speak English, and that worried me because my Chinese isn’t that great.  I really didn’t want to do it.  Well, my family spoke little English so I had Katrina as my translator.  My family was great.  They invited me into their home and showed me what they do on a normal day.  The wife spoke no English, the husband a little bit, and same with their eight year old daughter.  Star, as I called their daughter, was amazing.  She played the piano so good, and wrote calligraphy.  Katrina told me that because of the One Child Policy families spend a lot of money and attention on their child’s talents.

I went to a semi-traditional Chinese wedding!  I was nervous when the family told me that’s where we were going because I was dressed in jeans and a polo.  I thought I would be out of place but when we got there, but not everyone was as dressed up as I thought they would be and I was fine.  The bride and groom greeted us at the door of the hotel and they were more than welcoming.  “Thank you thank you thank you!”   The groom kept saying to me.  “Nice to meet you!!” the bride said.  The bride's dress was absolutely beautiful!  Chinese weddings are different because almost always there is an MC hosting the whole thing, and that’s who marries them as well.  Not a priest, like at home in America.  They give toasts a lot.  “Ganbei”, as we say here in China!  The groom always walks out first, singing a song to his bride to be.  On stage, the bride and groom bow to their parents three times; once for bringing them into their world, once for raising them, and once for allowing them to marry.  Also, the groom walks his wife down the isle, not the father of the bride.  Then, everyone eats!  I saw so many cultural differences!  Katrina’s husband took pictures of me with the bride and groom! 

Next we went to Nan Shan, South Mountain to walk around.  It was such a relaxing and peaceful area.  Tons of luscious trees and flowers everywhere.  We sat around and I sort of learned how to play a Chinese card game with the adults, then one with Star.  Star kept telling her father that she wanted to communicate with me but didn't know how.  I felt the same way.  She really surprised me though.  As were walking she said "What is your favorite sport? I like football.  What is your favorite color?  I like red.  I like pink.  What is your favorite animal?  I like pandas"  She did know some English!  I was soo happy we could finally communicate a little bit more.  I taught her words in English, and she taught me words in Chinese, such as colors, butterfly, flower, etc.  It was amazinggggg.  I can't even explain.  For the rest of the times when we couldn't say what we wanted, we acted it out.  It was so much fun!  They took me to a Hot Pot restaurant for dinner.  I really didn’t enjoy the food, but it was cool to experience.  I wrote them a thank you note; we exchanged email addresses and said our goodbyes.  I walked into my dorm and cried my eyes out!  I was so sad to leave Star and the rest of the family because I had SUCH a good time.  I can’t believe I didn’t even want to go and it ended up being my favorite day here in Chongqing! I'm so grateful for that experience and happy everything turned out.  Star’s father said that if she ever gets to go to America, he would like her to visit me.  I would love that!  I plan on keeping in touch so who knows; maybe one day Star will get to meet me in my home country!

It’s almost time to go back to America, I can’t believe it.  I’m happy and sad at the same time.  It's going to be such a bittersweet feeling!  Time to go, enjoy the pictures!

-Sarah Leone

Kristina Maletteri

This is the first blog that I have written since we have been in China.  We have a little over a week before we return home which I have mixed feelings about.  We just got back from a dumpling party, it was the best meal that I have had here! Earlier today, Colette and I worked on my oral history.  We went to the ISB bar which is the coffee shop on campus, it’s up on the mountain.  The view from the coffee shop is beautiful, you are able to see the city of Chongqing from the ISB bar.  We accomplished a lot at the coffee shop, it was a very serene feeling because we were in such a relaxed environment.  I really enjoyed it, because it felt like we were in a totally different place, I know that sounds silly. 

Yesterday we visited the Nanhu Community.  The members of the community put a show on for us during the earlier part of the day, the show was so cute!   They also taught us how to make sticky rice, something that I will never forget.  My favorite part of the day came later.  Colette and I interviewed two men that lived through historically significant eras in Chinese history, in fact one of the informants taught Chinese history.  Both of the men were alive during the Sino-Japanese War, Civil War, Cultural Revolution, Liberation, and the Reform and Opening periods.  I am just so excited to do something with the information I collected, it is so different than learning from a professor or from a text book.  I feel that I am going to be able to utilize the skills that I have learned in my classes (such as research methods). Obviously I am not an expert, but I have the opportunity to actually interpret someone else’s past, which I think is so awesome.  Growing up I heard countless stories about my parents' and grandparents' lives but I never realized how significant their stories are until today.  Stories about someone’s past tell us so much about what has happened in the past, and what it was like to live during these times.  

China has been amazing so far.  I have learned so many things that I could never be taught in a classroom.  Beijing was beautiful, we went to the Great Wall, Summer Palace, and Tiananmen Square.  The Great Wall and the Summer Palace were beautiful, so beautiful I think many people forget how historically important they are at times.  When we first arrived in Beijing, my first impression was the city is beautiful.  There were lights everywhere, and on our way to get dinner the people were still out on the streets at 10 o’clock at night, something that is rare in America.  We ate dinner that night in an alley that was full of restaurants that were outside, it was raining outside and it just felt like something out of a movie. 

We have been extremely busy (not as busy as the graduate students) since we have arrived in China.  We have classes every day, during class we are learning Mandarin, and Chinese history.  We have also been visiting historically significant attractions in Chongqing.  Chongqing is totally different from Beijing. Beijing is full of lights, beautiful buildings, clean streets, and tourist attractions; Chongqing feels like it is more of a rural area even though it is a bigger city than Beijing.  I am amazed at how many people in China have never seen a foreigner.  It is such an amazing – awkward feeling when the people crowd around you to stare at you or ask to take a picture with you, because I feel that they will remember this moment forever, I know I will.  There are so many luxuries that I take for granted, and I have realized that by spending time with the students here.  The students have four students to a dorm with no air conditioning, nor do they have all the luxuries that we have in America (TVs, refrigerators etc.).  They are also very passionate about this program and making sure that we have everything that we need, in addition to their 35 classes a week.  That is insane!

I never imagined that I would miss public restrooms in America.  There are so many things here that seem so ludicrous.  But I believe that’s what makes this trip so important, I have learned more than I could ever have learned in a classroom.  I have learned A LOT about Chinese culture, values, and history.   Although I have been homesick a few times I would do this all over again.  I love waking up in the morning and going outside and watching the people on the street walking (by the way we do A LOT of walking here!)  to work and all of the babies that are running up and down the streets.   I hope that the other students that are here and the students that come to China in the future can take away the same lessons that I have learned while studying abroad.  

Markevis Gideon: Skating in Chongqing

So a few days ago we all decided to spend a day out with a few of our Chinese counterparts, and it was great. Honestly, I went in thinking "I will be the best skater there," but I was so wrong. We were welcomed by several different teenagers and they showed us all types of tricks. Though the largest skate they had at the rink was pretty tight on my feet, I did participate in the festivities. It was definitely a different experience from a skating experience back in the States. The rink is a lot smaller, and there were pillars in the middle of the floor, but most importantly everyone seemed to like each other. I mean, back at home if you do not go skating with a group of people you have to be careful not to anger anyone else, because small altercations often result in a great deal of violence! But here there was no such thing! If you fall, which I did do four times, everyone quickly assists you in getting up and claps for joy to encourage you to not give up! Back home you have to hope not to be laughed at and told to go home. Another weird thing was holding hands with a complete stranger, regardless of gender! It was a bit uncomfortable when another Chinese male reached out to grab my hand as we rapidly raced backwards around the rink, it was so awesome! I wish you all could have seen it. It reminded me of, like, an old Grease movie where everyone is there to have fun and show off their talents! If you ever come to Chongqing, this is definitely a spot that must be on your agenda!

Tiffany Walker - Chongqing days

The past week has been nothing short of amazing. So much has happened and our days are so busy it’s a little difficult to keep up with the blogging. So I’m going to try my best to give you a short and sweet recap of my first week here in Chongqing.

The country here is so beautiful. I am surprised at how green and fertile the land is with all the pollution. The Chinese people are more than welcoming. Every moment of the day I’m greeted with a smile and a hello; it makes it easier to stay happy.  They have done so much to make us feel at home. With the wonderful welcome ceremony and elaborate dinner you can see that the students and faculty are more than enthused to have us here. Within a week, I have had Chinese lessons, tours of two major areas in Chongqing, I’ve participated in English Corner, a program designed to help students better their English skills, and learned a few Chinese songs. On Wednesday night, the students put together a dance show and after party. The Chinese students really love hip-hop and jazz dance. Its amazing to see a positive global influence of hip-hop and a genuine appreciation of it considering it receives so much negative criticism in the states. I loved the performance so much that on Thursday I went to the hip-hop dance class.  Those girls are real dancers, and the most impressive part is that most of them have only been dancing for two or three years. They have technique, form, and discipline. They warm up harder than most of us work out. On Saturday we woke up very early and drove an hour to a fishing town / ancient battle field. Chongqing is a mountainous city and we are constantly walking up steep hills and steps to get to any destination. This site was the most beautiful by far, better than the view at the Great Wall. We could see the river, the valleys and the city below us. Even with the heat, the rain and the millions of foreign insects constantly taking a bite of my skin, the trek up this mountain was well worth it. I felt like I walked into a tiny piece of heaven.

In addition to the gorgeous views of the country, the best part about being here is engaging with the Chinese students. The language barrier may seem difficult but after a while communicating with the students here comes with ease. Humor and happiness is a universal idea. My Chinese helper Rosa has made the transition here so much easier. She is simply lovely. Her English skills are phenomenal although at first it was hard for her to understand me. But now she gets me and my humor and she constantly reminds me she understands by saying “Yes, I know your meaning.”

I’m really enjoying my experience here and I feel beyond blessed to be afforded such a great opportunity. I love every moment of this exchange program and am learning to appreciate even the difficulties of it.

 

Markevis Gideon: Planning beyond this trip

So it has now been about one week, and I love it here in Chongqing, China. I am kindly welcomed by all people, and the landscaping is extremely gorgeous! Initially, when we arrived in Beijing I must admit I was not that impressed. It appeared to be a big tourism spot. Though I was treated like a celebrity, you know the whole thing being one of the few African-Americans; I did not feel as if I was in China. However, the moment we began to enter in to the city of Chongqing I knew my expectations would be met. But not only were they met, they were surpassed. After only a few days I decided that, post my graduation, I will revisit Chongqing, but not only for a few weeks, but a few years (two to be exact). I intend on coming back to China and teaching an English class at the University, and hopefully if my Mandarin improves, I would love to obtain my Masters degree here and possibly open the only school to teach English established by a foreigner. I can not wait. This has been such an exciting experience; I would not change it for the world. I recall in my adolescent years discussing traveling abroad, but never did I think I would end up in China! Thanks to Widener, hopefully this program expands in the near future. I would love to see different students afforded the opportunity to study abroad here in Chongqing for possibly a semester or two! If I was presented the opportunity again, I know that I would be the first to seize it! I mean, there are some down falls,i.e. the food, the language barrier, and the fact that everything just takes so much time to get done; but at the end of the day it all comes together! There are great people here to assist in making the living arrangements more comfortable, and together we all make a great team. As they assist us throughout our day, we assist them by helping them better verbalize their words. And every now and then, who knows maybe you can get a large audience cheer for you as you teach them a western dance...yep the Electric Slide! That was also exciting! Well for now I think I am about to end, but do not worry I will write back to keep you updated with my life in Chongqing China!

Widener students on the banks of the Yangzi River

Sarah Leone: Our Chongqing Welcome

When we arrived at the airport in Chongqing, the students from CTBU who met us were SO excited to see us!  They couldn't stop smiling and once we got to the campus all they wanted to do was help and make us feel comfortable.  What a great welcome!  The students were so cute and made me smile a lot.  I have to admit though, the first night in Chongqing was the biggest culture shock I've ever experienced.  I was cranky and exhausted.  The shower was the biggest thing that got me.  My first shower over flooded into my kitchen and I couldn't mop it all up.  Water was everywhere!  There were a lot of mosquitoes and other bugs I've never seen before.  I didn't know how to handle it.  After a good night’s sleep I woke up refreshed and ready to go!  We had a welcome ceremony, for us and for the students from Koera, Montreal, and the Netherlands.  The speaker said "one world, one dream".  She was so right.  We all live in this big world together, and have the same dreams, no matter what country you live in, what language you speak, or what your culture is! We are all equal!  The campus is beautiful and huge.  20,000 students!  I'm getting accustomed to everything between the shower, toilets, bugs and heat.  I'm still trying to get used to the food, but I've been trying new things and am very proud of myself, as well as everyone else!  I'm also trying my hardest to learn basic Chinese words to communicate.  Their English is SO good and they love learning it just as much as we love learning Chinese!  Our student helpers have been so nice.  They take us to lunch and are going to bring us to their favorite shopping spots!  We're all excited.  A butterfly landed on my head the other day, and the Chinese students told me it meant good luck!  Then at dinner I was clumsy and dropped a plate, but one student told me that meant peace!  Yay! =]  We ate a resturant close to the Yangtze River's south bank then got to see Chongqing city's bulidings all lit up.  It was like the New York skyline, only a million times better in my opinion.  It was beautiful!  There was a square where tons of people were doing dances together.  Some of us tried the dances too.  Today we had our first Chinese class to learn some phrases!  The teacher was really helpful.  She gave us all Chinese names.  Mine is Yuan Yue, meaning full moon!  Later is a tour of the downtown city!  I'm loving life in China, as I think most of us are.  Everyone is so generous and it's awesome to see the international interaction and friendships forming!  I'm very grateful to be here!  So many memories already, can't wait for more!!

Widener group on the Great Wall

Beijing: By Tiffany Walker

Nihao

After five months of classes and twelve hours of travel time I finally end up in Beijing China. “Do they make chicken dumplings?” was the first question I asked Colette after we settled in our hotel and left to find a place that would feed a large group of people at such a late hour. The answer to my question was no, however, Colette ordered me a chicken dish that was surprisingly pleasing. (I tend to be a picky eater) Although the food was great, the setting was better. The aroma of white rice and spicy noodles mixed incredibly well with the humidity of the heat and wetness from the rain. The hustle and bustle and loud talking of the waiters, none of which I understood, combined with the show of decorative umbrellas and beautiful architecture lead to the realization that I was actually in Beijing, China. From then on I was ready to soak in every moment of this experience like a sponge. The next day we rose early, ate breakfast (it was a mix of Chinese and Western dishes) and headed to the Great Wall of China. Piaoliang, the mandarin word for beautiful is the only way to describe the site. It was simply amazing, the plains were so green and lush it almost looked animated. I was beyond excited about climbing the wall but Erin and I were somewhat apprehensive about the physical challenge. Allen, our tour guide directed us towards the appropriate route to walk. Tina, Erin, Paula, Kevis, Young and I did not listen and decided to take the less crowded route. (we learned the hard way why we were directed the other way). Climbing that wall was hard work, the steps were uneven and I felt like those hills were steeper than Kilimanjaro.  Paula was concerned that Erin and I were over exerting our selves and constantly reminded us that “there is no need to play hero”. Of course we ignored her concerns. I mean I did not come to the Great Wall not to make it to the top; or at least try. Erin and I made it to the top.  I can’t even explain how breathtakingly beautiful the view was. We were proud of ourselves and happy that we made it. That view was worth every wheeze, every bead of sweet, and the leg cramps I suffered the next morning.