The Last Days

Today we said good-bye to the Chinese teachers. Oh how heavy my heart feels at this moment. I do not know what to compare it to other than the way I would often feel after making amazing friends at Summer camp and realizing that I would not get to spend time with them in the same way for another year. But I am also older now, and I realize that my idea of Summer camp was often romanticized. This experience has not been romanticized. It has been the reality of the past month, right up to the last good-byes. During our good-byes, several of the teachers cried, and some of the ones who cried truly surprised me because they were often more reserved. Although my eyes started to water for a moment, I did not cry. I often cry in the quiet of the night after the reality and loneliness sets in.

Last night, our class had the class party. But first, in the afternoon, I went to another park with 3 of the teachers from my class. It was a good number for conversations, and we had a lovely walk and also a paddle boat ride through the park. In smaller groups, the teachers speak more English. I noticed last night at the party that it was easier for them to speak Chinese. And I completely understand and enjoyed every minute of the whole evening. We ate hotpot at a nearby restaurant. It is important in Chinese culture that the guest try to eat as much of the food as possible. This was the most challenging part of the evening. My monitor tried to help me and told me that I should eat slower because there were still meat dumplings and sweet pumpkin rolls coming. So, I did feel plenty full at the end of the night. I thought I might be sick for a moment, but it passed. Another highlight was I got to witness a noodle making. One of the waiters came to our private room and tossed a raw piece of dough up and down until he had made a long noodle. Then, he put it in the hotpot and it cooked in the spices until it was done. Well, my teachers thought I should also have a try at making a noodle. It was quite an experience. Part of my noodle flew off the main chunk of dough and almost hit something. It was a fun time though.

After eating, we walked to a nearby park and did a few dances with the elderly people before I felt sick and realized I needed to be at home. It's been amazing how many in-depth talks I have had with some of the teachers here even in the last few days. I feel so encouraged by this experience. Today during the closing ceremony, many of the Chinese teachers had on some of their traditional Chinese purchases. My room-mate had a beautiful chipau made and she looked so diplomatic and beautiful. I looked plain, but I felt comfortable.

This evening, one of the teachers whose train does not leave until tomorrow, agreed to go with me to get a haircut here before I return home. It is much cheaper here, and it's a great experience too. The teacher who is staying is close to my age, and we have a lot in common. Before I get my hair cut though, all of the North American teachers will have a banquet with some of the officials of this program. Another big meal. Tomorrow, one of the North American teachers, myself, and one other student will go visit the Summer Palace. In the evening, we will finish our packing and relax before leaving for home on Sunday morning. I am a little nervous about traveling on Sunday. Your thoughts are appreciated.