Trip Daily Diary - 04/23/07

2007 CHINA TRIP - DAILY DIARY

4-23-07 - Chongqing, George Stillwell Museum, Silk Market, River Cruise

Mike, our writer today, blowing out the candles on his 18th birthday.

The group in front of a bust of General Joseph Stillwell. More about General Stillwell and his role in China's history.

A photo of the Flying Tigers from the museum; US pilots who trained and fought with the Chinese against the japanese.

The office used by Mao when he was in Chongqing.

Mike in Old Town, Chongqing

Mr. Mosley helps pound sesame seed candy.

Unraveling silk cocoons to make silk quilts.

AACE gathers under the gate in old town, the Yangtze River is in the background.

We walked along the river bank to get to the boat that was to take us on an evening dinner cruise.

Then along this gangplank to the boat. The boat we took is behind the sign. It has a big neon dragon on top!

These Chinese students will go to the US for 10 months soon.

The Chongqing city lights at night are stunning!

Mike, the birthday boy, writes:
Today was a birthday to remember! First we went to General Stilwell's home, which has been turned into a museum. It was very cool to not only look at history, but walk through it. As we walked into the basement, everyone made the connection to the smell of wet and mildew.

After the touring we went downtown to a tailor shop. There most everyone got either a dress, or a jacket or shirt made. It was fun and exciting to pick a custom design. So many fabrics to choose from, made it fairly overwhelming. The guys were fashion consultants for a few girls, which just goes to show that we do know some fashion...at least what we like.

The last part of the day we were on a dinner cruise on the Yangtze River. I do not know how many people who can say they were on a dinner cruise down the Yangtze, let along for the 18th birthday. On the cruise we met up with seven Chinese students. I always enjoy hanging with the Chinese students; it is one of the best parts of the trip.

Following dinner we went up to the top of the boat. I was pleasantly surprised to receive a birthday cake. After cake, three Chinese students taught us how to play Do Di Zhu, a very popular card game in China. We had a lot of loud fun! It was a most incredible experience to hang out with these students and I wish we had longer than the couple hours we had.

"With the guns silent and smoke faded it is the historical friendship and our memory that will last forever." An inscription outside of the General Stillwell Museum.

Chongqing was a wartime capital, this house was used by the communist party.

Another sumptuous Sichuan meal.

Art work by Yao Xuzhang. His view of old Chongqing.

Another candy maker, this one makes elaborate images in sugar

At a silk shop many students (and teachers) ordered custom made items (we'll pick them up tomorrow).

Mike and Mr. Li who helped us negotiate our purchases.

We had dinner with some Chinese students who will be traveling to the US for a 10 month exchange in the future.

Everyone had a good time.

The birthday boy, Mike, gets a lift from his friends!