AACE gathers in front of the Shanghai Art Museum for one last tour even and then shopping!

Inside the museum.

Bamboo scaffolding as this old style building gets a facelift.

shopping....

and more shopping. With souvenirs in hand we're ready to return to the USA! See you Friday.

Today we gathered quotes from all the students for our diary:

“When our friends from China came to Vermont they received glances and smiles at the most. When I visited the Chinese schools I was greeted with gifts and hugs. I felt like a national hero and was treated like a king. I think this is a big cultural difference between us and it has been an incredibly eye-opening experience for me.”  ~Russell

"In all of the cities of Yunnan we visited, there was an older section that I enjoyed the most. In these old towns people felt proud to display their culture by singing, dancing, and partying, and I would be encouraged to be a part of it. This was the closest I got to feeling part of their culture."   ~Henry

“I never truly understood how much more is out there. I’m going to keep traveling.”  ~Scott

“In every city we visited there was a stunning and breath-taking site or monument which made me admire the drive and energy of the Chinese people.”  ~Emma

“Being in China made me put faces to the characters I’d read about in River Town. With that came a much more well-rounded view of the Chinese people. I’m grateful for that.”  ~Kate

“China is an exhilarating  part of the world. What surprised me the most was the last night of the home stay. I didn’t feel that well and my family took good care of me. They treated me like part of their family. I will miss them.”  ~Cheyenne

“My favorite part of the trip was interacting with the students. They were all so eager to get to know us and were incredibly generous with both material items and praise (even if my performance was less than spectacular). I am going to miss talking with people who like me for who I am and are so happy to know every small detail of my life and to share theirs in return.”   ~Rachel

“I really enjoyed the fried potato and the fish plate.  It felt great eating an entire delicacy!  The history of the temples really made me feel one with myself.  The people were also so kind.  From the market, all the way to the bus drivers, everyone was great.  I love China!” ~Eric

“When the trip began I never thought we would be united.  We were BUHS and TVHS, 18 students.  Now after spending 3 weeks non-stop with each other, we became a family.  We joke, we laugh, we trust.  I’m so happy we got to know each other and bonded into an AACE family.”  ~Naomi

“One of my fondest memories of china was our visit to the Golden Buddha Temple in Kunming. The architecture was beautiful.  The weather was warm and the sun was shining.  This combined with the tones of the monks chanting made this temple one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.” ~Rachel W.

”One school I will never forget is the New Century School in Dali.  The students were so personable and welcoming.  I will never forget presenting in the classroom there.  They were all very energetic, alert and anxious to observe and communicate with us.  Each student had a different question and excellent English.  I am amazed at their eagerness to learn at such a young age.”  ~Alicia

“The Old Town experiences were filled with joy and laughter.  The bargaining always brought out the best in people.  I had studied and read about Old Town Lijiang and the dancing Naxi .  The shops in the Old Town of Dali had beautiful products.  I made friends and experienced a culture I had never imagined.” ~Luke

“The performances at the schools we visited were a very memorable experience.  All of the preparation and time that they spent on these shows proved to me that the students truly cared and wanted us to feel welcome at their school.  Some of the students sang and danced while others played musical instruments.  I realized how similar we are even though our cultures are completely different.  We all have a unique talent and a hobby that makes us happy.  I will never forget how happy they were to perform their unique talents and the welcome and generous smiles I received during my time in China.”  ~Holly

“You learn things about people when you spend three weeks with them.  I learned how much larger the world really is than just New England and we are all a part of it.  The cultures may be different, and the language hard to overcome, but one thing that is universal is laughter.” ~Jordan

“My favorite place in all of China was Lijiang.  The old town in Lijiang was a reminder of old China.  I saw many Bai minority people who only added to the old China experience.  The other reason I enjoyed LIjiang was it was my first real experience negotiating on a price. I found bargaining to be really fun.  ~Alex
           
“I liked going to the Stone Forest.  Studying it and then seeing it in person was really cool.  Climbing through the tunnels and to Lotus Peak was an amazing experience and a lot of fun.”  ~Jared

“My homestay family welcomed me warmly into their home.  They made me feel like part of the family.  We talked about everything from my lifestyle to the music we liked.  Audrey made me feel like her sister by sharing everything with me.  I was sad to have to say goodbye, but know we will be able to keep in touch.  I hope they enjoyed my company as much as I enjoyed theirs.” ~Amber

“Spending time with my host sister, Masa, was the highlight of my trip!  She warmly welcomed me back into her life in China after a week visit in Vermont.  Together we strolled through Kunming visiting her friends and catching up on the lost time. By living with Masa I was able to build a stronger friendship that will last forever.  Overall, it was an experience I will never forget.” ~Jackie