Today started off with some nice espresso and toast as I knew that it was about the be a thirty-six-hour day due to traveling. After breakfast, we were off to visit Yu Garden, a garden and housing area built for an emperor’s grandparents during the Qing dynasty since elders are revered as extremely important in Chinese culture. Yu Garden was extremely beautiful and just overall amazing. The intricate detail in all of the stone carving, buildings, and other decorations were just immaculate. I remember seeing a set of mahogany chairs that were so beautiful a that it actually took my breath away. What a wonderful start to the last day in China.
After exploring the inside of Yu Garden, we all went outside to the market area where we all had one last chance to show off our new found bargaining skills. I ended up buying a set of three Buddhas for 50 yuan as well as an electric lighter that would later be confiscated in customs and some tea. After exploring around the numerous shops multiple times and being called cute by one of the shop owners, we were off to go back to the hotel for one of the final times. This was a bitter-sweet feeling since I would definitely miss China and I had a great time but I was ready see my family. After getting back, Noah, Matt, and I went to the Mexican food place because we were a bit tired of Chinese food. The server we had ended up taking a picture with us which was really funny and the last time we had our picture taken by a random person.
Following lunch my group practiced our presentation a bit and It was finally time for our final presentation on the business we’ve been drafting the entire trip. Our presentation went amazing! I feel great about how it was received and how we presented it as a team. After all the presentations were over, we had a final farewell dinner which might have been the best meal I had in all of China. The lamb, which I am not a big lamb guy, was so succulent and amazing that I will always be disappointed at any other lamb I ever have. We also had to pick up a raisin with our chopsticks as a little test and it was amazing to see everyone pass. I loved China so much.
Sadly, we were then off to the airport to go back to the states. It was such an amazing trip and a life changing experience. I will never forget the friendships I’ve made and the walks of life that I have now seen.
The flight was really long and uncomfortable but not nearly as bad as the one on the way to China. As soon as I landed in California, I went and got a nice greasy chicken sandwich from burger king. I missed unhealthy food so much. Then our last flight was nice and relaxing back to Pittsburgh.
Thank you everyone for such an amazing experience.