I woke up this morning with mixed emotions; today is our last day. Part of me is sad to see the trip of a lifetime come to an end, but there is also part of me very excited get home and be with my friends, family, and dog. Even though today is the day we leave China, I know that it would still be well over thirty-six hours until I actually get home. This only made my mixed emotions more mixed, as roughly twenty-four hours of that time will be spent traveling. I consider myself to be a good flyer, but I have been dreading the trip back home for no reason other than its sheer length. With these thoughts bouncing around my head, I hopped out of bed and got ready in China for the last time.
The first stop of the day was the Yu Garden. This garden was built for a couple to grow old together, and the design is evident. This place was seriously beautiful and tranquil- a place that anyone on earth would be lucky to grow old in. It was cloudy out, but all of the foliage made it feel like a beautiful day. While we were walking through, I noticed something- almost every doorway of these historical sites we have been visiting features raised bottom door sills. I don’t know why this is, but it seems like someone back then really didn’t like handicapped people! All jokes aside, the Yu Garden may be the prettiest place we have visited this trip.
After the Yu Garden, we had some time to go to the neighboring shopping district. Much like the Muslim street in Xi’an, bargaining was welcomed. As Chris said before we were set free, “If it doesn’t have a price by it, bargain. If it does have a price by it, still bargain!” With this in mind I was able to use my bargaining skills a final time to get some souvenirs for my family and girlfriend.
We got back to the hotel earlier today than any other time this trip. It was our first midday downtime, but unfortunately, I spent it trying to get all of my stuff into my suitcase and practicing with my group for our final presentation, which was at four. It was during this time that it really set in for me that I would be leaving China, likely for a very long time.
Presenting the final presentations was much easier than the pre departure presentations. Before we left, I knew no one else I was presenting to. It goes to show how close we have gotten- for the final presentation I felt like I was presenting to my family or a high school class where I knew everyone there. After the groups presented, we walked to our farewell meal. As expected, this meal was delectable, although the foods that used to seem crazy two weeks ago have become familiar. Liliana walked around giving the chopstick test, which I passed with flying colors. I won’t particularly miss most of the cuisine we ate in China, but I definitely will miss using chopsticks all of the time.
Goodbyes at the airport were very sad. Most of the group would be together through San Francisco, but we were leaving behind Chris and our friends from the Asian Institute. I am so appreciative for what Liliana, Nancy, Dora, and Jane did for us. Without them, this trip wouldn’t have been possible. Not only did they take care of organizing our schedules and act as personal translators, they also were true friends. Thank you to Dr Li, Chris, our friends at the Asian Institute, and all of my peers for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
