One thing I enjoy about this program is its flexibility and motivation to explore what China is really like. This past weekend, six of us planned a trip to Xian, the old capital of China. We left on the sleeper train Friday night and came back early morning on Monday right before classes.
We arrived in Xian on Saturday morning. We were supposed to be with a Chinese tour group, so when we found our tour guide, we were taken to a shady alley with a bus. At first we looked at each other, and I quickly called the travel agent, but she assured me that everything was fine. It ended up just being the six of us in one tour group– with our Chinese-speaking tour guide. She was adorable though. Noah was on our trip, and she would talk to him, explaining the history and significance of certain sites we visit while he just nods and smiles. Then she would hit him lightly and yell, “ting bu dong ba!” (you don’t understand do you).
From the moment we arrived in Xian, hilarity ensued, as well as our fascination with the city. At first it really didn’t feel like we were in Xian. We actually left Beijing, for a two day trip by ourselves at the old capital of China? Yes way.
We saw the Terracotta Warriors, which were beautiful and amazing just like you see on the internet and in books. We went to museums, Emperor Qin’s tomb, biked all around the city wall, tried all sorts of Xian delicacies, got massages, and drove water boats in ponds and had locals video tape us. What an experience. Although I did miss hanging out with the group back in Beijing and a group excursion to BeiHai park, I had absolutely an amazing time traveling with a small group, experiencing a different kind of city with its own specialties, and seeing things that I only saw my books and magazines.
For future China study abroad students, or any study abroad students, I encourage you all to explore and make use of the time you spend in your country. There is some planning involved but it will be well worth it. There’s just so much out there in the world, and our Xian trip was on that I will never forget!
