POETIC REFLECTIONS by Taylor Jones

Prior to leaving for China we were asked by Dr. Silver to collect sayings, phrases, and common beliefs from the CTBU students. I learned a few and wrote poetry inspired by those sayings. These beliefs sum up my experience quite well. They also offer insight to the mindset of people.

You zhi zhe shi jing cheng

“Where there is a will there’s a way”

Determination got me here

Perseverance is how I’ve stayed

I sleep four hours a day

While all my roommates play

Visualization is my technique

My imagination is my workshop

When I meditate my brain gets hot

and my hands feel like a stovetop

I find ways when there are none

Ask your bookie I’m the safe bet

I don’t dance I create steps

with perfect timing and haven’t been late yet

I haven’t reached my goals but I will

You can hear the conviction in my voice

You can see the truth in my word choice

I write till the page gets moist

Yan jian wei shi

“Seeing is believing”

Fear withers in the mezzanine of my soul

My courage has been tempered

Because I don’t jut believe what I’m told

I need to be bold

These are the keys to my survival

Friction makes beautiful music

Life is my piano recital

Don’t pray for me

Pray for my adversary

The only Man who couldn’t be buried

was bore by the virgin Mary

I found Him

THREE SPECIAL WEEKS by Tyler Lewis

Words cannot describe or even capture my thoughts and feelings right now.   I had such an amazing time learning, experiencing, and growing.  The memories I made throughout the trip, I will cherish throughout my entire life.   Its the places we saw, the people we met, and the memories that we created that will forever last in my mind, and more importantly in my heart. Now that we have arrived in America, all I keep thinking is "when will I be back?" or "when can I return?" I'm having what seems to be almost a second culture shock, because we had finally began feeling part of the culture there, and now were back.   Time slipped by so quickly, almost like sand falling through your fingers.  At the start the trip I know I kept thinking "we have three more weeks of this..." but now all I wish I could have is three more weeks.  I just can't seem to accept that I'm already back home, back to reality.  My heart will always have a special place for those three special weeks. 

WE DON'T WANT TO LEAVE by Mohamed Bayoumi

    I can’t believe it is almost over. Today they had a closing ceremony for us it was so nice, but we were all sad. In the last two weeks, I have learned so much --  from classes and visiting places. Everything is new and interesting.  Also it is really fascinating how Chinese people are so proud of their culture and they are so eager to teach it to everyone. One of the most interesting places we have visited was a CQ local medical equipment company.  The company invented a machine called HIFU that can treat cancer and kill the tumors without leaving a scar. It is amazing how people here are always ready to learn and always ready to make their country a better place. We go to lectures almost everyday; we learn Mandarin and different Chinese crafts like paper cutting or about ancient Chinese history.

    The school has lots of fascinating mountains surrounding it; last weekend we climbed the mountain it was tiring, but it was worth it. The view from the top is marvelous and the air is very fresh.  Our partners were also kind enough to go with us so we would not get lost.

     This week we visited a teahouse where we had a short lecture about the Chinese tea history and the benefits of the tea. They also provided us with some tea and what they said about the tea was really true. “it makes you calm and relaxed.” We all really do not want to leave, especially today after the closing ceremony. They kept thanking us for coming and visiting them; our partners cried while they were saying good-bye to us, and lastly they gave us awards and some gifts.

WE ARE FAMILY by Tyler Lewis

  We are family! There has been a significantly strong bond between all of us during this trip. We know when someone is having a bad day. We know if someone is having a good day. We argue, but what family doesn't? We get along. Our combined energies give us the strengthen and ability to grow closer and stronger. In fact, we already have inside jokes and things planned to do together when this trip is over and we get home. I have never met such an amazing group of people, who through our differences and similarities, learn and nurture growth in each other. We have woven such a beautiful friendship. At the end of this trip, we will find it hard to part. 

     Most people don't think China is anything like it really is. Since the start of this trip my views and understanding of China has changed dramatically.  China is an amazing place, with the combination of eastern and western influences, thus creating a country rich in culture. I almost feel like I'm home in America when we explore the city. I see so many similarities. 

     My general observations: they have many of the same products we have; English is almost everywhere; Westerners heavily influence fashion and trends; Karaoke (KTV) is more fun than expected (I want to bring it back with me to the States, maybe a new business venture?); and the Chinese people eat healthy and exercise more often.

     It's sad for me to think that the CTBU study and culture tour has already concluded. It flew by. I almost wish we had another week to spend with our partners. The activities were amazing, and I had the chance to brush up on my not so strong Mandarin skills. The staff, the students and the school exceeded every single expectation providing us with so much help and resources. Although I do miss home, I know saying goodbye to CTBU, Chongqing, and China will be challenging. 

Street Scene

Loving Kareoke

Closing Ceremony

CALLING CHONGQING HOME by Ron Rabena

              Our journey at CTBU in coming to an end, but our memories will last a life-time. In the past two weeks, we have traveled long and far, all over the city of Chongqing. We have made lifelong friendships, and called a new city our home. I personally have learned to adapt to a city very different from my home-town, Philadelphia; and I am also learning that normalcy may be overrated. We are living a very different life than we are used to, yet enjoying another college experience completely. Walking in someone else’s shoes, and trying something new every hour of every day can be exhausting, but these experiences are so worth it. I have tried more new things in the past two weeks than at any other time in my life, and I am enjoying it. I am feeling so lucky that I am enjoying this opportunity that most will never have.  

            During our time in Chongqing we have toured one of the biggest cities in the world, learned basic Mandarin, danced for the CTBU students, eaten hot-pot, enjoyed many many dumplings, visited with a local ultrasound company, visited a Taoist temple, learned some martial arts, and most impressive, we took a trip to the Dazu Stone Carvings. Although these carvings date back to the 7^th century, they remain strikingly beautiful. Walking through the carvings, it was amazing to see all of the rich details; the statues seemed to be alive. Also, walking through the carvings, it became obvious that there was a detailed story being communicated. The carvings depict the Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist beliefs, and even though they differ from my own religious view, it was amazing to learn more about their rich history and learn more about how the world looked and people felt during that time in human history. It is also interesting to see the differences and similarities between religions.

            I am having so much fun with our new friends from different countries all over the world. We have met so many amazing people, my favorite thing to do.  Comparing cultures, breaking language barriers, laughing at our or differences and marveling at our similarities is what makes life meaningful.

NOT IN A MILLION YEARS DID I THINK . . . by Kaiti Harnish

I never thought in a million years I could fall in love with a place that is so far and different from home. So much has happened and I have met so many incredible people in such a short amount of time. Beijing first of all was so much fun. The food was amazing so I knew I would be ok just from that. Climbing the Great Wall was amazing too but such a struggle. Not joking it was like climbing 4 miles of stairs, but the view made it worth it. Also I love feeling like a celebrity because people keep coming up to the group and asking to take their picture with us! It's really funny how many pictures I have with complete strangers. Coming to Chongching was the big adjustment. In Beijing I still felt like I was in the Chinese part of Philadelphia, but when I came here I realized that I was in a whole other world. Our partner's met us at the gate and they made me feel so welcomed. My partner had introduced herself and it seemed like she did not speak too much English but we've been getting better at understanding each other. Her name is K. She also gave me a wooden letter "K" shaped pin and told me that we could match. She's so kind! Also she gave me a Chinese name, Fan Bing Bing. She's apparently a very famous actress here and every time I tell people my Chinese name they say, "Oh, I love her!" So that makes me feel good. Also I have met SO many people. All of the Chinese students want to be friends and I have been invited places with them, not just the traditional hot pot but also to their house to have dinner with their families, which I see as a great honor. And everyone is really funny. I guess it was a stereotype I had that the Chinese are very serious people but I have never laughed so much than I have in a conversation with one of them. It's crazy to see all of the similarities of people of the same age group from across the world. I have also made so many friends from other countries like Canada, Thailand, England, and Finland. Everyone here is just amazing. The only problem with this place is that I have to leave. That's all for now! 

Welcome to CTBU

PICTURES FROM DAZU by Tyler Lewis

One of the Beautiful Carvings at Dazu

The Sleeping Buddha at Dazu

Carly and me at Dazu