AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME by Ron Rabena

I honestly, and truly never thought that I would have the opportunity to visit China. What an experience it has been thus far. After a very long flight and months of anticipation, landing in China was a striking. We landed to a surprisingly modern Beijing airport and a whole new world to me. After only a day, we took our first journey to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Great Wall of China, simply put, was magnificent. The Great wall does not have a bad angle, and pictures provide it no justice. Walking along the Great Wall, knowing of its rich history, it is hard to imagine that such a beautiful wall was built to keep out invaders. The views are breathtaking and the wall seems to go on and on forever. The builders of the wall should be proud to know this wall still stands as testament to their great work. Walking along the Great Wall, I could not help but marvel at the intelligence of mankind. 

The Forbidden City met and exceeded all of my expectations. If the Great Wall did not help me realize that I was I China, the Forbidden City sure did. The city was, and still is, fit for an emperor. Aside from being beautiful, the city is gigantic. As I walked through the gates, I could not help but think that not too long ago only the emperor and his servants knew of the city’s beauty.  The city seems to go on forever and it soon becomes obvious that there are really are nearly 10,000 rooms. 

Tiananmen Square was also a sight to be seen. As I walked throughout the streets I could not help but remember the images of the riots, but was comforted by the square's beauty. Also, strangely, I felt a weird sensation of being watched. The cameras that hang everywhere seem to watch our every move. This, however, did not change my impression of this beautiful square.

For our final stop in Beijing, we journeyed to the Olympic Village. This too was an unbelievable sight. The village was inspiring, to say the least, as we walked throughout the bird's nest stadium I could almost hear the crowds roaring and see the world records being smashed. I remember watching the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and television did the complex justice. The Water Cube was also amazing to walk through.  I feel so special to say that I visited an Olympic Stadium.  Not too many people can say that, that’s for sure.

Arriving in Chongqing was certainly a game changer. Beijing and Chongqing are two very different cities. Chongqing is not as modernized and not as Americanized as Beijing. This transition would have been more difficult, but the CTBU students made all the difference. They are selfless and ready to help in whatever way possible, going above and beyond.  Their energy is electric, and their positive attitude contagious. My partner, Richard, is easy to get along with and I am excited to call him my friend.  It is my hope that some of these students will come to the U.S. and allow us to share our culture with them. I am excited for the rest of our experience at CTBU and in China. 

Mohamed and me at the Great Wall