Day Seven

It’s now 7:30, and I am in Azalea and Cedar’s room borrowing Azalea’s hairbrush. I must have left mine in the last hotel, which is unfortunate, but I’ll definitely be able to find another one if we stop at a store or somewhere later. I’m not too upset about it because it’s not something that’s make-or-break for me to lose, like my passport or my mom’s perfume, which she let me bring in case I get homesick (which I have!).

I think we’re going to head down for breakfast soon, so that should be interesting. It’s exciting to see the different foods served and the way they are presented. We have a lot planned today, and the weather seems to be perfect for a great day, especially since we’ll be going to the lake later.

Hopefully, we’ll be able to stop at the hotel between the school and the lake so we can change from our formal clothes into more comfortable outfits. As of right now, I haven’t spent any money today, but it’s still too early to say that will last the whole day.

For breakfast, I had broccoli with beef and a hard-boiled egg. I drank orange juice and had a small piece of bread to soak everything up. I’ll let you know how it is.

Breakfast was great! I really enjoyed everything, especially the orange juice, it was absolutely delicious. We are now heading to the new school in just a few minutes. It’s 8:06, so it should be any time now.

As we wait for the bus, Dr. Wang asks that we share with each other things we enjoyed about what we did the day prior. She wants us to connect and interact with each other beyond just a surface level. I think that’s very sweet of her, to think of us and want us to be closer. I feel that each day we’ve gotten closer and more connected with our surroundings and with each other.

8:30 AM – We have just arrived at Huzhou College! I am eager to meet my partner for the day and excited to see everyone else’s.

I just met my partner, Clara! She is absolutely a doll. She is a 20-year-old English major and will be my guide for the day.

8:55 AM – Opening Ceremony at Huzhou College

Our welcome to the college from the USA: “Beautiful China, Dynamic Huzhou.”

Lush mountains and lucid water

The only city with four national-level tourism resorts

The vice president gave a presentation

Chinedu gave a speech next

Two young girls performed a song for us

Two young girls also performed with an instrument

We then took a group photo to commemorate the moment

Tour Time – Engineering Department

Theme: The Year of the Horse, 2026, 3D printing

10:20 AM – Tour of Manufacturing for Batteries

We saw the process of how batteries are made from scratch. We were able to get up close to the machinery, and it was a very interesting process. Everything here seems so efficient and functional. Ms. Wang mentioned she used to always buy the cheapest batteries because she thought it didn’t matter, but I think we all learned that it actually does matter.

We even saw a battery for a phone, taken with my phone!

Conference Room – Interactive Experience

We encountered different types of robotic machinery, some designed for play and others for function and efficiency. It was very cool to play Chinese Chess with AI (neither of us won!). There was a robot that could detect and put out fires, one with hand controls to adjust settings in a home, and another that detects what kind of garbage goes where. There was also a humanoid robot that could walk and kick a ball.

It was very inspiring to see how hard these college students work, along with the pride they carry. It makes me want to do so much more with my own resources.

12:00 pm - Lunch time! We were given a ticket for lunch and they provided an entire meal for us! It was absolutely delicious. I really enjoy how much variety is provided for us with each meal. You get a little taste of everything and it fills you up sufficiently! The orange was incredible.

13:00- We made a stop at 17 Seconds Coffee before we head back to the hotel for a quick rest. Clara suggested I get a Flat White, an Australian type of coffee that is 2 shots of espresso with silky, foamed milk on top. Very rich, strong, and divine, similar to the culture and tradition I witnessed today. 

13:30-14:00 - We stopped back at the hotel after lunch and before we go visit the museums. I got on the bus and was met with Clara! It’s been such a pleasure to foster a friendship with someone I never thought I’d know or meet. Onto the museum! 

The museum was absolutely incredible, it had such profound artwork and historical artifacts that showcased the rich history of Huzhou. It was an incredibly enriching time to witness the pride they take in their history and the extent they go to in order to share it with the rest of the world. I was able to take many photos of the wonderful displays and even got to purchase some things in their gift shop after the tour! I bought a magnet that brings luck for my mom and a tote bag with beautiful artwork on it for my sister. 

Onto the next museum! We have now entered the museum of Brush Painting, as Clara described. Brush painting is a very historical tradition and was a large contributor to their economy. We learned many wonderful things, from how they were made to what intricate creations they formed. My partner Clara didn’t know that I had a black swan tattoo, and she brought me into a room with a giant piece of artwork of a black swan. I thought that was very cool because it was almost like fate bringing me! We ran off from the group to check the area out. We learned about the many contributions that were made from various people and types of calligraphy. 

Street of shopping. Ms. Wang wanted us to experience some more shopping so we got to spend about an hour to explore different shops, look at many beautiful creations, and spend lots of money! 

Ms. Wang stopped for a quick ice cream break! 

I bought a ring for my sister, a ring and bracelet for myself, and then a Powerpuff charm for my sister! 

Chinese city buses are pink! How beautiful. Public transportation is highly supported and accessible from what I’ve seen so far. Many people choose scooters to drive and the cars seem to not mind, something very different than in America. It is common to see children on the scooters with a parent as well, which I find very interesting. 

17:00- Dinner time. We have arrived at our dinner destination, South Taihu Lake Area. It is absolutely beautiful over here, between the water, the architecture, and sun. I’m excited to see what dinner has in store for us! Although I am excited, I’m also sad to think we’re nearing the end of this perfect day. I have loved every second with this group and my new forever friend, Clara. 

18:00- Dinner was more than incredible! There was so much to choose from and it was such a nice setting to sit around everyone. It’s so comforting to see everyone share, in America we don’t do that often. After dinner, we had some time to walk around outside. It’s nice to digest the food and look at the beautiful scenery that Huzhou has to offer! Clara has been an incredible translator, as she is majoring in English in hopes to teach it to college students here in China. She has made me feel very welcomed and encouraged my understanding of Chinese culture. I will cherish her and this moment forever. Saying goodbye is never easy. 

We were able to take many group photos and of the scenery around us. It is quite emotional for me to see everything in front of me, in a good way. It is so beautiful here and feels so surreal to be here. I am eternally grateful for this opportunity and the memories that will last a lifetime. I won’t lie, I’ve shed many tears this trip. Immersing myself into this culture has opened my eyes to  the wonderful life the beautiful people of China live. 

21:00-23:00 - Ending our night in the lobby all together, putting our slides together. It’s been a long, rewarding day that will hopefully be topped tomorrow. It’s time for bed and to prepare for tomorrow! It’s been an honor to document all of what we did today and I’m extremely grateful that I had such an interesting day to talk about.