Pictures
The Wayland group was greeted warmly by the families, students, Principals and teachers of the Jingshan Yuanyang Branch.
Julia and host sibling, Zoe enjoying the park together.
Time to take the bus home after a busy day!
The students were able to eat with teachers on the first day! After that, off to the cafeteria with the host siblings.
The students learned to make Chinese Knots in craft class.
The students presented a signed Boston mirror to the school!
Little visitors came to our study room to bring us little gifts. Very friendly!
The students spend a lot of time on the second floor....
The JSYY Teddy Bear!
The whole group leaves Beijing for a 4 day trip to Xi'an.
We visited a rural school in Pang Lui Village and arrived just in time for morning exercises.
The group rode the Xi'an City Wall to get the best view of the city!
The students gave introductions during an English class at Pang Lui Village.
The English students were about to take an exam, so Clarissa and Julia led them in a last minute practice.
Meeting Charlie's parents in his childhood home in Pang Lui!
I bet you can guess where this was!
Xi'an at night!
Calligraphy lessons at the Tang Dynasty Art Museum!
Back In Bei Jing
China Play.m4vThe 5th graders performed all day in the school. There was a competition of English speaking short plays. We all enjoyed the stories and the students performed well in English. Very impressive!
Each week, the class scores are posted to help motivate the students. They are listed by class.
Some of us noticed the rope going across the school entrance. After a few days, Julia asked her host sibling, Zoey, why the rope was there. She told Julia that the rope is to keep the parents back at the end of the day. It seemed to work.
Students were "talking about" their fifth grade play memories, so we sent a hello to Mrs. Vanaria!
The group joined their host siblings on a field trip to The Summer Palace. It was a beautiful day to visit.
Julia standing in front of the peace and good life wishing ribbons at The Summer Palace.
The character for happiness covers the ceilings at the palace.
barbecue
On May 2, the exchange families hosted a BBQ in Mentougou, a mountainous area outside of Beijing. We had a wonderful time, in spite of the rain!!
The families created quite a spread for us. Everything was so delicious. We started off by enjoying cake and singing Happy Birthday to Dick on his special day!
The vegetables wrapped in tofu and grilled were a treat!
John pitched in, with his host mom, with the preparation!
The rain didn't interfere with the fun! Nathan was all decked out in his BBQ shirt!
This little guy had a good meal, too.
Happy smiles to end the day!
Hutong / drum tower
We visited the Hutong, considered the heart of old Beijing. The Mandarin and English teacher joined us, so they could monitor the skills of each student.
The Mandarin teacher reported that the students did well and that they loved to stop for drink and snacks!
The whole group at the end of our visit.
We stopped at the Drum Tower and climbed up to the top to see a drumming show.
After the steep climb to the top, we watched the drumming.
Some of the students loved the drinks and couldn't get enough. It was a fun afternoon! Thank you to the teachers for accompanying us.
Principal Xu and Mr. and Mrs. Fong enjoy the JSYY singing competition together.
The students spent some time at The Hangqiao Market (Pearl Market) shopping for souvenirs.
Lama Temple
The Lama Temple was so peaceful. We all enjoyed the tranquility that day.
The entrance to Yonghegong. (The Lama Temple)
Many folk artists work and sell their paintings near the Lama Temple. Beautiful!
Ms. Rossi with her Grade 4 class.
Julia at Olympic Park one night. The Water Cube is behind her.
The students use the subway and bus regularly to get around. Here they are on the subway.
The group met Ms. Rossi's daughter Ying Ying and her friend, Michael at a subway stop, so they could all go souvenir shopping together.