Final Update: On their way home!

Bridge China Families and Friends,

Greetings from Windsor Mountain!
Can you believe that the summer is almost over, and that the Bridge China group will be traveling home today? In the office we are amazed at how fast the time has gone, and how much the Bridge China group has accomplished: from Orientation in Hong Kong, to Language and Culture Camp in Guiyang, to Family Homestays in Pengliu, to the Terra-Cotta Warriors in Xian, to service work at the Dandelion School, to all the amazing sights of Beijing, this wonderful group of students has risen to every occasion and performed admirably. Bravo to the Bridge China Group!

A note on re-entry:
Sometimes the most meaningful learning for such a venture takes place when children share their experiences upon returning, reflecting with and being praised by those whom they love. With all due humility, I encourage everyone to celebrate the new knowledge, perspectives and stage of development that the sojourners may have attained. Such a journey can truly mark a rite of passage for young adults. However, it is also sometimes challenging for them to integrate what they have learned into their lives once they are home. An ear attuned to their voices can sometimes make all the difference.

That's it for the Bridge China 2008 Email Update, folks. Back in the office, we are excited--we can't wait to hear all the wonderful stories from the road. 36 days in China--WOW!!!

Update # 3: Guiyang to Xi'an

Bridge China Families,

Greetings from Windsor Mountain!
After a 27 hour (!) train ride from Guiyang to Xi'an, the group got settled in at their hotel, had a nice dinner, went right to bed, and got up bright and early the next morning to see the legendary Terra-Cotta Warriors. Everyone loved it! They had a wonderful time walking and talking with one another--this year we decided to see the Warriors without an official tour guide, which turned out to be a good decision. The students took it all in at their own pace, and really appreciated the fact that they weren't being hustled this way and that by a tour guide with an aggressive schedule and agenda. That afternoon, the group visited Xi'an's raucous Bahui market, and took advantage of the opportunity to improve their practical Chinese by bartering for local goods with the various street-vendors and shop merchants. That evening, the group visited the Muslim Quarter the famous Bell Tower. After the Bell Tower, half the group went with one leader for more shopping and exploring, and the other half stayed in the town square to listen to the street musicians. Both groups had an awesome time--everyone agrees that Xi'an is a fun, cool, and exciting city.

The next day the group had their second MMT, which was a total success, and enjoyed an awesome home cooked dinner of Chinese dumplings. The following morning they were off to Pengliu village for their family homestays, where they were greeted by Richard (our primary contact there) and a throng of Chinese kids holding flowers, clapping and cheering. Richard introduced everyone to their homestay families, and the leaders went around to check on the students and their living quarters. Everything was in order, and all the families were warm and welcoming, especially the families that our girls were placed with--they treated them like their own granddaughters!

Now, the part you have all been waiting for:

STUDENT NOTES

Liza is becoming a real leader in the Chinese class! She has had a wonderful time at her homestay, and March and Yi tell us that she is totally reliable and dependable - a real leader in the group.

Erin is completely open to all the wonderful new experiences she is having in China, and her Chinese is getting better every day.

Angelica is very ambitious about learning Chinese and ALWAYS raises her hand in class. Like Erin, she is open to everything, and even tried out the game of badminton with some Chinese kids, and had the patience to watch a live Korean dram

Gabe is steadily improving his Chinese, and working very hard to fit in with the group.The Chinese people he meets just love him--he always gets hugs!.

Justin is a very kind-hearted and considerate young man. When March was feeling a little under-the-weather last week, he did a great job checking on him to make sure he was taking his Chinese Herbal Medicines. (by the way, March doesn't know which is worse--his minor illness or the herbs he has to take)

Ryan is very friendly and adaptive. He gets along with everyone, and his Chinese is getting better every day.

Lucas is also working very hard at his Chinese. He is getting used to all the new foods in China, and did a great job dealing with his homestay culture-shock.

According to March and Yi, Stephane is "cool, honest, and just" . When the Chinese kids from Pengliu village were talking out of turn during our evening meeting, he stood up and asked them to be more respectful. He is also very energetic and never gets tired.

Jonathan is really finding himself. He is getting very comfortable with the group, and sometimes even a bit mischievous! He was shy at first, but the Jonathan of today is very different from the Jonathan of three weeks ago. He is stepping up and assuming a leadership role whenever it is needed, and March and Yi are very impressed with his new-found level of personal responsibility and his total commitment to the group

Asher is very ambitious about learning Chinese and his skills are improving on a daily basis. He loved exploring Xi'an, and was a total sports champion while in Guiyang. He is not afraid of anything, and March and Yi report that he is remarkably self-sufficient.

The group is now back in Xi'an (we ended our homestays a couple of days early, due to excessive rain and heat), and will be traveling to Beijing on Thursday, for the final portion of the program at The Dandelion School for Children of Migrant Workers. All Bridge China students will call home next Tuesday morning, July 28th, and the next email update (originally scheduled for this Friday) will arrive next Tuesday as well.

Update # 2:Chinese lessons and life in Guiyang

Bridge China Families and Friends,

Greetings from Windsor Mountain!
With a student call home Monday evening and a little email update on Wednesday, most of you are up to speed on what has been happening on Bridge China this week. Just to recap, March and Yi have taken over the Chinese language instruction on the program, and--this is new news--March's wife, Amy, has come on board to help March and Yi with the added responsibilities of teaching language classes and arranging all of our supporting cultural activities. I am happy to report that all the students really like how things are going. I'm sure many of you are wondering right now, so, just how is this all working?

Here is the run-down...

Mornings:
Chinese Class at the Hotel. March, Yi, and Amy have converted one of our rooms into a classroom--after removing the beds and finding enough chairs for everyone, they went out and bought all the necessary supplies: white boards, markers, pads, pens, and lapboards to use as mini-desks. Everyone thinks it is cozy and March is able to give everyone proper attention.

Lunch:
Depending on the day, the group either goes to a nearby restaurant, or stays at the hotel for a simple lunch made by the group.

Afternoons:
After a brief post-lunch rest period, the group heads out into the city for fun cultural activities. Yi and Amy bought sports equipment for the group to take to several local parks, where Chinese kids play every afternoon. The group has been having a great time playing badmiton, volleyball, and soccer with their Chinese peers. They are also dancing with the old folks! Everyone is really mixing well, practicing Chinese, and learning about what life in Guiyang is like from all the new people they meet. Also, March, Yi, and Amy have found a wonderful Kung Fu School close to the hotel. They have had two days of class already, and the group absolutely LOVES watching the sifu beat March up all afternoon. March is sifu's favorite new punching bag. March is tough, though, and I'm sure it won't affect his Chinese teaching.

Evenings:
Depending on the evening, the group might have a simple dinner at a nearby restaurant, or, if everyone isn't too tired, they might go out for a fun cultural activity. Karaoke on the first night in Guiyang was a blast! Amy and Yi are also doing night tutoring sessions while March prepares the more formal morning classes.

Specific notes on each student will be sent to you all as soon as we have more telephone time with the leaders. Our calls over this past week have been focused on implementing our new plan for Guiyang. I have to give accolades to the entire group: they are creative, adaptive, and energetic, and March and Yi report that everyone truly feels a deepened ownership over all the different elements of the program--the language. the cultural activites, and all the fun stuff. They have control over their program and they love it. Together they have recreated the spirit that led to our original Windsor Mountain travel programs over 40 years ago: a genuine fascination with everything a new culture has to offer, and the willingness to jump right in and learn by doing!

Early next week the group will take an overnight train to Xi'an to spend a couple of days doing touristy stuff (check your calendars) before transitioning to the family home stay segment of the program in Pengliu Village. Everyone should expect a short email with specific student notes to arrive very soon, and another sizable email update from the Travel Office next Thursday, July 17th. We will also send out a quick note to let you know when the students will call home next--most likely next Thursday or Friday.

A little news on language learning

Bridge China Families and Friends,

Greetings from Windsor Mountain!

As many of you learned during student check-in calls on Monday, there has been a change in the structure of the Guiyang segment of Bridge China.

March and Yi have taken over the language program. Our contact in Guiyang has proven to be unsuitable for the group. This came as a complete surprise to everyone involved: our trip developer Carl Siegel, myself, and especially the person who introduced us to this contact in the first place.

March and Yi are actually better Chinese teachers than the those our contact had originally arranged, so they are taking over. Also, they have a great relationship with the group, and this new situation is working out very well. We lost two mornings of class due to these unexpected circumstances, and those two days will be made up during the family home stay portion of the program in Pengliu.

We appreciate your patience as we work to maintain the highest educational standards for Chinese language instruction on Bridge China 2008!

Bridge China Update: Friday July 5th, 2008

Bridge China Families and Friends,

Greetings from Windsor Mountain!
Bridge China 2008 is rolling strong. After a long journey--about 7,000 miles from the West Coast of the US, and about 6,000 miles from Western Europe (where two of our students live)--the Windsor Mountain group checked in to the Jockey Club Youth Hostel atop Mt. Davis in Hong Kong and went straight to bed for some well-deserved rest. And they needed it, because the next three days were incredibly busy!

Day 1 of Orientation found the group in the busy Wangjiao shopping district, where they were given their first challenge: a timed scavenger hunt, during which they performed fabulously. March and Yi were totally impressed, and happy to find that the group is mature, responsible, and even punctual! This bodes very well for the rest of the program.

On Day 2 the group took the ferry across the Northern Edge of the South China Sea from Hong Kong to Macau, which has the distinction of being both the first and the last European colony in China. First settled by the Portuguese in the 16th century, control of Macau reverted to the People's Republic of China in 1999.

Both Macau and Hong Kong are considered "special administrative districts" by the government of China (the PRC is responsible for defense and foreign relations; Macau and HK make their own civil laws and immigration rules). For our lucky Bridge China students, Macau offered an amazing opportunity to see the one place in the world where East and the West truly meet. Geographically Macau is part of Mainland China, yet the architecture and culture is a unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese. After walking through the center of the city, the group visited ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral, enjoyed a wonderful Portuguese dinner, then took the ferry back to Hong Kong for another well earned night's rest. Which they really needed this time, because…

Day 3 was even busier: the group ate Dim Sum for lunch, visited the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Aerospace Museum, took a stroll down Starlight Road (HK's version of the Walk of Fame in Hollywood), and finished off with an excursion into Hong Kong's famous Night Shopping District. It sounds impossible, but March and Yi swear they managed it, and the group had an amazing time.

STUDENT NOTES

The group is now safely in Guiyang, capital of the Guizhou Province in Southern China, ready to begin a fortnight of language and culture classes. But enough of me talking already--what you all want is news on your loved ones. Here we go:

Lucas is mature, responsible, and eager to learn everything he can about Chinese culture, language, and traditions. March and Yi are impressed with his ambitious approach, and can't wait to see how his Chinese language skills progress.

Jonathan was shy at first, but during orientation he blossomed, and everyone in the group loves him--he is intelligent, fun, and willing to take on whatever the leaders throw at him.

Erin is making great connections within the group, and March and Yi report that she is very proactive with her Chinese, constantly asking questions and trying out new phrases whenever possible.

Asher has been a superhero for Yi and March. He listens well, follows through, and from all accounts he is a real 'can-do' type guy. He was a HUGE (leader's emphasis) help to March during the travel day from Hong Kong to Guiyang. The leaders are amazed at his ability to be as mature as an adult in one moment, and then turn around and have fun like a kid the next.

Justin is incredibly nice. He took on a leadership role during the formation of the group Full Value Contract [Note: A Full Value Contract is a Windsor Mountain Student Travel tradition--the group collaborates to create what can best be described as a group "Constitution"--a set of rules and values that everyone agrees to live by while on the trip], and according to March and Yi, he has the full respect of the entire group. When Justin talks, the group listens.

Stephane Yi says "Stephane is the coolest French guy you will ever meet!" He is open, honest, and direct, and firmly believes in the "three R's" that are at the heart of every Windsor Mountain Program: risk, respect, and responsibility. A complete diplomat at all times, Stephane urges his new friends to seize the day, and take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities that Bridge China offers.

Ryan was quiet at first, but is slowly opening up to the group. March and Yi tell me he has a very kind heart, and is serious about learning Chinese. He loves it, and is ready for the challenges ahead at the Guiyang Language Camp.

Angelica is a rockstar! Her perspective is a wonderful addition to the group, and even though she enjoys speaking Spanish with Lucas, she is fully committed to learning Chinese, and like Ryan, she is really looking forward to the Guiyang Language Camp.

Gabe is totally open to everything. He is willing to take risks, and not afraid of learning. I'm sure this is a 'you-had-to-be-there' thing, but March and Yi want me to report that Gabe LOVED the kittens and toads in Macau.

Liza is very ambitious with her Chinese. Like Erin, she is constantly asking questions and learning new phrases. Her leaders say she is easy-going, loves trying all the new foods, and is having a great time on the trip.

Guiyang Language and Culture Camp is next on the itinerary, and everyone is very excited. Here in the office, we can't wait for more news, and I know all of you feel the same way. Onward!

All Bridge China families should look another email update next Thursday, July 10th, and expect a phone call home next Tuesday, July 7th. Until then, please feel free to call us at the office with any questions!

Best,
Angus, Marjorie, Lou, and the entire Windsor Mountain Team

Awwww...

In Route...

Letter to China Travelers

Dear Adventurers,

Welcome to the 2008 Windsor Mountain Bridge China summer program! We are your leaders for this trip, and our names are March Wang and Yi Zheng. We hope that you are ready to embark on an exciting and memorable 36-day trip to different parts of China for a total cultural immersion experience.
We will start in Hong Kong, in the Southeast part of China, and make our way up to Beijing, the capital of China in the northeast. In between, we will visit Macau, Guiyang, and Xian. In Hong Kong, our orientation will offer our group an opportunity to build team chemistry and allow each of us to get to know each other. In our various destinations, you will have the chance to participate in fun and educational service learning projects such as teaching English to local Chinese students and volunteering at an organic tea farm. You will experience a unique six-day cross-cultural immersion during your home stay with the families of Pengliu village. You will learn Mandarin, Kung Fu, calligraphy, and Mahjong. You will explore the beautiful countryside around Guiyang, see the famous terracotta army in Xian, and visit the Forbidden City and the Great Wall in Beijing. One last thing—don’t forget to prepare your taste buds for the various ethnic Chinese dishes along the way!
As your leaders this summer, we can’t wait to meet you and to travel with you. We understand that you might experience cultural shocks as well as cultural challenges along the way, and we will be there for you to offer our guidance and support to help you adapt. Both of us are native Chinese speakers and spent our early Childhood in China (March in Beijing, and Yi in Fujian Province), so we are familiar with Chinese customs and traditions. In addition, March has experience traveling to Beijing, Xian and Hong Kong and Yi has spent time in both Guiyang and Beijing. We can testify that all of these are amazing places—if you have any questions over the next few weeks, feel free to contact us at ymwang330@gmail.com and yzheng@bowdoin.edu . Brave adventurers, we look forward to meeting you in June!

All our best,
March Yi Peng Wang
Yi Zheng

May Letter to all Bridge China Families

Bridge China Students and Families,

Greetings from Windsor Mountain!

The eyes of the world are on China right now. A natural disaster of horrifying proportions has dominated the news, and as the people of Sichuan province clear away the rubble and begin to rebuild, the Olympics are coming, right around the corner. As we offer our prayers to the victims of the earthquake, we can also give thanks that our summer itinerary is far from the affected areas, and that all of our friends and contacts in China are safe and sound. All Bridge China Families should rest assured that if our itinerary was unsafe, we would either change it or cancel the program. Fortunately, as of today, we are going ahead as planned with Bridge China 2008.

One month and counting--is everyone excited? I know I am.

In other trip news, I am sad to inform everyone that our Program Developer and Trip Leader, Carl Siegel, has been offered a fantastic opportunity to work for the Beijing Olympics, and due to the resulting scheduling conflicts, he will not lead the Bridge China this summer, but rather pursue this once-in-a-lifetime-chance to work on Beijing Olympics. Don't worry, though! Carl has done and continues to do an excellent job as our Program Developer, and we have an amazing program planned for the summer. Also, good fortune brought us a well qualified, motivated, and dynamic replacement: March Yi Peng Wang, a 25 year old Chinese-American schoolteacher from Atlanta, GA (by way of Beijing, China). March introduces himself in his bio and leader letter, so I won't steal his thunder!

All of our Winter work is about to pay off--Bridge China 2008 is right around the corner, and if you haven't already, it is officially time to get excited!

Best,
Angus, Marjorie, Lou, and the entire Windsor Mountain Team