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