After a hearty, but early, breakfast in the hotel, we headed to the Great Wall. Most of us fell in tune with our inner hibernation modes, sleeping during the 2 hour bus ride.
Once we arrived, we purchased tickets for the "ski-lift" on the way up, and the toboggan run on the way down. As a group, we began our adventure up one (extremely steep) side of the massive structure, taking many, many photos along the way. After reaching the end of the certain section, it was clear that our large group needed to be separated into "fasties," "middies," and "slowies." Once divvied up, these "fasties" got an impromptu, calorie-burning cardio adventure. While the "middies" learned about the ancient history, but more importantly witnessed a marriage proposal. And the "slowies" spent some quality time enjoying the views.
Our toboggan run extravaganza (essentially a seat that slid down a track) was next. Naiyah bravely stepped forward and volunteered to go first. There were a few minor traffic jams, but we all made it down the mountain alive 'n kickin'. Many of us (Ally) discovered a potential future in NASCAR racing, while others more cautiously took the 'granny-approach.'
Next, we decided to "Eat fresh." at Subway...unfortunately Michael Phelps was not present. After chowing down on our high-protein sandwiches (all on whole wheat bread of course) and chatting with other American tourists, we decided we wanted to bargain some more. Our purchases represented the Chinese culture more so than our knock-off Prada wallets and Ray Bans. Hao Laoshi was finally forced to drag us away from the deals that "could not possibly be found anywhere else!" and onto the bus, so we could get ready for dinner.
We returned to the hotel for showers and awkward serenades...courtesy of Emily and Mariel.
We all met in the lobby, decked out in Qipaos and gangster Rolex knockoffs, and prepared for our walk to dinner. The rising-freshman squad (who are in fact upper schoolers now) led the way to Beijing's famous Peking duck spot, Quianjude by asking the locals directions in Chines.
After a fulfilling meal, some of us headed to Starbucks, while others went to a sports store. Much to our surprise, we encountered a fellow Pingrian (Ben Zhou) walking outside Starbucks. See!, amazing things do happen there. Ultimately we all met at the hotel to get ready for bed and spend some more time together. While we were passionately debating the world's most pressing political issue: painting Saxon's nails, we received a complaint phone call for our somewhat serious shenanigans. We settled down and said our goodnights, so parents rest assured that we will be mildly coherent tomorrow.
We can't wait to see y'all (shoutout to Saxon)! We love you and want to thank you for letting us enjoy this amazing experience.
See you soon,
Ally and Naiyah
Once we arrived, we purchased tickets for the "ski-lift" on the way up, and the toboggan run on the way down. As a group, we began our adventure up one (extremely steep) side of the massive structure, taking many, many photos along the way. After reaching the end of the certain section, it was clear that our large group needed to be separated into "fasties," "middies," and "slowies." Once divvied up, these "fasties" got an impromptu, calorie-burning cardio adventure. While the "middies" learned about the ancient history, but more importantly witnessed a marriage proposal. And the "slowies" spent some quality time enjoying the views.
Our toboggan run extravaganza (essentially a seat that slid down a track) was next. Naiyah bravely stepped forward and volunteered to go first. There were a few minor traffic jams, but we all made it down the mountain alive 'n kickin'. Many of us (Ally) discovered a potential future in NASCAR racing, while others more cautiously took the 'granny-approach.'
Next, we decided to "Eat fresh." at Subway...unfortunately Michael Phelps was not present. After chowing down on our high-protein sandwiches (all on whole wheat bread of course) and chatting with other American tourists, we decided we wanted to bargain some more. Our purchases represented the Chinese culture more so than our knock-off Prada wallets and Ray Bans. Hao Laoshi was finally forced to drag us away from the deals that "could not possibly be found anywhere else!" and onto the bus, so we could get ready for dinner.
We returned to the hotel for showers and awkward serenades...courtesy of Emily and Mariel.
We all met in the lobby, decked out in Qipaos and gangster Rolex knockoffs, and prepared for our walk to dinner. The rising-freshman squad (who are in fact upper schoolers now) led the way to Beijing's famous Peking duck spot, Quianjude by asking the locals directions in Chines.
After a fulfilling meal, some of us headed to Starbucks, while others went to a sports store. Much to our surprise, we encountered a fellow Pingrian (Ben Zhou) walking outside Starbucks. See!, amazing things do happen there. Ultimately we all met at the hotel to get ready for bed and spend some more time together. While we were passionately debating the world's most pressing political issue: painting Saxon's nails, we received a complaint phone call for our somewhat serious shenanigans. We settled down and said our goodnights, so parents rest assured that we will be mildly coherent tomorrow.
We can't wait to see y'all (shoutout to Saxon)! We love you and want to thank you for letting us enjoy this amazing experience.
See you soon,
Ally and Naiyah