After the long train ride, we finally arrived in Nanjing! We took a coach bus to Nanjing University and got our first impression of where we would be staying for the next several weeks. The campus is absolutely beautiful… We took a quick tour after settling in and enjoyed a perfect day. What surprised me is how many trees and greenery there is and how nice and modern the buildings are. Some of us talked about how it reminded us of Northeast University. Like Northeastern, it is a picturesque campus in the heart of a bustling city.
After the tour, we got to meet our Chinese teachers and also some of our student language partners. Everyone seems really friendly and it was a cool experience talking to Chinese students that are our age. Despite the extreme difference in culture, I was surprised at how much we had in common and how comfortable I felt speaking to them. I am really looking forward to spending time with our language partners and learning more about the life of a Chinese student. For lunch some of us found little restaurants scattered throughout the campus, while myself and a couple of others ate at the dining hall. For $2.50 (U.S. dollars), I got three amazing dishes and a Gatorade. I have a bad feeling that I'll be gaining some weight in China…
After lunch, we got to explore the surrounding area a little more. Right off campus, there is a main street filled with tons of cool shops and street food. There is a super market a few blocks away as well. This is way livelier than the part of Beijing that we stayed in, and I am excited to get to know the city in the next few weeks.
In the evening, we all gathered in one of the rooms, and had our discussion on the last week or so we spent in China. It was nice to debrief on all the amazing things we've done so far, and how they relate to our readings and personal experiences. We reflected on all the poverty, the Westernization that is occurring in China, and our opinions on the government. I can't believe how many dialogues and activities Dong Lao Shi was able to fit into our schedule since our arrival, but we are all so grateful for these unique experiences with such amazing speakers. At the same time, our discussion made me realize how disjointed many parts of China really is.
For dinner, most of us snacked on delicious street food along the main street. We are all excited for our first day of classes, and first full day in Nanjing!
- Max G.
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