So today was the long awaited free day. I was definitely looking forward to today because I knew I would be able to venture around the city and do some more exploring. And it turned out to substantially meet my high expectations.

Melissa and Hira already had their own individual plans for the day so that left myself, Evan, Michael, and Tina to set a game plan and get around the city together. Feeling like I was on an episode of “The Amazing Race,” we set out in the morning to our first location, the Chinese Pavilion. Without the guidance of CJ and Professor Fang, I had to bear the heavy load of using my poor Chinese to communicate and navigate around the city.

Without being too long winded, we made it to the pavilion and then to the Jade Buda Temple without too many hiccups. Our final location to hit was the Bund, primarily because Tina missed it the first time everyone went. I learned many things from today. Mainly, that I have much to learn in terms of my Chinese speaking abilities and on a related note how dynamic of a role that CJ (as well as Professor Fang) played in being our “tour guide” through the week. So thank you both for everything you have done! Another memorable aspect of the day was how much attraction we brought to a number of locals there as we made our way around. I felt like we were some celebrities as we were asked to take pictures with a few people along the way because of how obviously different we looked!

Now as I pack up all my things into my over packed suitcase, I can say that I did everything I could to capitalize on the brief time we had in this amazing city.  Everything from the lectures, the food we ate, and the sites we visited, and the time we shared together I found made this trip one of the most memorable I have had in my life thus far. I hope to make my way back to this great city in the future but for a longer time next time.