Ever since I became the coordinator of the foreign language magnet at my school last August, I wondered if I'd actually get to visit any foreign countries. I have to admit that the hope of just maybe getting to travel somewhere was a huge draw for me to even consider this job. I really haven't been anywhere. (Okay--I did once go on a cruise that stopped in Cozumel, Mexico, and Grand Cayman), but I've never really been overseas. Little did I know that my first big foray into foreign travel would be to China. Even though I've lived in Los Angeles for 12 years, I still consider myself a midwesterner--an Iowan--and it makes me laugh to imagine myself in China. Sure, Los Angeles has toughened me up--even weathered me, a bit. But, still, the thought of me traipsing the streets of Shanghai still cracks me up.
Today, I received our itinerary. I'm traveling with the school's Mandarin teacher and ten students. The students will stay with host families, but the Mandarin teacher and I will be staying at the Tianping Hotel in the Xujiahui district of Shanghai. The Mandarin teacher told me that it's considered a 4-star hotel--mostly because they have ice. I'm just hoping there's a western toilet. Here's what else I know:
Day 1: Leaving Los Angeles at 2:50 P.M. The direct flight is 14 hours long and arrives at Pudong International Airport at 7:45 P.M. the following day. We will go directly the Shanghai Secondary School No. 4, where students will meet and go home with their host families. Mandarin teacher and I will make our way to Tianping Hotel. Since he's a guy, we get separate rooms. Fine with me. Check out Tianping Hotel: http://www.tianpinghotel.com/en/guestroom.html#
I like these descriptions from the site:
When the evening lights are lit, the bright light in Xujiahui Centre draws the unforgettable nocturne captures the unforgettable night in Shanghai.
and
Checking into luxury suite at Tianping Hotel is the a great opportunity to get more surprise be pleasantly surprised and receive a courteous reception.
Here is the rest of the itinerary so far:
Day 2: Greeting ceremony, school history exhibition hall visit, school tour, lunch, Chinese knot-tying class, and greeting banquet at Shanghai School No. 4
Day 3: Paper dyeing and cutting class and kite flying in Gong Qing National Forest Park
Day 4: Chinese Wushu lesson and Yu Garden sightseeing
Day 5: Chinese painting class, visits to Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center (People's Square), Shanghai Museum, and Nanjing Road
Day 6: Visit the first day of the Qing Ming Festival: view Rape Flower Festival and urban gardens in the Fenxian District
Day 7 and 8: Free time--Junkgirl loose in the largest city in the world!
Day 9: Chinese calligraphy class, Huangpu River Cruise and visit to the Bund
Day 10: Farewell ceremony
I still have to go get my Chinese Visa and register with the embassy. I'm going to write updates here and post pictures as things progress.
