Author's Editorial
I would just like to say that this web site reflects mostly my own perceptions of this trip and I understand that we all had gained different experiences. I have narrated our day to day activities to the best of my knowledge. So if anyone would like to add some experiences of their own or comments, or email me and I will be glad to add some of your input, or please take the opportunity and go to the guest book of this web hsite.
This trip was a special experience for me. I am a history student at Oakland University with anthropology minor and I was really able to utilize both those fields on this trip. It was pretty amazing to study Introduction to China and also Anthropology that is the study of cultures (learned and shared patterns of behavior characteristic of a group!) Then to travel around the world and see all I studied first hand.
When we were in Beijing, I was able to grasp a lot of the history that I had learned in my textbook. We saw the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, The Forbidden City, Tianamin Square, The Temple of Heaven, and the temples. I learned about many of the Emperors and Empresses that I had studied including Empress Dowager Cixi.
While in Xian, I saw two different Archeological digs: The Banpu Excavations, and The Terra Cotta Excavations. We spent some time talking about Archeology in the Anthropology class I took so that really paid off. Also we learned about Neolithic Culture and the Banpus were from the Neolithic Period. It was very interesting seeing the tools that they used, including this one clay pot that when set in water would fill up then float to the top. Also I saw many diggers, scrapers, and arrowheads. Beijing helped my studies in the IS China class but Xian is the place to go for Anthropology students.
Besides all of the past culture, I learned a lot of the present culture in China too. We had many chances to speak with local people and I learned a lot about the Chinese people. I learned about some differences but most importantly I learned about many similarities too.
I enjoyed every aspect of this trip, and I recommend this trip to anyone interested in going next year.
We had a great group, we began as strangers and left as one big family. The times I shared with you all, I will cherish forever. Take care and I hope your future travels can be just as good. Thank you for the opportunity to spending time with all of you.
To: Dr. Stamps, Dan, Dave, John, Joe, John, Adrienne, Ruth, Tom, Ed, Pat, Julie, Suzan, Chuck, and Jeff, thanks for the great time!
P.S. You didn't think I would get all the names right by the end of the trip did you???
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