Xi’an Bike Ride, Great Mosque
Day Five
here in China! (Possibly six, we’ve lost count). We started the day with a bike
ride atop the ancient City Walls of Xi’an. While the ride entailed a great
amount of exercise, the whole group had a lot of fun with an aerial view of the
city. Next, the group went to an art museum, where we received a tour of
various art styles and learned many interesting (and some quite horrifying)
stories! All of the students found the tour enjoyable - and we’re talking about
teenagers here! The museum tour concluded with a calligraphy lesson, taught in
part by a local artist and also by Dr. Xue’s mother, who was happy to share her
talent. After a local lunch of our typical Chinese cuisine, the group headed
downtown to a Round Robin ping pong tournament, definitely a highlight of the
day. After a “March Madness” style bracket, Hooks Johnston emerged victorious.
Later in the day, we headed to the Muslim Quarter where we visited the Great
Mosque of Xi’an. We learned about traditional Muslim culture, and witnessed a gathering
for prayer. After the visit, the group split up. Much to our excitement, the
girls were able to go to a local department store to receive manicures – for
only three dollars (Dads, we’re sure you’re pleased with that!). Meanwhile, the
other group enjoyed a traditional soup dinner, and the group of girls ate WAY
too many dumplings – eight plates in ten minutes – oops. The night ended with
bargaining in the Muslim Quarter; quite a fun cultural experience. We’re off to
bed early tonight, because of our departure for Shanghai tomorrow morning at
5:40.
Perhaps
this day was our favorite – and not just because of the shopping – because it
reminded us how fortunate we are to experience such a wonderful, well-organized
trip. The group reflected on the bus about how every meal, every activity, and
every excursion was so well-planned for our group. The activities we have
experienced here have made this one the trip of a lifetime.
Grace Cleland and Alana Suter
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