(Brandon)
it looks like we're going to have to learn Vietnamese now.
April Fools! I gotcha, didn't I? In all seriousness, we enjoyed our last day in Hangzhou. We had our handicraft class for the last time, during which we made stencils. Well, we tried to make stencils in
reality. We were all given the same subject to draw but in the end, our poor artistry skills become quite apparent as each Bear's final product missed the mark by a long shot.
After handicraft, we moved to our private room in the cafeteria. It was our new home base seeing as how another group of exchange students chased us out of our original den. We cranked up the heat and lounged about until lunch rolled around. Uncle WNH and his team prepared a special buffet for this new group of exchange students but he let us join in too. The Bears heaped delicious foods onto their plates and scurried back to their room. Since Apple had to leave us earlier in the day to act as yet another interpreter (she could make a living doing this for the school!), we were elated to see her return forlunch with us. It was our last day, and having Apple, Tom, and Mifield around as much as possible was one of our only goals.
After lunch the Bears did what they had to. Mike and I went for a nice walk and visited a small but peaceful park. There were many elderly people playing mazhong or other traditional Chinese games. There were also many kids and their parents playing together. We decided to hang here for a while and do some people-watching. On the way back into the school, we bumped into Ms. Moy heading out for some last minute Starbucks. I think Hangao's security guards are used to us coming in and out frequently.
Four o'clock rolled around and we headed out to the front of the school. Luggage and all. Backs and arms aching from the added weight of innumerous gifts given to us by our ever hospitable host families
or newfound friends. We boarded the bus and said our final goodbye to many of the administration and faculty that came to see us off. George, Mike, Micky, and I hung out for a final time in the back of the bus. We laughed at funny pictures and stories we had accumulated over our past four weeks in Hangzhou. Good times, good times. After arriving at the train station, we said our farewells to our lovely friends. There was much hugging and handshaking. Much love and many fond memories.
As of now, we're on the train to Beijing. This time we weren't bumped down a class so we got soft sleepers for the night. While a bit tight with our luggage and all, it is homey and comfy. The Bears are back as one big family again.
We're on the last leg of the trip now. Four more days till the Bears touch down in good ole Boston. Thanks so much for hanging in there with us.
From a future climber of the Great Wall,
Brandon
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