by Mason Dupre.
This morning we woke up at 6:00am for morning call, getting ready to embark on today’s activities. The first place we went to was a combination of a tradition chinese medicine and western medicine hospital. We explored different acupuncture points and different herbs that are used in chinese traditional medicine. Some of the liquids explored included a bowel release and also a wind release. We then went to the acupuncture floor which had a weird smell which helped patients fall asleep. Our next stop was to a private hospital where we were able to practice acupuncture. In this room we also learned how to make an ancient formula to help treat sore throats, ease fever aches and calm headaches. This formula is composed of 9 grams of cicada, 12 grams of mint, 18 grams of gypsum, and 4.5 grams of licorice root. After that, Mr. Manakhov volunteered to try acupuncture and cupping. He then went more in depth on the differences between the ideals of western and traditional medicine.
Right after, we took a 30 minute bus ride and a 15 minute walk in rain to a traditional house in china where we painted traditional masks and made dumplings. The dumplings we made were filled with assorted traditional vegetables. To paint the mask we were given several examples and then was able to exercise our creative freedom. This was where we had lunch.
After a long bus ride filled with sleeping students we arrived at the great wall. As soon as we entered near the wall there were security and passport checks everywhere. At every turn there were steep uphills that led to downhills and steep downhills that led to uphills. Many pictures were taken and podcasts were recorded. After we went to the great wall market to explore the different great wall themed merchandise they had. I personally got multiple oba mao t shirts for the family, an i love beijing t shirt, chopsticks, 2 beijing coins and a communist hat.
The last stop of the day was a traditional hot pot dinner right near the great wall. It was filled with varying cuts of meat that was held together by the peanut butter dipping sauce.
Later that night we headed to the airport to return home.
