by Grant L.
Our last day in China started off with an early rise at 6 in the morning. We headed downstairs to the first floor to enjoy a delicious breakfast of meat dumplings and other foods. The tender and warm taste of the dumplings salivating in our mouth gave us the energy to embark sadly on our final adventure.
After one and a half hours we arrived at the towering mountains that we had to hike up. We climbed up thousands of steps to reach our stopping point where we acquired tools to help out the community. We went farther up the mountain to pick weeds and get rid of trash. Along our adventure we saw beautiful views of the landscape below us. Everyone then split into groups to create signs for fellow hikers either encouraging them or giving them warnings. We finished our adventure by eating a delicious lunch on the mountain.
We drove back to the city to enjoy a tea ceremony where we tried four different teas. We learned how the tea was made, how to taste it, and how to pour it. The tea was extremely flavorful especially with the techniques our teachers gave us on how to drink it. The tea was accompanied by an arrange of different juicy fruits that complimented the teas taste.
Next we went to a mall to enjoy some time shopping. Certain members (the boys) of the group went crazy for certain stores such as Nike, the NBA store, and Adidas. Other stores such as a the Jelly Cat store was a hotspot for many. Everyone enjoyed shopping with their friends for their last time in China. Afterwards we listened to our amazing tour leader say her goodbyes. Were going to miss you so much Suzy and thank you for such an amazing time in China!
Next up was our final dinner in China. Our final diner was a roller coaster of emotions. It started off with being told how spicy the hotpot dinner would be. A few individuals took on the challenge of the spicy hot pot. Some people handled it well while other people though not so well…. Tears were flowing from some due to the spiciness of the food but continued to eat it because of the delicious taste. Then at the end of the dinner we celebrated Halstead’s birthday! Happy 16 Halstead! We said our goodbyes and gave gifts to our tour guide, tour leader, and bus driver that had helped us all long the way. Finally to conclude the dinner we had a closing speech to conclude our final day in China. Tomorrow we embark on a very grueling and long journey back to North Carolina. Everyone is sad the trip is ending but also somewhat grateful they will see home sweet home again. Goodbye China🇨🇳👋!
