Friday July 1, 2016
Hello everyone,
Sadly our trip has come to an end, who knew it would fly by so fast. We have had so many great experiences and formed new bonds that could have never been possible without the Chicago Urban league. The first day we were timid and nervous and now we can proudly call ourselves international travelers with amazing international friends. Throughout this trip we have been welcomed with open arms in Beijing, Hangzhou and Shanghai. And with the help of Ms. Parker and the rest of our chaperones, we have successfully navigated each city and made memories that will last a lifetime.
Our favorite part of the trip was visiting the Great Wall of China in Beijing. We had already heard such amazing things about the wall and seen many photographs, but being able to walk on it was life-changing. And the wall was not only beautiful, it holds a rich history. The wall stretches 5,500 miles and was made on the backs of ancient Chinese criminals and peasants, making the whole experience even more moving.
On our last full day in China we took the bus from Hangzhou to Shanghai and visited the Bund area along with one of China’s largest skyscrapers, the Pearl TV and Radio tower. We ate our last Chinese dinner in the Tower’s revolving restaurant overlooking the city. On behalf of all of student ambassadors on the trip, I think it is fair to say that we have all had the time of our lives and will be eternally indebted to the Chicago Urban League.
Sincerely,
Bradleigh Smith and Camryn Salter
