Making the Most of this Trip
Since this trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I really want to make the most of this experience. The way to do this is to step outside of my comfort zone and really try to experience the culture first hand, not just by listening to the tour guide. I know that we will separate off into smaller groups so as to get a more personal experience, but it is truly up to me to decide if I have that experience or not. If I wanted to cheat myself of this experience, I would cling to the group, talk to my American friends, and avoid all unnecessary contact with people outside of my group. Well, I don’t want to cheat myself out of this experience and so I will be talking and interacting with those around me despite the language barrier. To learn more facts about the culture I should stay focused during tours. I will also attempt to connect with Chinese people to understand not only the facts but also the opinions and views of these people.
What I do during the tour is just as important as how I prepare for the tour, so I am going to learn as much about their culture as I can here so I will already be somewhat comprehensive about what we will be seeing in China. I should also try to learn as much as I can about their language, which may be severely lacking but will still probably aid me in some way on the trip.
What I do during the tour is just as important as how I prepare for the tour, so I am going to learn as much about their culture as I can here so I will already be somewhat comprehensive about what we will be seeing in China. I should also try to learn as much as I can about their language, which may be severely lacking but will still probably aid me in some way on the trip.
Natalie you are sooooo right! This is truly a once in a lifetime experience! I am so glad to hear that you are keeping an open mind about the trip! I know even for myself as a teacher sometimes I have a very hard time going outside of my own comfort zone. So, I really hope that you stick to your guns and do all of the things that may be a bit challenging for you! Like all things in life the satisfaction that comes with meeting a new goal or completing a new task is always so self rewarding.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think is going to be one of the hardest things for you to do while you are in China? Do you think it's going to be communicating with the natives? Or do you think trying new types of food will be tough?
I dont think that you will have any problem focusing on the tours! I think that everything that you see and do is going to be so new and different from what we know from home that you won't be able to help but to pay attention.
Hmmm, I think the hardest thing for me might be the food. When I was little I was a very picky eater but not so much anymore. I think I might be a bit apprehensive when I see some sort of bug covered in chocolate or a starfish on a stick though! But I've been looking up different chinese dishes to try that will help me become accustomed to their palate. I have already tried alot of the recipes in the packet we got and liked them all. I just want to make sure that I'm absolutely prepared for this trip!
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