Well today was our last night in China.  Leaving tomorrow will be very bittersweet, because I am so ready to see AMERICA and my family, friends, food, and sweet puppy, but I have enjoyed soaking in the culture and learning so many new things!

Me at the Great Wall!

The past two days might have been my favorites, aside from our performance night, because of the places we visited.  Yesterday, we visited one of the Seven Wonders of the World, The Great Wall. I was so excited to climb it.  I was amazed by the beautiful landscape that surrounded the wall that stretches for over 5,000 miles.  It was amazing to think that a structure of that size was completely man made and if you died during construction your body was just plastered into the wall.  Crazy to think about, huh?

Theatre students before climbing the Great Wall.

The Great Wall of China! Steepest part of the climb!

Also, yesterday we visited The Silk Market, which is a huge shopping center that you can buy any and everything at!  You need luggage? They got it! You need designer(fake) bags? They got it! You need clothes? They got it! And the best part about the market is you get to haggle prices with them.  I had to buy some luggage to bring my gifts home in, and the woman started at 1800RMB, and ended up selling it to me for 200RMB.  That is quiet a mark down I’d say.

Today, we spent the day at the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Summer Palace.  These places were more official sites.  The Forbidden City was huge and went on for blocks!  This is where the Emperor once lived and all 3,000 of his concubines. Maybe that will give you an idea just how big this palace is.  We had a great tour guide, Duncan, who showed us around the courts and gardens throughout the day.   At the end of the day, Duncan had a fabulous meal featuring Roasted Peking Duck.  The duck was delicious, way better than just the duck’s blood I tried last weekend!  Like I said, leaving will be so bittersweet! I have loved exploring China!

Me at the Summer Palace!

UNA at Tiananmen Square!

Chelsea Hughes

I graduated from UNA in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications / Theatre and a minor in Geography. After my first Geography class, I fell in love with the world. I found myself wanting to soak up as many cultures as possible and the best way to do this was to TRAVEL! In 2011 I was able to study theatre in New York City. I lived there 3 months and met people from America, England, Paris, and New Zealand. Our friendships opened so many wonderful doors, one being my first trip out of the country. In 2012, I got the amazing opportunity to stay with a friend for two weeks in London. All of these experiences not only have made me a better actress, but a better human being. Follow me on my next adventure of learning and exploring this beautiful world, and remember: “Not all who wander are lost.”

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