Back to Shanghai!

Our day began at 8:30 when we boarded the bus at Hangzhou and began our journey back to Shanghai. We arrived back at the New Asia Hotel at around 1:00pm and then proceeded to lunch at a local restaurant. Here we were provided with entertainment of traditional dances while we ate. During our free time we traveled as a group down Nanjing Road. We meandered our way down this street filled with shops and restaurants, not to mention many vendors offering "watches, purses, DVD's, and shoes" to Shanghai's No. 1 Department Store where we spent more time shopping. Some ate dinner as a fast food Chinese place, while others found snacks at the convenience store. Evening entertainment included the Shanghai Acrobatic Show. Here we were amazed by tight rope walking, hoop jumping, knife throwing, as well as many other acts as we sat on the edge of our seats. We then proceeded back to the New Asia Hotel for the night.

As our adventures in China quickly come to an end we have done some reflecting on cultural comparisons, horticultural differences, as well as looking back on experiences and fun times. When students were asked about the main cultural differences between Chinese students and students in the United States most students responded with how friendly and welcoming Chinese students were. We also noticed that most Chinese students do not work during the school year, unlike most in the United States. As for cultural differences between adults we observed that the grandparents play a large role in raising children, as we observed this while walking around. We also noticed a difference in mannerisms while eating and in meetings. Eating noodles with chopsticks can be a little tricky, and answering a cell phone while in a meeting or leading a tour is considered normal.
There were many horticultural differences between the two countries. The diversity of plants in China is immense and with the sub-tropical climate they are able to grow many plants that we cannot in Minnesota.