Earthquake Update

Here is a link to an update on China's recent disaster.  They estimate 50,000 casualties thus far. What a major, major event.  The infrastructure, environmental, and human loss is going to be a long and costly ordeal for China.  I'm sure we will see a lot of news about it while we are there.

*LINK*

Food

As a student who has been lucky enough to study abroad multiple times, I must admit that my favorite thing about traveling is the FOOD! After giving my speech on Shanghai Cuisine, I can't deny that my mouth is already watering at the idea of eating genuinely authentic "Chinese food." I must also confess that while doing research a lot of what I read made me a bit nervous about traveling to a place where I don't speak their language, mainly due to the varying ingredients, cooking methods, and eating practices. I decided to expand my research by looking for tips on eating in China.

1. Sounds like common sense, but don't forget to wash your hands before eating!
2. Food at the table is shared. If you touch something on a plate, it's yours. If communal utensils are provided, use those. You can also use the blunt ends of your chopsticks.
   
3. Use the chopstick to grab or pinch food, do not skewer the food. Also, place your chopsticks horizontally over your bowl or plate. Do not lay them on the table, and do not place them vertically in your rice bowl.
1. "The reason for this is that when somebody dies, the shrine to them contains a bowl of sand or rice with two sticks of incense stuck upright in it. So if you stick your chopsticks in the rice bowl, it looks like this shrine and is equivalent to wishing death upon person at the table!" Chinadaily.com
4. If you have a sensitive stomach, it's a good idea to either carry some imodium or Pepto Bismol tablets with you, or to take one every morning.
   

Gardens of Suzhou

I came across this website that has some great pictures of various gardens in Suzhou. I am looking forward to viewing these beautiful and historic sites in person!

http://www.china.org.cn/english/e-sz/index.htm

What I am looking foward to

Although I am looking forward to my entire experience in China, after studying the Gardens of Suzhou, I am especially excited to visit the Lingering Garden. I think this garden will be particularly interesting because it is comprised of four sections with distinct characteristics: mountains, rockeries, bamboo, and pavilions. I am also looking forwarded to viewing the Cloud-Capped Peak rock in this garden.

Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is one of the most personally and professionally rewarding opportunities a student can do to better their experience as a student and prepare themselves for their future career. As a freshman, I have heard this numerous times from parents, friends, faculty, professors, and upper classmen. It just can’t be said enough, studying abroad is a unique experience that not only helps individuals grow as people, but in every aspect of our lives while at the same time allowing us to better understand the world we live in. I am extremely excited to have the opportunity as an undergraduate to study abroad and believe it will have a huge impact on my life as a student as well as in my future career. Being from a small town in southern Minnesota, I have never left the continent or even the country and believe this experience will open my eyes to all the opportunities the world has to offer.
After spending a semester learning about the Chinese language, food, gardens, and many other aspects of the culture I am excited to learn about China more as we travel abroad in just a matter of a few days. The HORT 4000 course has helped guide me, as learning a new culture and language can overwhelming at times. By knowing this information I will be able to focus on more specific information about the landscape and way of life instead of learning the basics. It has provided me with an understanding of what to expect upon arrival and allow me to get the most out of the experience.