When we left Charlotte I was very nervous but you would never be able to know. All the emotions I had were overwhelmed by the new found anticipation. When we finally arrived I thought I had most of the answers, but what I’ve experienced I couldn’t see coming my way. Everywhere we’ve been we are stared at like the people are looking at an unknown species. My group and I, for the most part, are treated like celebrities or some kind of royalty. Tons of people appear out of air wanting to take photographs with us. It is crazy to witness how some Chinese people react to outsiders. There is so much that I love about Beijing and Baoding and some not so much, like street vendors. I feel at times like I’m in America because of some similarities, but when I experience certain aspects of the Chinese culture, it is very different. So far my trip has been outstanding and I wish the doesn’t have to end. – Stefan Weathers