June 27, 2007

China Bridge delegates were involved in these historical, academic and cultural activities today including: visiting the Forbidden City; learning about Chinese language and culture at Peking University; and enjoying a welcoming performance at the Beijing Exhibition Center.

The Forbidden City, where Ming and Qing dynasty emperors resided and held court for more than 500 years, was constructed in the center of Beijing. When Pu Yi, the last emperor was deposed, this site became known as the Palace Museum. The Forbidden City, surrounded by 52 meter-wide walls, contains 8,707 rooms.

Following lunch, delegates were treated to Professor Xu’s “Lecture on Chinese Language and Culture. Dr. Xu Jishi serves as Vice Chairman of the People’s Congress, People’s Republic of China. Dr. Xu’s thoughtful overview of the Chinese culture offered delegates a chance to better understand and appreciate: 1) the pillars serving as a foundation for China’s culture; and 2) China’s rich heritage with 56 ethnic groups.

Following a meal that allowed delegates to sample many delicious foods, children and young adults from institutions throughout China entertained delegates with singing, dancing, and playing orchestra selections. This event featured presentations in all three languages represented by Chinese Bridge delegates and hosts.


View of the Forbidden City

Sunday, June 24/26, 2007

The flight from DIA to LA was fine. When China Bridge delegates from around the U.S. met in the boarding line for China Eastern Airline, it was a great time to become acquainted. Initially, the layover in LA was scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Due to mechanical problems, the flight didn’t leave until 5:30 p.m. When the flight was reinstated, the plane was re-routed to Shanghai.

My trip from DIA began at 7:00 a.m. Sunday morning, June 24, 2007. When the plane landed in Beijing, the date was 6-26-07, and the time was 3:30 a.m. China Bridge events began at 7:50 a.m. It’s a good thing that I slept on the flight!!


The Great Hall of the People serves as first China Bridge meeting site.



The three Colorado delegates meet in Shanghai, an unscheduled layover on the way to Beijing: Raphael Mucino, Foreign Languages Chair, Fountain Valley School, Colorado Springs; Debra Salih, Vice Principal, Board of Trustees, Global Village Academy, Aurora; and Betsy


Hanban serves delectable cuisine to 1,000 guests and dignataries.


Madame Xu Lin, Hanban's Deputy General, greets delegates.

Saturday, June 23, 2007

I purchased a homeopathic remedy for travel fatigue from a health food store. Dr. Marilyn “Cookie” Hetzel, Communication Arts and Sciences Chair/Theater Director, as well as recent Metro State delegate to China and I “conducted research” on the use of these herbal pills to relieve fatigue related to travel. We believe it worked, but the study is purely anecdotal.

David Alden, Metro’s Athletic Tennis Coach, was very kind to provide t-shirts and caps with Metro’s logo as gifts for Chinese dignitaries.

Friday, June 22, 2007

While preparing for departure to Beijing for the China Bridge trip, I contacted Dr. Xiansheng Tian in History regarding his involvement in the Confucius Institute initiatives. As background and being very practical, Professor Tian warned me to take light clothing, as it currently extremely hot in Beijing. Tian just returned from Xian, where he has been involved in research about U.S. and Chinese involvement in World War II.