Goodbye Beijing
Post by Cezary Bialon ’16 and Paulina Bosque ’16
During the first week in Beijing, China the group had some amazing experiences. The highlight of which is safe to say was climbing the Great Wall of China. Everyone was amazed by the structure’s history as well as by the views from the top. Walking on the wall, there were steep declines, high ascents, and guard towers the group ventured through. At the end of the two hour journey, there was surely a high sense of accomplishment amongst everyone in the group. It was an incredible experience that we will remember for the rest of our lives.
BRIC group at the top of the Great Wall
After descending from the Great Wall, the group went down to a nearby village to stay in the home of a local family overnight. It was surely a culture shock to everyone when we had to sleep six to a room on the hardest beds anyone has ever slept on. What the group really enjoyed were the home made meals and warm hospitality of the family as well as the great views from the complex. Everyone was pleased with the tranquility of the area and the sounds of nature.
Another great excursion for the group was the opportunity to visit a local craft brewery ran by a husband and wife team of entrepreneurs. By sharing their experience, they showed the value of doing things with passion over profit. We also learned about marketing and operations in the Chinese economy, the importance of relationships to start a business, and the difference in the use of social media to reach a target audience. It was evident how pleasurable the success was for the husband and wife team by doing what they love.
BRIC group visits the Great Leap brewerie
Overall, this week has been full with amazing excursions, trying of new things, immersion in the Chinese culture, and building new friendships.