TIA, Tucson’s Top Charter Schools Takes Students to China. According to Merriam-Webster the definition of a field trip is a visit to a place (such as a museum or zoo) that is made by students to learn about something. Well what if that “zoo” is the world renowned Panda Base and the place is Chengdu, China! That was just one stop on a incredible “field trip” taken by a group of 33 students, parents, and staff from Tucson International Academy this past June. Calling this a field trip is like comparing a sparkler in the backyard to 9 days of fireworks at Disney World!
Native Son Leads the Way!
The trip was led by Lin Wu and his wife, who were both born and raised in China. Having a native at the helm offered students the opportunity to see and experience more of China than just the standard tourist destinations. The itinerary Mr. Wu designed was jam-packed so that the group could visit as many places as possible in the 9 days they were there. Having Mr. Wu plan and lead this trip made it much more fulfilling and less stressful than going into China without a native son leading the way.
Preparations!
The group met together several times in the months prior in order to review the trip, address questions, and prepare the paperwork. Mr Wu was successful at researching all the options and designing the best trip at the most reasonable cost. Mr. Wu also assisted the travelers in filling out their visa applications and made 2 trips to the Chinese consulate in Los Angeles prior to the China trip itself to get all the tourist visas in order and ready for the trip. By June 18, the day of departure, the group was more than prepared for their adventure!
Day 1 – Hong Kong
The travelers left San Francisco on June 18 and settled in for the 14 hour flight to Hong Kong.There is a 15 hour time difference between Tucson and Hong Kong. Hong Kong is an interesting blend of the Chinese culture with a western influence,since the city was a British colony for many years. Upon stepping off the plane the first thing to hit these desert dwellers was, amazingly, — the heat! The 110 degrees was nothing new but coupled with 95% humidity, it was, shall we say, a tad uncomfortable. It was not only summer in China but also typhoon season, which accounts for the high humidity in this coastal city.
After meeting up with their Chinese tour guide, our weary travelers made their way to the hotel for the night. But first thing the next morning the group was up and out to visit Victoria Peak, which gives a spectacular view of the skyline of Hong Kong. Also on Day One they were able to do some shopping in Hong Kong, which is brimming with both high-end shops and shops selling unique Chinese items. While having lunch, some of the group got to witness a Chinese movie being filmed right there in the street. Mr. and Mrs. Wu even recognised a very famous Hong Kong actor in the scene! Kind of the Chinese version of action movie star Tom Cruise!
Our next destination is Chengdu and the world renowned Panda Base! Join us for the continuation of our trip in the next article! There was just too much to fit it into one blog entry!
Link to article 2: One of Tucson’s Best Schools Goes to China!
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Story by Betty Kruska~TheJ3Effect