Suzhou and One Well Rounded Trip
Before our trip to Suzhou we headed to a silk factory where we were taught the process of creating silk from silkworms. We were then able to watch the creation of a bedsheet before we headed off in our directions to shop where popular purchases included silk boxers, ties, and scarves . We then began our long bus ride to the city of Suzhou.
After our arrival in Suzhou, we learned calligraphy at a garden, pictured here, and were able to do a bit of exploration. The trip ended with everyone pausing for a photo op with Maggie on a bridge in the garden.
Today, early in the morning, we headed to an opera museum where we were taught steps for a traditional opera and treated to a small performance. Again Matt, was heads and shoulders above the rest in the dancing department when we were being taught the opera walk. Afterwards, we headed to an embroidery factory where we saw beautiful pieces of artwork that take over one year for the technicians and masters to create.
As you can see, we are receiving an extremely well rounded experience here seeing many different trades in action as well as all types of lifestyles. Instead of a one dimensional look at China, we are getting a full view of the country no normal tourist can say they have had. Maggie said at the beginning of the trip the one thing she wanted to teach us was appreciation, and as we arrive at the end of the trip I am truly savoring each one of these unique experiences no matter how small.
We are now heading to “little Venice” or Wuzhen, a water town. Maggie has given us the task of finding the post office there after check-in and the usual suspects: Matt, Patrick, Austin, Meg, Jon, and I are up to the challenge.
