So it turns out that Blogspot is blocked in China . . . oh well, I guess I won't be able to update . . . NOT! I found a way. But the vpn pass expires in a few minutes, so I just copy/pasted the email I wrote to my family. Here it goes:
We just spent the last four days in Shanghai, where, despite my best efforts, I was not able to access the WiFi. However, I am in Wuxi now, and Kyle (my roomate for the next two days) was able to use the room's ethernet on his laptop and create a wifi access point for me. Anyway:
Shanghai was AWESOME! Seriously, I have never been so disoriented in my LIFE, yet I was LOVING IT. We were able to do exchanges at two high schools, an elementary school, and had a large exchange concert in the Shanghai Finance University's library (seriously, what is it with UVU music groups having to perform in libraries?!?!?!) We also got to visit the Shanghai Music Conservatory, where we did a benefit concert for the victims of the earthquake two weeks ago in China (Gouzhou Province, I think?). These have been amazing performances, and I feel that they have been personal bests for me. This is great, as we have performed Chan-Chan, a cuban song that I improvise a solo over, at almost all of these performances and exchanges. The crowds seem to really like it, and after one in particular (at the elementary school), I was pulled aside for a picture by one of the school faculty, who did not speak very much english. She referred to me as 'Chan-Chan', so that has apparently become my new Chinese name.
The city itself is . . . expansive, to say the least. The city just seems to go on FOREVER, and it is almost impossible to look for landmarks because high-rise apartment buildings dominate the skyline, and they all look just similar enough to throw you for a loop. However, we are not responsible for the driving, which is nice, because the roads are CRAZY. Concepts like 'right of way', 'designated lanes', and 'stop lights' are more like guidelines here. Crossing the road is always an adventure, let alone taxis (OH MY GOSH WE'RE GOING TO DIE!!!).
Everyone we have met have been extremely friendly, ESPECIALLY the students. It is rare to see so much raw ENTHUSIASM in the States. This goes even to the college level. To see a college audience actively engaged in our performance, on a Saturday, no less, is inspiring.
But, alas, our time in Shanghai came to an end this morning, as we caught the train to Wuxi. One hour long trip, SMOOTHEST RIDE EVER. And today, it started to rain. Then it continued to rain. The whole day. Which was awesome, because most of the day we spent outside at the Mountain Ling Temple area, which was, for lack of better terms, TRANSCENDENT. But it's hard for me to put it into words without the help of the many pictures I took, so you all will just have to wait until I get back.
GRANDPA: I have NO idea what you mean by 'Chinese food in America is better than chinese food in China,' unless you were unlucky enough to go to places like the one we went to two nights ago after the benefit concert. Yes, it is 'different'. But the flavors I have experienced here are GENUINE, and not packed with MSG like what you get at Panda. (Now admittedly, there are probably some REALLY GOOD non-chain Chinese food places in Provo-Orem that I haven't tried, but the stuff I've had here has left me very satisfied, for now).
However, my favorite part about this trip is that I get to share in it with some of the weirdest and coolest people I've ever been able to meet. Last night, we rented a KTV (Karaoke) room just three blocks from our hotel, where we celebrated Dr. Criddle's 32nd birthday. That party was more party than ANY singles-ward or school dance I've EVER been to, and there were less than 30 people there.
This is all I can really think to say for now, but I will try to send updates as frequently as I can. Until then, I love you all (yes, EVEN YOU), and I am thinking of you from halfway around the world.
Sincerely,
Logan "Chan-Chan" Voorhis
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