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AnonymousOur group was minus two on this day. We soldiered on because we were told we must and Venus was very clear on the fact that we must carry on and that was expected of us. She was kind and also very much in control. I know that I felt so weird without Rudy and, of course, our leader, Clay! There was that feeling of an elephant being in the room and we all must act as though we don't see it. I felt closer to our tour group because I realized how fragile we all are and I didn't want to lose anybody else. I was greatly impressed by the sites where they are still uncovering more Terra Cotta Soldiers. I liked walking around outside too as there was a beautiful giant pine tree there. I like taking photos of the terra cotta horses from all angles. I found the explanation of the painting of the Terra Cotta Soldeirs very interesting.
AnonymousWhen we arrived, we were greeted by this table of girls ready to answer any question we might have, but James did a suberb job of helping us discover and learn about this much awaited tour.
AnonymousI agree with Mary that we all felt discombobulated (sp?) and missed Clay and Rudy, and worried about Venus. After the morning tour, we had a little comedy relief. Lunch at the restaurant with the Christmas wreath hanging above the door was a hoot. It was also all you could drink(sprite or coke of course) and the waitresses delivered the drinks in shopping carts. Someone took a photo of me pushing a shopping cart with sprite and coke. please forward it to me if you don't mind.
AnonymousThis was a five star evening and a definite highlight of the entire trip for me. I beieve that Mary, Gustavo, and I were very fortunate to have a terrific middle class family willing to share with us and help us learn so much about their lifestyle, dreams, and goals, and challenges. A photo of Jeff hailing us a cab from the hotel is attached. I am trying to get a video to attach as well, of Jeff performing Billie Jean.
AnonymousOne of the most emotional aspects of this trip for me was the visit to the nursing home. I had grabbed some of the friendship bracelets my students made to pass out while there, and I was completely shocked by how much the elderly appreciated them. Both the men and women were very happy to accept them, and people tell me they saw them fingering them long after I'd walked away. I know I was very touched by the reactions of the few people I had time to actually sit and try to interact with. One gentleman in particular stole my heart; I have thought of him often since returning home. I also smile every time I think of how much the elderly enjoyed Harue's lollipops. What a lovely visit; I am so glad I was able to meet these beautiful elderly people.
AnonymousI'm so glad Lois shared these photos with me of our delightful Home visit. However, the photo cannot accurately convey the sheer horror of that episode of hailing a cab. The photo cannot show the extreme speed of the cars whizzing by and the trapped feeling we had being out in the middle of the street on the median. Even Gustavo (who we all know is very brave) was a bit shocked. I lived in New York for six years and NEVER was I that aware of how EASILY we could be smooshed attempting to hail a cab! But it all worked out and we arrived at our destination safely. Though, there were some tense moments with some guards inquiring about the "purpose" of our visit!
AnonymousIt was a great visit to the nursing home. I loved seeing the happy smiles from all the gifts that everyone brought. It was so cute to see them sporting the sunglasses, hats, and smiling with a sucker dangling out of their mouths. I also was amazed to see the lady with bound feet.
edited by ccable on 8/7/2012
AnonymousVisiting the nursing home struck a personal cord for me. First, we had an informative conversation with the personnel on how much State funding they received on a yearly basis to run the facilities. Afterwards, we took a tour of the home and stopped to sit with the elderly to give gifts we had brought. Recently I lost my grandmother, who had lived at my house for 14 years, I didn’t think I would have had such a difficult time at the nursing home but I did. The smile on each individual that either received a gift or waved at us almost brought me to tears. I’m thankful I had this experience, although, it was not easy I almost feel I was able to exhale out much of the inner-sadness of losing my abuelita (grandmother). Thank you Clay and the Freeman Foundation for making this visit part of the itinerary on this trip.
edited by elopez on 10/13/2012
clay dubeFolks,
Please take a moment to share some thought about what you did, saw, thought, or felt on this day. Feel free to attach a photo from the day (or perhaps of something that you acquired and plan to use or share). We'd like everyone to say something about each day.
Thanks to all of you. This was a trying day. We learned early in the morning of the attack on Rudy and the severity of his injuries. Each of you helped by being supportive and cooperative. We'll never forget how everyone pulled together and we're grateful that skilled surgeons were able to piece our colleague back together. The healing continues.
AnonymousAs other posters have mentioned, this day started with shock and disbelief. We were all stunned -- worrying about Rudy, missing him and Clay, and admiring how Venus helped us all to soldier on.
I think that it was at the Terracotta warriors that the famous "three for 10" started, as the guys searched for great deals on boxes of warrior souvenirs.
Lois: I'm the person with the shopping cart photo! And it's a fabulous shot. Let me know how you want me to send it to you. I think I have your email in my archive somewhere.
As for the retirement home... wow. What an incredible experience. We all had our small gifts, but it was Robin's bracelets that were the biggest hit. Watching her tie them onto the wrists of the residents and seeing the bright smiles on their faces -- that was the type of the experience that embodied everything this trip was about. There were a few other similar moments -- Gustavo with elementary kids, Joe with the high schoolers -- that stood out as incredible scenes where the "international understanding" part of the trip seemed magical.