Filing into our tour buses, we set off to Zhengzhou to see China- both old and new. Three buses of foreigners from around the globe met a warm reception by the Vice Mayor of Zhengzhou and other city officials. They took us on a tour of Zhengzhou's budding commercial infrastructure and Zhengzhou's New District, a carefully planned, massive addition to the city nearing completion. Taking us through the large exhibition and performance halls, our hosts showed us the readiness of Zhengzhou to become an international trading hub recognized on the world stage.

After witnessing the developments of new China, we were taking back to the times of old China with a trip to Gongyi. Here we saw the former estate of one of the Qing dynasties wealthiest families and a nearby Buddhist temple. Touring the estate, we were giving a window into China's long history and a sense of what life was for the family and workers who lived on the massive complex formally host to emperors. The Buddhist temple, lined with carved images of the Buddha was the perfect way to end the tour with its relaxing and spiritual scenery.

At dinner, many of Shengda's teachers had the opportunity to mingle with the other foreigners and make new friends as we sampled the turtle at a buffet with both western and Chinese food. With the day done and our bellies full we returned home with pictures and stories to share.  (By Matthew Cool from America, one foreign teacher in Shengda College)