A Trip to Ancient China

Monday brought us all together again. We started our day with a visit to classes and then got an up close look at morning assembly, Chengdu style. Following the ceremonial raising of the flag we all trooped up onto the flag platform to be introduced to the school. That may not sound like much until you consider that the school is 4000 students, and all were gathered to greet us. It was quite a sea of blue and white school uniforms. After some remarks by yours truly and the CEFLS Assistant Head, the school presented our students with their very own CEFLS uniforms. They donned their jackets for group pictures and then it was off on our next adventure. Martha and I got a treat, as many of the Chengdu students who have visited Gould were eager to say hello and share greetings with the folks in Maine. The very loquacious Tony translated my remarks for the gathered masses.

Our next stop for the day was Jin Sha archeological site and museum. While digging a foundation for a new building, in 2001, construction workers happened upon some old relics. Worked stopped and the archeologists moved in. What they discovered was the remains of a village that dates to 3000 years ago, complete with human and animal remains, pottery, and beautiful gold and jade artifacts. The most famous is a paper thin disk made of gold, in the shape of the sun surrounded by four birds. It is exceptionally beautiful, and has become the symbol of Chengdu.

After lunch it was off to Huanglongxi Ancient Town. It is a settlement that dates back 2100 years. For much of its history it was an important river port, but with the advent of modern transportation it has taken on a new role as a historical and cultural attraction. The Chinese have blended old and new, with significant restoration and new construction in much of the town. You may recognize the village, as it has been a setting for over a hundred movies, including Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. As a cultural center there are the ever present craft shops and teahouses, but a wander down one of the side alleys quickly leads you to places where time has seemingly stood still. The kids enjoyed the wander in the sun, the dragon in the river and for a couple of boys, the opportunity to buy swords. I’m not sure they are as interested in the historical significance of ancient weaponry as they are the cool factor of playing warrior. After a little posing the swords were put away, hopefully not to be seen again until they get home.

Our day ended with a trip back to school for “English corner.” Because of traffic we were a little late and the kids were quickly surrounded by eager students wanting to practice their English and learn about American schools and culture. I’m afraid that I didn’t get a chance to take pictures for the blog because I too was inundated with questions and I just couldn’t say no to so many willing students wanting to learn. After a very full day we said our goodbyes, one day closer to our return to the States.

Tom Whittington