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Nellie Beal, Team Donkey!
So after 6 days in China the day of the 30th March was by far the best. As usual everyone was tired (this seems to be a common thing here) and the coach seemed a haven for sleep. For girls who enjoyed history this was definitely the place to be. The day had the best weather so far; it was very hot and sunny - a treat for us all!
Once arriving the tickets were bought almost immediately and off we were walking down the path to the Terracotta army. Statues were placed cleverly around the site; they were a definite tourist attraction, I found myself stood there absolutely amazed by the monuments and took many many photos. Everything seemed unreal that I just had to take pictures of everything to preserve memories
On arriving in the actual site of the army we were advised to watch a film outlining the history and the background behind the Terracotta army, which I found extremely interesting. The story was so fascinating I still find myself still thinking over it, trying to imagine it. We were then allowed to walk around the different buildings looking at all the different things and most importantly of all the Terracotta army itself, this for me was absolutely brilliant; I couldn’t believe that we, The Belvedere Academy were visiting one of the 8 wonders of the world! I don’t think I could actually describe how happy I am that I have seen the army, it isn’t something you see everyday and it mightn’t be something that I think about in the future to see and I am so thrilled that the teachers took us there. The whole experience was indescribable.
The day continued and everyone was enjoying themselves, and on the fact that it was Georgia’s birthday we all were allowed to go to KFC as a treat. Now we all know Chinese food is extremely different from English food, so the thought of a great big burger made everyone go crazy and run for the fast food restaurant.
After devouring burgers and general heaven food we strolled back to the coach to continue our day out by going to Chang Garden. This was like a park, with shady areas and a monument with spring water coming out. This place was truly magical, and the weather made it even more so. There were shows going on with people dancing and drumming. The garden was lively and very inviting. I think everyone enjoyed themselves, I mean how couldn’t they? The garden was perfect, the weather was perfect, everything just built up on top of each other and created an amazing half an hour that I will definitely never ever forget.
So did the day end there? No! A lot of people seemed worn out by the previous expeditions and had a nap on the bus. I thought that was the end of the day until I was awoken by my friend telling me we had stopped by the city wall. At first I just wanted to stay asleep but once we reached the wall I realised that we could hire bicycles and tandems. So for memories sake nearly everyone hired either one of them. I must say the whole experience of crashing into the wall with me as the driver and Eleanor Cook-Higgins as the peddler at the back. We both laughed until tears streamed down our faces. And as I am writing this on the aeroplane to Beijing I have been informed that Eden Jacobs wishes me to mention that she was the best tandem rider on this trip, so well done Eden!
Overall the day was spectacular, and I am so so glad that I was able to afford to pay for this trip. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I grasped it with both hands, and I feel that the days left will fly by and I want to make the most of everything and everyday I have left here.