For the last few weeks, when I pick something up from a gas station or buy groceries, I catch myself almost saying “xièxiè” to the worker at the register. Who would have guessed that I would allow myself to become so immersed in a country that was so foreign to me? China was more than … Continue reading Can I get a 哇塞 →

What a night! This is our last night in China. This has 100% been the trip of a lifetime. We have one last evening together in Shanghai and we are going to make the most of it. This morning we visited Disney. They demonstrated the China operation of the country. China only allows 34 foreign … Continue reading Day 10: No I’m not crying my allergies are just really bad →

Jun thinks I look American but this dude is 6'4" with curly blonde hair down to his shoulders. Also I am from a small town in southern Illinois so the chances that a guy who grew up 10 miles away from me is also in Shanghai is crazy. This morning we toured ABInBev in downtown … Continue reading Day 9: Ran into a guy from my hometown…in China? →

And I ordered two burgers because it was BOGO free and let me tell you it was delicious. This morning the group visited Tiger Hill, which is a nearby area to Sozhou and features a giant leaning tower (the Asian version). There were also cool rocks and more lovely Chinese buildings there. We were able … Continue reading Day 8: I found an American burger place last night →

Today we went to Lion Grove and saw the beautiful tourist attraction. It was home to beautiful ancient Chinese buildings, ponds stocked with fish, and rocks with unique hollowed-out geometries. The hollowed out rocks were formed in a lake and they were then transported to the grove. In ancient times in China, parents would plant … Continue reading Day 7: Watch out the silk worms are alive →

After a day of traveling we spent some time in a water town. I learned some new Chinese words with Jun and Kayla while walking through the street markets. I bought my mom this sweet leather bound notebook! China Corner with Jun (ft. Kayla) Word of the Day: "fan qie jian" means ketchup Word of … Continue reading Day 6: I now know 4 Chinese words →

Honestly who knew one man could have such a good stage presence. Today we went to a tour of a dairy production facility. Me and the other mechanical engineers were nerding out over the automated manufacturing process. Later we went to tour a wind farm. It was nice to see that China is implementing renewable … Continue reading Day 5: Professor Michael did karaoke →

Walking the Great Wall of China was beautiful. It is such an impressive physical feat. I only tripped twice while walking up the stairs. This morning we also had time to have a quick session with Microsoft. This specific office was an innovation center for the company, and the gave us an incredible presentation on … Continue reading Day 4: So many beautiful stairs →

Zhi Yong. Henry says it means someone who is both intelligent and courageous. I am so flattered. Today we had company visits at John Deere and Boeing. The manufacturing plants were bringing out the nerd inside of me. It was amazing to see the concepts I have learned in my classes translating to actual production … Continue reading Day 3: Henry gave me a Chinese name and it is wonderful →