We had a fairly normal morning schedule today, meaning we did not have to get up too early. We boarded our bus at 9 AM in our finest clothes and our VIP badges to attend the 110th birthday celebration of SUDA, Soochow University where Furman has a wonderful working relationship.
In true Chinese Style, there was much pomp and circumstance with thousands of chairs set up in the old courtyard, hundreds of dignitaries on the stage and at least 10 speakers AND fireworks! Our SUDA host, Harrison, translated for us while the speeches were going on, an amazing feat. It started to rain just as the giant assembly ended and we then boarded our bus to attend a huge banquet for all the VIP's and students hosts. There was much toasting and exchanging of business cards. The banquet hall can host a dinner for 1500.
After lunch we changed our clothes and went for a quick tour of the silk museum and then to one of Suzhou's famous gardens, the Humble Administrator's Garden. The Garden is actually his house and grounds that covers 5.3 hectares. It is stunningly beautiful with many of the same plants and trees that you see in the US.We met some of our SUDA friends and 6 young Furman alums who are working in China for another Chinese feast that included jellyfish and octopus, then went shopping in the rain along a quaint little street. John-Stewart Clark, son of AD Gary Clark helped us bargain with the shopkeepers.
Young Alumni with Kate Kaup
Off to Shanghai this morning and then to Tibet tomorrow!
Go Paladins in China!
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