(Re-posted for correct location, originally June 1st)

Well, I've just returned about midnight this past Friday from the International Scholar Laureate Program in China.  While that was an absolute blast, it's not related to the PIRE project so I will post my experiences from that program elsewhere.  We visited Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Guilin, and I admit that though I was originally somewhat disappointed that I would not be going to China as part of my PIRE trip, now that I've been there I am actually quite glad that the change was made.  Getting to experience a completely different culture will be nice, but also the pollution was really harsh in Beijing and Shanghai.  :( 

For those of you in China, I highly encourage you to visit the English Corner while in Beijing if you get the chance.  Local people go there to practice English with each other, and they are absolutely fascinated when foreigners show up and you get to talk to many, many locals.  That trip profoundly changed the way I look at China, and I hope everyone in PIRE has the opportunity to gain the same type of insights that I did.  It just makes me that much more excited about the PIRE project and the opportunity that has been given to FIU's students.

Two days after making a trip literally half way around the world, I will be making my trip to Mexico, and I'm really excited.  Sean is gradually bringing me back up to speed on how the project is fleshing out, and I have a feeling that's what we'll be discussing on our plane trips South.  I'm really curious to see yet another new culture, and I've picked up several workbooks/etc to help me along with my Spanish, or lack thereof.  Surprisingly, having my trips only two days apparent works out kind of nice.  I do my laundry, then just fold my clothes back into the same suitcase!

For someone who has never really been out of the country, it's hard to believe this will be my third country in three days.  For my birthday I received a more souped up version of the camera I've been using, too, and I'm eager to see how it works in Mexico.  My next post should be from there!