Summer cometh before a fall

Hey, you all!

In preparation for this autumn, I hope to make a few inspirational posts that will get you thinking about our trip. You may even want to reference some of these posts throughout the semester, as a reminder, and even later, at the end of the semester for when you are preparing to return to the US. A lot of different people are going to be rubbing off on us during our time in Beijing, and as a result, we'll be returning with new habits, new vocabulary, and new views. Check out these 10 Commandments for the Traveler!

1. Thou shalt not expect to find all things precisely as they are at home. Thou hast left home to find things different.


2. Thou shalt travel in a spirit of utter humility. The fact that people may think, speak, and act differently does not make them inferior.


3. Thou shalt not let thy travel companions get on thy nerves, for thou art paying good money to enjoy thyself.


4. Thou shalt not worry about things at home or at the office while thou art away, for he or she that worrieth hath little joy.


5. Thou shalt not judge all people of a city or a country by one person with whom thou hast had a problem.


6. Thou shalt remember that endless waiting lines, delays, cancellations, and bad food are a part of traveling, and thou shalt smile and not complain.


7. Thou shalt not expect or demand that everyone speak English.


8. Thou shalt carry thy passport on thy person at all times, for it is said that a person without a passport is a person without a country. (this loosely applies to our trip, but is crucial for weekend excursions and fieldtrips!)


9. Thou shalt not litter or in any way spoil the places thou shalt visit. Take away only thy memories; leave behind only thy smile.


10. Thou shalt not make promises to the people you meet unless thou can follow through.




-Author Unknown-




You will be surprised how many of these will apply as the semester progresses!

Have a great summer!

Paula