In the afternoon, the delegates had the opportunity either of visiting the —the Imperial Palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasty, or going to the Bird’s Nest—the National Stadium, designed for use throughout the 2008 Summer Olympics. I was thrilled running as an Olympic athlete on the track inside of the Bird’s Nest.

In the evening, Hanban hosted a closing banquet at the Restaurant in Street. Quanjude’s world famous was absolutely delicious.

Chongqing: June 29th night to July 2nd morning

At the end of the delegation, I headed to the city of Chongqing, to visit Chongqing and Chongqing Nankai School, Tyee Middle School and Chief Sealth High School’s Sister School. Chongqing is special to me because it is Seattle’s Sister City and our sister school.

I traveled by plane from Beijing to Chongqing to visit our sister school. It was short and nice ride. After being picked up at the airport I was taken to the hotel to have late dinner with Ms. Rong Yi, an English teacher, from Chongqing Nankai School. I met with her during the delegation in Beijing because Rong Yi was hosting the delegates for Chongqing. On June 30th, I visited Chongqing Nankai School. I met administrators and teachers. I presented Tyee Middle School’s Principal Mrs. Buckmaster’s letter to Vice Principal Tian. I presented administrators and a few teachers gifts of Washington State coins with sheets of detailed information prepared in both Chinese and English, my school’s pin with the mascot thunderbird, and yearbook. I also delivered my students’ letters including their emails to the school. We hoped that this would get the teachers and students more excited about becoming pen pals with each other. I also presented students with my school’s pins or Washington State coins

I was given a tour of Nankai School. The campus is very big and absolutely beautiful. The Nankai School Museum is a beautifully designed showcase of the school. Many of the displays represent the school’s history and its notable alumni. The walls were full of awards and recognitions from organizations and the government. It was very impressive.

I used my laptop and showed videos and pictures of Tyee’s Talent show and 8th grade graduation party to the teachers. They showed great interests in learning about American schools.

It was during the final exam days, so I walked in the buildings while students were all taking their exams. I spent some time in the classrooms. I talked to the students who were eager and excited. They were polite and inquisitive. The students responded to my questions as well as asked their own. They expressed their desire to get to know and communicate with their peers in America

I also visited Chongqing Renmin Elementary School—Beacon Hill Elementary School’s Sister School. I met with the Principal and Assistant Principal. Back in this April, as two of 20 Confucius Classrooms in the U.S., Tyee Middle School and Beacon Hill Elementary School together hosted the Chongqing Delegates including our Sister Schools’ guests during their visit—accompanying the delegates attending the CIWA opening ceremony, visiting schools and Microsoft, and sightseeing in the greater Seattle area. Chongqing Nankai Secondary School Vice Principal, Mr. Tian and Renmin Elementary Assistant Principal, Mr. Liu were among the Chongqing Delegates. They were excited to see their Seattle’s host Sun—me again, and host me in Chongqing.

The host also arranged for me to visit the World Heritage Site—Dazu Mountain Rock Carvings (Dazu Shi Ke) in Dazu County in Chongqing. Ms. Rong Yi and the school driver accompanied me. The rock carvings are breathtaking. I was amazed by the long history of Chongqing and its rich culture. It was such an incredible addition to the school visits. They took many pictures of me.