The Tuisi Garden in Tong Li was beautiful and calming, it included flowers and bonsai trees, rock formations, art, and a koi pond. Rochester Community Schools #RCSGlobal

Students joined their host families today!! Thank you to the families of Dongtan Shanghai Experimental School for taking in our kiddos for the next few days!! Rochester Community Schools #RCSGlobal

Students joined their host families today!! Thank you to the families of Dongtan Shanghai Experimental School for taking in our kiddos for the next few days!! Rochester Community Schools #RCSGlobal

Highlight of trip so far, in village of Tong Li, these two Shanghai natives wanted nothing more than to practice their English with us. Ages 6 and 7 and they were so excited!!! Happy they had a chance to show off their learning! Rochester Community Schools @RCSGlobal

Our students had the unique opportunity to learn calligraphy as well as some historical and modern Chinese characters today while at the Dong Tan Shanghai Experimental School! Rochester Community Schools #RCSGlobal

Second activity at Dong Tan SES this morning, students had the chance to learn the art of paper cutting with a whole class! Rochester Community Schools #RCSGlobal

Thank you so much to our friends at Dong Tan Shanghai Experimental School for your hospitality! Our students had a blast with their host families, made lifelong memories, and learned a great deal about Chinese culture!!! Rochester Community Schools #RCSGlobal

We ended our night, and our stay in Shanghai, with a riverboat cruise on the Huangpu River! Off to Beijing tomorrow! Rochester Community Schools #RCSGlobal

Starting the next phase of our China adventure. High speed train from Shanghai to Beijing! 350 km/h (217 mph). Kids were happy to find a McDonalds in the train terminal. Even though the meal came with corn on the side 😂 Rochester Community Schools #RCSGlobal

First day in Beijing! Spent the morning at Tiananmen Square and the Palace Museum. Beautiful architecture and lots of history! Rochester Community Schools #RCSGlobal

This afternoon we enjoyed a relaxing rickshaw ride through a Beijing Hutong, traditional courtyard residences, before dining in a local family’s home. The family was kind enough to cook for us then share the history of their home. Rochester Community Schools #RCSGlobal

Last stop of the day, the Summer Palace, the Chinese Emperor’s “Camp David”. Unbelievable amount of history in one place! And Beautiful!! Rochester Community Schools #RCSGlobal

Day 2 in Beijing. Spent the morning on the Badaling section of the Great Wall. Based on our very difficult climb, it’s hard to believe that the entire wall, and all it’s branches, measures 13,171 miles! Who wants to keep climbing? Rochester Community Schools #RCSGlobal

Second stop of the day in Beijing, the Ao Linwencha Tea House. We enjoyed a presentation and tea tasting. Students learned about different kinds of tea and their health qualities. Rochester Community Schools #RCSGlobal

Last stop of the day, Olympic Park, site of ‘08 Summer Olympics. We saw the National Stadium (Birds Nest) and the Aquatic Center (Water Cube). Beijing will be hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics and they are busy getting ready! Rochester Community Schools #RCSGlobal

Subway ride to the Beijing zoo! Our final activity in China.

Final stop on our China adventure, The Beijing Zoo!! Students had the opportunity to see Giant Pandas, young and old. Students also experienced riding the Beijing subway to and from, on a very busy Sunday morning! Rochester Community Schools #RCSGlobal

About to take off from Beijing...What a memorable experience! Thank you to the families of the amazing RCS students on this trip for trusting me with your children! Thank you to Rochester Community Schools for sending me on this learning adventure!! #RCSGlobal #Blessed

The Do 10 Push Ups Challenge!! Thanks for challenging me Kelly Dessy I challenge Casey Wescott Josh Wrinkle @matthewsschs and Luke Swanson!! Great idea Ms. Zarzycki

I agree with this 100%.