Day Trip to Suzhou

Natalie Lau
 March 5, 2014

This past Saturday, we headed to Suzhou for the day. After a rude awakening and having to be on the bus at 9AM, (Yes, we consider that pretty early), we found ourselves at a 3D printing factory. We were asked not to take photos, so unfortunately, I don’t have any from our first stop. Then, we ate lunch in the same complex as the silk factory. Silk is a huge part of the culture in Suzhou. We learned more about how silk cocoons are used to create the softest cloth materials. After the tour, we headed to the Lion Grove Garden. Outside the garden were small shops. Some of us did some great bartering and bought some really cool souvenirs. Inside the garden, we walked around for about half and hour and got lost in a small rock mountain maze. It’s was impossibly amazing to have something so grand built in this garden. I definitely recommend you read more about this garden! Here’s a start: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/jiangsu/suzhou/lion_grove.htm

For lunch at the Silk Factory, we had a variety of Chinese cuisine. IES Director Li sat with us and we all had a very interesting conversation at our table about our visit to the 3D factory. Here, we see one of the workers going through all the silk cocoons. What a cool process! We got to try out making a silk blanket. The workers make it look so easy! But we definitely had a hard time spreading the silk out evenly. Here's a bunch of us at the Lion Grove Garden. The garden was filled with rock structures that resembled lion heads. Whilst raining, we were still able to enjoy the wonderful garden! Within the Lion Garden Grove, there is a large rock maze! It leads you up and down throughout the structure. A couple people in our group got ahead of us and disappeared. A few minutes later, they reappeared on the very top of the structure. From left to right, Sarah, Taylor, Tyler, Brittany, and Bruce.

Lastly, I also wanted to mention those who are in Kunming right now. We are thinking about y’all and hope that everyone’s safe. We know it’s a difficult time for y’all. Just know that we’re thinking of you. From: IES Shanghai Students

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Natalie Lau

<p><span style="color: rgb(29, 29, 29); font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; background-color: rgb(237, 237, 237);">Aloha! Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, Natalie Lau currently attends Villanova University in Pennsylvania. She is a sophomore pursuing a double major in Finance and International Business and a minor in Chinese Studies. Natalie loves playing the cello, tap dancing, singing, photography, swimming, and (of course) hanging out at the beach. Studying abroad in Shanghai, China has been Natalie&#39;s long time goal and she is so excited for this wonderful opportunity to fully immerse herself in to Chinese culture. Her goals during this semester abroad is to attain a high level of fluency in Mandarin and grasp a better understanding of the Chinese business culture. She is extremely excited to experience a new learning environment and create new relationships!</span></p>

Destination:
Term:
2014 Spring
Home University:
Villanova University
Major:
Finance
International Business
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