What an amazing welcome!!

Wow!! I can't even describe what happen today! I will try to attach some pictures to help you understand.
We had a breakfast buffet at the hotel. It had western and chinese food. You have to cross a small bridge to get to the resturant from the elevator. Under the bridge is about a four foot long salamander. I have never seen a salamander this big!
After breakfast we loaded the 9 buses to get us to Guizhou Normal University. We were all excited about the event. But I didn't know how big this event really was!
As we got off the bus we were told to head towards a street. We could hear music as we came upon the street. There was the beat of chinese drums and an instrument called a lusheng. Students lined the street on both sides in various local traditional dress. There were hundreds of them. The students were all smiling and dancing. It was unbelievable! Yes, I cried! We cut a red ribbon and begin the march to the Concert Hall. Before we could cross the ribbon, we had to drink from a horn as a welcome. We were lead to a red carpet and up the stairs to the Concert Hall. Flowers, students, people, music and so many sights to see, one can't describe it all. Again, it was the "Rock Star" treatment. We were given a welcome package and small tranmitters for translations. Students are still everywhere in their traditional dress. I did enjoy the fact the students had on their regular shoes with most of the costumes. The shoes like converse high tops looked funny sticking out under dresses and pants.
The Sino- US Education Formum had begun. There were many speakers. All speeches were translated on our earphones. I felt like I was at the United Nations. I did enjoy all of the officals had on white socks with their suits. It made me think of my husband,he does the samething. The event was so impressive. The Speakers all talked about how it took 30 years for this event to happen.
We left the Concert Hall for the campus cantine for lunch. Yes, we had to make a bathroom stop. The bathrooms on campus are not western. It was a different experience.
Next, was a discussion with Chinese teachers. We all discussed our subjects, teaching styles and school requirements. It is amazing how much our skills and standards are alike. Their books are not as interesting as our books, they are only black and white with a few pictures. There are no colors or graphs. They are also not as thick as our books.
The day was amazing. We returned to the Concert Hall for a closing Speech. It was an amazing day. I know I keep repeating amazing but it is hard to describe this experience in words. We soon loaded our buses and headed for the Hotel were we change for a Formal Reception. The food was great again and the entertainment super!
But I was glad to retreat to my room and go to sleep!