The group is having some internet connectivity issues/limited bandwidth. This message was relayed from Mr. Dunn:

“One of the best parts about being a teacher is when a student “gets it”. They make clear sense of the challenge that’s been put before them and subsequently grow even wiser than a few minutes prior. I was reminded of how much I enjoy these moments on our first day effectively exploring Shangri-La. After an overly filling breakfast of eggs, bacon, and French toast (a typical Tibetan cuisine I’m sure), a leisurely walk through Old Town, and our first temple climb, a student turned to me and said a few very short, but very profound sentences: “Mr. Dunn, I have to admit I didn’t know what to expect with Yunnan, and I was a little worried that I chose the wrong trip. But this is awesome! I’m really enjoying this! Its above and beyond what I expected!” And just like that, this student understood exactly why he was on Experience Week in the first place. It’s about avoiding expectations, trying something new and foreign, and pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones. Already our crew has shown this very growth in so many different ways.

Granted, I do hesitate in encouraging the importance of trying new things when I’m challenged by another student to try my hand at eating a fish eyeball at lunch today. It doesn’t help that I have a tough time turning down dares – even if it is from students. Then again, I found the fish eye to be quite enjoyable, so I guess my original point stands.

The remainder of our day was spent exploring the spectacular local monastery, which for many of our students proved to be a highlight. Admittedly, scaling to the highest points of the monastery proved to be quite exhausting…and potentially quite telling for how our hikes are going to go. But at least it was a quiet bus ride back to the hotel and restaurant for dinner. That is until the debate on water’s wetness sprung up…

Tomorrow, we hike! Until next time…”