To All,
Throughout the trip the Internet connection has ranged from spotty to non-existent. Not sure exactly what was going on, but there was not a reliable connection, which is why there are such few comments. Now that we have all returned home, I have encouraged everyone to keep journals and to document and update pictures of their journey. So, please keep coming back.

Terrill Martin

Well, I am going through the first 5 days at least how I viewed it.   Here are captions to the pictures below:

1. A welcome reception by NCEPU and their delegation staff.
2. Jessica Brumley (Honor’s & Flagship Student) wowed the NCEPU delegates with her Chinese (show off).  She did an outstanding job on the fly.
3. Dr. Peter Hamburger explained what this trip means to him and his wife Mrs. Edit Hamburger.
4. Didn’t know that the Chinese could roller blade.  Guess I was wrong.
5. The 2012 China Experience Zhongghou Adventures at the Great Wall.
6. Don’t believe how steep the climb of the Great Wall, just see for yourself.
7. Wait, I know this guy.  Come on Dad you can make it.  What, you need a breather?  What was all that smack about the Great Wall?
8. Still not convinced?
9. Mr. Cody Hutchins posing as usual.  What a ham!!!!
10. Woke up this morning to an eclipse.  Or at least I caught a portion of it.  Darn time difference, my body still hasn’t caught up.
11. A year later, and I’m still a “Rock Star” in China.  It’s official, I’m moving.  LOL!!!

Stay tuned for more.

Seems like yesterday I was a newbee to the mystic that is China. Funny how I feel like a local (even though I am clearly not), and how comfortable I am. Last year for me was such a stressful time. First, it was the first camp for the Confucius Institute, so everything needed to go off without a hitch. It did. Second, it was my first time to China, let alone abroad at all. Went well. Third, I had to quickly get acclimated with China and jump right in to head off any issues. Fourth, we had to put on a program for the Confucius Institutes sponsor Hanban, as WKU and President Ransdell presented Madame Xu Lin with an honorary Doctorate degree.

My what a difference a year makes. While so much is different, so much is still the same. Was able to instantly connect with my friends I met last year in Mr. Duan, Leonard, Cookie, and Li Bo. Three days in the books and it is amazing how much more I am enjoying this trip versus last year. I guess second time is a charm, because this trip is a keeper. I love the people on the trip. Amazing how big WKU has become as these are people that either work or study on the campus that I have never met. I have to say, this trip rocks. Everyone is settling in and getting acclimated with their surroundings or so it seems. Time will tell.

Whew, didn’t think I’d ever get packed, finished with all of my work, but I am officially on my way to the Nashville Airport.  Is it normal to feel like you are forgetting or forgot to do or pack something?  If so, all well, but if not, too late now.

Welcome to the official WKU Blog Site for the Confucius Institute at WKU’s China Experience 2012.  Last year, 44 faculty/staff, students, and community members took the adventure to China, and this year, the Confucius Institute at WKU will lead 28 faculty/staff, students, and community members to China.  Please follow our 2 week adventure beginning May 16 through May 30th.  The following individuals will be heading to China for the Confucius Institute China Experience 2012:

• Jessica Brumley – WKU Flagship and Biology Student
• Margaret Cobane – Community Member
• Rebecca Davis – Native Chinese Student
• Amanda Garmon – WKU Confucius Institute Language Student & Community Member
• Evan Grantz – Honor’s & Flaship Student
• Edit Hamburger – WKU Spouse of Dr. Peter Hamburger
• Peter Hamburger – WKU Professor and Department Head Computer Science & Mathematics
• Kelli Hogue – WKU Honor’s & Flagship Student
• Charvinia Neblett – WKU Gatton Academy Student of Math & Science
• Cody Hutchins – WKU Honor’s & Flagship Student
• Anthony Martin – Community Member
• Terrill Martin – WKU CI Group Leader & Associate Director of CI
• Wei-Ping Pan – Director of ICSET & CI & Sumpter Professor of Chemistry
• Hannah Pardue – WKU Flagship & Dance Student
• Anton Stewart – WKU Student
• Martin Stone – Associate Professor of Agriculture
• Savannah Stone – SWHS High School Student
• Lorraine Baushke – KCTCS & WKU Professor
• Stephanie Hammons – Office Associate Honor’s College
• Robert Deane – WKU Chief of Police
• Lisa Horn – Principal at Henderson Alternative School & WKU Ed.D Student
• Lynn Hines - WKU Ed.D Student
• Christopher King – Assistant Principal & WKU Ed.D Student
• Amanda Lich – Director of Development
• Elizabeth Sholar – WKU Ed.D Student
• Michael Stephens – Physician at WKU Health Services
• Ronda Talley – Professor of Psychology
• George Rasmussen – WKU Gordon Ford College of Business Professor

Please follow us as we document our daily adventures.