As Fan Chengda once said, "I often sent pictures of the hills of Guilin which I painted to friends back home, but few believed what they saw." What a beautiful and mysterious place! It was truly a natural playground for Colin, Mallory, and Lauren. From scaling the karst mountains 40 feet above to floating, weightless, in a hot-air balloon across the unique landscapes below. Our trip was beyond anything that could be taught out of a textbook. The experiences that the kids' encountered are memories that will be stepping stones for future endeavors. Prior to the trip Colin, Mallory, and Lauren simulated the formation of stalactites and stalagmites to prepare them for the trek within the karst towers. In addition, they learned the geography, geology, and the culture of the Yangshuo and Guilin area. As part of an ongoing continuum of learning, the kids' will be engaged in creative writing tasks. In conclusion, Yangshuo was an adventure that will not be forgotten.

Jodie