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= = =Western Kansas People to People=

=**CLICK ON THE ABOVE LINK AND FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK!**= =__**Great Wall & Beyond 2014**__=


 * CLICK ON A FLAG ABOVE AND FIND OUT SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THIS COUNTRY.** CLICK ON THE FLAG BELOW AND FIND OUT ABOUT TODAY'S WEATHER.



Reminder about Luggage:
Luggage should be no more that a combined 54" (length + width + height) and a total of 44 lbs.

=**CURRENCY CONVERTER.** Click on the link below to see the current exchange rate. Its simple put in your dollar amount and you will see what the equivalent Euro amount is. Remember once you step onto the plane in Wichita everything will be paid for after that except any extra spending money you think you will need for souvenirs etc. __// TIP: I would invest in a cheap water bottle that you can refill at the hotel in the morning to save some change. //__=

= Sample Itinerary: 2014=

**DAY 1** DEPART FOR BEIJING, CHINA
Greet your fellow Ambassadors in your departure city before boarding your flight to Beijing.

**DAY 2** WELCOME TO THE FAR EAST!
YOU ARE HERE: BEIJING, CHINA Meet your delegation manager upon arrival at the Beijing Airport. This local expert will be your guide (and source of endless information) for the entire journey. Beijing has been China's capital for seven centuries and the cultural heart of China for over 3,000 years. Today, Beijing is home to more than 17 million people, as well as the center of the nation's government and economic life.

**DAY 3** PREPARE AND FEAST ON TRADITIONAL CUISINE
YOU ARE HERE: BEIJING, CHINA Your journey continues as you explore the Forbidden City. Built between 1406 and1420, it is the world's largest and most well-preserved Imperial Palace, before c ontinuing on to Tian'anmen Square, the site of many key events in Chinese history. Later, take a lesson from an expert at a local cooking school. Learn some basic skills in preparing Chinese cuisine as you prepare traditional Chinese Dim Sum, then taste test your results! This evening, you will be honored at a banquet where you will be served Peking duck, a traditional Northern Chinese delicacy.

**DAY 4** TEST YOUR HANDICRAFT SKILLS
YOU ARE HERE: BEIJING, CHINA This morning, take part in a special opportunity to learn kung fu with local students at a martial arts school. Dig deeper into China's rich artistic history when you witness each step in creating the ancient art form of //cloisonné////—//an intricate form of painting dating back more than 500 years. You'll have the unique chance to try your own hand at Chinese handicrafts when you visit a nearby cloisonné factory. Later, journey to the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall—an icon of China. The Great Wall of China is one of history's most remarkable accomplishments and extends more than 3,000 miles over the Chinese landscape.

**DAY 5** POSE WITH PANDAS; HITCH A RIDE ON A RICKSHAW
YOU ARE HERE: OVERNIGHT TRAIN TO XI'AN, CHINA Get to know some furry—and endangered—friends when you visit the Giant Panda Hall at the Beijing Zoo! Go behind the scenes to meet with a zoological expert who will present you with little-known facts about these amazing creatures. Next, journey to the Summer Palace, an immense imperial garden dotted with Qing architecture. This graceful palace complex is located on the outskirts of Beijing and you will take a boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake to fully explore this amazing place. Later, share a rickshaw with one of your fellow Ambassadors as you navigate the narrow residential streets of old Beijing, also known as the //hutongs//. This evening, board an overnight train to Xi'an. The ride takes approximately 12 hours and you will arrive in Xi'an the next morning.

**DAY 6** MAKE NEW FRIENDS AT A LOCAL SCHOOL
YOU ARE HERE: XI'AN, CHINA Welcome to Xi'an! Be welcomed at the city by residents dressed in full costume, representing warriors and city officials. Xi'an was China's capital city through 13 dynasties, including the Tang Dynasty and the ceremony is reminiscent of a Tang Dynasty tradition welcoming foreign envoys as they arrived in Xi'an. During a unique cultural exchange, visit a local school to meet with students and learn about life in China. Have some fun with your new friends during a friendly soccer or basketball game!

**DAY 7** DISCOVER AN AMAZING ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
YOU ARE HERE: XI'AN, CHINA Understand Xi'an's history today as you discover the museum of the famous Terra-cotta Warriors. In 1974, a group of villagers chanced upon what has become one of the world's most astonishing archaeological finds—an 8,000 man army in battle-ready formation. Try your hand at the techniques used to create the Terra-cotta warriors during a visit to a workshop that replicates the warriors, and gain unique insights when you meet and talk with one of the villagers who was part of this amazing discovery. Get an up-close view of the beautiful Small Wild Goose Pagoda, originally built during the 7th century Tang Dynasty to hold sutras and figurines of Buddha. This evening, deepen your understanding of ancient Chinese culture through a Tang Dynasty show and a delicious dumpling banquet.

**DAY 8** INVESTIGATE UNIQUE CAVES
YOU ARE HERE: GUILIN, CHINA This morning, board your flight for Guilin, a small, picturesque city located in south China and famous for its natural beauty. Explore one of the famous caves of Guilin. Take rail carts, boats, and even elevators to navigate the underground tunnels as you learn more about the unique rock formations of this natural wonder.

**DAY 9** UNDERSTAND THE PHILOSOPHY OF CONFUCIUS
YOU ARE HERE: HOME STAY - HONGYAN VILLAGE, CHINA Discover one of the city's famous landmarks, Elephant Trunk Hill, named after its unique shape reminiscent of an elephant drinking water at the bank of the Li River. Next, learn more about how Chinese tea is produced during a v isit to a local tea plantation. Later, take a relaxing ride on a bamboo raft as you glide along the Yulong River before learning more about Confucius, one of the most famous thinkers and educators in Chinese history. Visit the Confucius Temple to discover even more about this important and historic figure. Be welcomed by your home stay hosts upon your arrival in Hongyan Village. Prepare yourself for true cultural immersion as you j oin your home stay family to prepare dinner, and spend the evening with them at a village welcome dance. You'll be able to watch and learn a traditional dance, as well as have the optional opportunity to showcase your own talents at a variety show.

**DAY 10** GIVE BACK AT A LOCAL SCHOOL
YOU ARE HERE: HOME STAY - HONGYAN VILLAGE, CHINA Repay the kindness and generosity of your host villagers by helping the local farmers in their orchards. Visit the county middle school to spend time with children in the community as you better understand daily life in China.

**DAY 11** EXPLORE AN ANCIENT AND THRIVING METROPOLIS
YOU ARE HERE: SHANGHAI, CHINA Board your flight for Shanghai—one of the largest cities in the world with a population of over 16 million people! Gain a clear picture of the past, present, and future of this urban metropolis at the City Construction Center. This evening, mingle with local Chinese acrobats and learn about their craft before enjoying one of their amazing performances.

**DAY 12** APPRECIATE AN AMAZING BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF SHANGHAI
YOU ARE HERE: SHANGHAI, CHINA Demonstrate your spirit of global citizenship as you give back to the warm, friendly people of China through a service project at the Qixing Special Education School in Shanghai. Walk through a local silk reeling factory to witness firsthand the finished works of local artisans before t aking in a breathtaking, bird's-eye view of Shanghai. Take in amazing views from the skywalk of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the tallest tower in Asia and the third tallest in the world!

**DAY 13** SQUARE OFF AGAINST PING PONG EXPERTS
YOU ARE HERE: SUZHOU, CHINA Journey to Suzhou, a city often referred to as the Venice of the Orient, s ince over 40% of the city is covered in water. Make a stop at the Panmen gate, famous in China for its complex mass of land and water city gates. Discover the art of Chinese Calligraphy at Yipu Garden, an elegant garden listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After trying your own hand at calligraphy, you'll be able to your own artwork home. Prepare yourself for a friendly little challenge when you visit a Ping Pong school. See young athletes in training as you learn about this culturally iconic game, and get ready to be "schooled" by the young Chinese players you'll compete against!

**DAY 14** IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ANCIENT TRADITIONS
YOU ARE HERE: WUZHEN, CHINA Visit the Kun Opera Museum to learn more about Peking Opera, a traditional Chinese performing art. Interact with local performers or trainers as you gain unique insights into this traditional performing art. Learn more about Wuzhen, a typical water town built on canals. Discover why boats are the most convenient form of transportation in this fascinating city. In a region famous for garment dyeing, explore the traditional dyeing methods that continue to be used. You'll learn that this activity takes a little bit of skill, and be able to try it for yourself. This evening, glide along the water during a canal cruise as you take in the sites of this ancient town from the water.

**DAY 15** BOND WITH LOCAL SCHOOL CHILDREN
YOU ARE HERE: HANGZHOU, CHINA Before leaving this picturesque water town, play some games with local Chinese children. You’re sure to make some new friends during this fun activity! Travel to Hangzhou, a city often regarded as "heaven on earth." Climb the Six Harmonies Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Hangzhou, to receive a spectacular view of the Qiantang River Bridge.

**DAY 16** HELP KIDS LEARN ENGLISH
YOU ARE HERE: SHANGHAI, CHINA Take a leisurely hike around West Lake before v isiting a local school to help Chinese students practice their English skills. Later, pack up and board your high speed train for your return to Shanghai.

**DAY 17** DEPART FOR HOME
Say a sad good-bye to China and depart for the U.S.

//**Note:** Highlights featured represent past programs. Your program may differ slightly in some areas due to scheduling conflicts, unforeseen changes, and the arrival of new opportunities. Your program's schedule of activities will be provided as confirmed, closer to actual travel.//

= = ATTENDANCE IS EXPECTED AND IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND PLEASE CALL JON'S CELL PHONE AT 620-253-1652

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=Check out our parents page. This is the place where you can enjoy the experience along with all the other parents. Post questions, Suggestions, concerns, hopes and when the trip kicks off post your communications with other parents to keep up with what is happening while we are across "the pond."=

=**Western Kansas Area People to People travel site . **=

[[image:wkp2p/passport.png width="170" height="236"]]
=FREQUENT FLIER MILES AVAILABLE!=

(THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY IF YOU WANT THE MILES)
YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE FREQUENT FLIER MILES FOR THIS TRIP. SIMPLY LOG ONTO UNITED AND SIGN UP FOR A MILEAGE PLUS ACCOUNT IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ONE ALREADY. SIGN IN TO YOUR ONBOARD SITE AND INSERT YOUR FREQUENT MILES ACCOUNT IN YOUR PROFILE AND YOU ARE SET TO GO! REMEMBER TO SAVE ALL TICKETS FOR REDEMPTION IN CASE YOUR ACCOUNT DOES NOT GET CREDITED UPON RETURN.

==Please be advised that the national office does understand and hear all the fears and concerns of all parents of its delegates concerning their welfare. They will take every action and precaution to ensure the safety of all those who travel with people to people. Also know that if Linda, myself, or any of our teamed leaders hears or gets any news regarding this or any other safety issue it will be posted here and sent to your email ASAP.==

Where we change the world one handshake and smile at a time. Catch the excitement, enjoy the adventure, change yourself, change your world.
Our parent homesite: http://www.peopletopeople.com

My travel photo site: http://gallery.me.com/srankin63#gallery

Money conversion site.: http://www.xe.com/ucc/