Day 2: Erica Smith, YC ’09
Beijing, Thursday, May 17

The day started out with a very early wake-up call. In suits, ties and heels we sluggishly entered the Yale Club of Beijing’s alumni breakfast. But all were awakened at the site of the delicious spread of morning morsels and, more importantly, during the energizing talk given by U.S. Ambassador to China Clark T. (Sandy) Randt, Jr. After a brief question-and-answer session with the ambassador, the delegation divided into three groups and headed off for our morning visits. Group A met with leaders of the Democratic People’s Party, Group B met with the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Group C visited the Supreme People’s Court. The smaller, intimate groups were perfect opportunities for delegates to ask questions ranging from the position of women in the Chinese government to China’s policies in Sudan. The candid and honest responses given by the Chinese leaders were a refreshing change to the usually one-sided coverage of the press, both American and Chinese. When the group rejoined for lunch it was apparent that everyone enjoyed these unique opportunities to gain a closer understanding of Chinese policies and practices.

After lunch, it was off to the Forbidden City for an afternoon of touring. The grandeur and history of the former imperial palace never ceases to amaze, and those members of the delegation who had previously visited the site were more than willing to relay their knowledge. With cameras at the ready, the Yalie pack peered into the many great halls, including the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the seat of the emperor. The group would be treated to an even more intimate introduction to a small portion of the imperial quarters later that week, but I’ll leave that for another reporter. Our time was unfortunately short, however, and the tour was meant only as an introduction to the Forbidden City. The delegation was soon hurried off to dinner at a famous Peking Duck restaurant. The many dishes on the table all revolved around the key ingredient: duck. I personally enjoyed translating the names and ingredients of the various dishes to those at my table and was soon hurrying around the dining room at the request of other tables as they learned that several of the translators could uncover the mystery of what exactly they were eating.

The whirlwind day was far from over after dinner, however, as the delegates boarded the buses yet again and headed to a traditional Peking Opera performance. Everyone marveled at the skill of the performers as they applied their makeup, cringed at the high-pitched squeals of the female performers and laughed to themselves and together at the often-hilarious English translations of the show. Some delegates even nodded off for a quick nap, still trying to recover from jet lag or just worn out by the busy day. Others were still energized and ready to go, and shouts of “10:45 in the hotel lobby” were heard on every bus by those of us ready to show the students what a true Beijing night was like. We packed into cabs and headed to Sanlitun for drinks and dancing at Vic’s nightclub. The party continued on into the early hours of the morning, when, tired but still excited, the delegates finally returned to the hotel and their beds.

The first full day in Beijing was a full one but a fun one and tantalized the new visitors for more adventures to come.