Day 11: Getting to Know Yali

We spent the entire day at Yali and were very busy! Therefore, we will not spotlight a particular student today. Every student was brought to school by their host family and they didn't have much time before the Welcome Assembly began. The students sang, performed a scene from their play, and danced. Tovah bravely performed the Chinese yoyo and Ms. Lu's Chinese students sang a song and recited a poem in Chinese. The Yali students also performed and Mr. Dickson and Principal Wang exchanged gifts for each of their schools. The principal of Yali was impressed with our students' enthusiasm; the chaperones noted this as well. 

After the assembly we toured the school's museum and saw a gift from Foote to honor the school's 110th birthday right near a framed letter from President Obama noting this milestone as well. We then attended an art class to make traditional Chinese tie-dye.

After lunch, pairs of Foote students went to English classes (with around 60 students each!) to present about life at Foote and answer questions. Many Yali students wanted to know about our schedule, what classes they take, and about American pop culture. Each pair gifted the English classes with a stuffed Falco. Next, they attended a music class that involved an interactive dance. Those who attended Foote in 6th grade knew the dance from Festival of the World! 

The most anticipated event, the friendly soccer game against Yali, took place in the center of campus and was attended by a few hundred Yali students as they left class. It's hard to say who won. Some will say that Foote won by one goal, while others will say we lost in penalty kicks. Students hung out on the field and played and chatted with students after the game until their host families came to collect them for another night. 

Sofia's Highlight of Yesterday: Everything! She loved shopping, the train, and meeting her host family. 

Sofia's Challenge of the Day: It was not being able to sleep on the train but then she figured it out!