Later as I return to my room I see two buses loading with VIPs . . . later I learn they are members of the People’s Congress are departing for a day of sightseeing here in Huangshan. As they depart the buses are led by a van covered by flags and music blaring from speakers.
The highlight today is visiting Huangshan University campus and meeting the faculty and students of the Tourism Management program. Much like many of China’s universities, there is an old campus and a new campus. The Chairman of Huangshan University meets me and we proceed to a conference room. We exchange business cards and begin our business discussion regarding our respective academic programs. We are served green tea as is the custom for all meetings in China. Fortunately I love a cup of hot green tea. Just as I receive a second refill the group suddenly scurries about and I am told it is time to move to the room where I will be presenting my lecture. The campus is busy with students playing basketball or scurrying off in small groups of 2 or 3. As we approach the building where my lecture will be held, I notice students smiling and waving to me. I love the friendliness of the Chinese students. When I walk into the auditorium, it is already filled with several hundred students. There are students standing at the back entrance and others standing at the windows. What a wonderful surprise! The stage is set and several students whisk off with my computer to set it up to the data projector.




