"My proudest moment was during our third performance, at the beautiful theater. Listening to Chinese performers and then watching them truly appreciate the western performers and music made our students and parents really proud of being part of this cultural exchange. I also enjoyed observing the students from both countries interact at the high school after the performance."

Gary Popiel, Tour Organizer

"I learned a lot on this trip. The length of the trip was perfect. In the time I was here, I was attached to Chinese culture-After 10 days. I felt as though I couldn’t leave. Any negative feelings I had toward China have been dispelled. This was a wonderful opportunity and a wonderful experience." Terence O’Neill, Concert Band

"Nanjing and Beijing were my favorite cities. I enjoyed visiting these cities primarily because of the sites available to us there. In Nanjing was Sun Yatsen’s Mausoleum, which was probably the most interesting site of the trip. I was also glad to visit Beijing because of the multitude of sites, including the Great Wall, Tian’anmen Square, and the Summer Palace." Roger Haddad, Concert Band

"This trip was much better than I anticipated. The people of China were warm and hospitable; the sites we saw were magnificent; and the food was excellent. Everyone from the Chinese-American Cultural Bridge Center did whatever was necessary to make this a memorable trip for everyone. Mr. Lee, the general manager, insured that all of our activities took place without any problems. The students and I appreciate what he did to make the lunch at McDonalds possible! Joseph Boldys, Adult Participant

"The trip was a wonderful learning experience and I appreciate the efforts that our hosts made to make our experience in China pleasurable; all the dinners with entertainment were especially nice! I especially like our guides Linda and Annie very much. They were both knowledgeable and appeared to look out for all the kids, and our parents with special interests." Ed Poterek, Adult Participant

"Linda and Annie were my favorite guides. I loved them both and hope to stay in contact with them. They were wonderful and knowledgeable. They made us feel like family! I speak for everyone when I say this trip was excellent and it will be something I will remember for a lifetime. Shie Shie!" Kevin Smith, Concert Band

"Having our school perform with children from China was very emotional! I felt very proud to be a part of this cultural exchange. We have learned so much from this meeting! Bonnie Rajewski, Adult Participant

"I loved meeting with the students and teachers at the Nanjing Middle School. It was very rewarding to see students from two different parts of the world talking together, and discovering that they may be different but they also are very much the same. When the concert at the middle school opened with a combined performance of “Auld Lang Syne” I was overwhelmed with emotion. Music truly is the international language." Jody O’Neill, Adult Participant

"My proudest moment was playing in the Jazz band in front of a large amount of people who were actually listening to our music with awe-inspired breaths, instead of the mediocre clapping received normally in the states. During the entire stay in China, I felt I was treated with respect and courtesy like I have never experienced in my own country...

I am only 16, not quite an adult, and yet I feel that I have been blessed with an opportunity few people my age, let alone any age, could dream of. I sit here on this plane teary-eyed, reminiscing over the many beauties of China: the beautiful gardens, the intriguing food, and the people (so much more inviting and friendly than what I am used to). I only wish that every man, women, and child could visit this country with so much beauty and cultural heritage to share with the world. In comparison to the conformity of other countries, China stands out. And while it may not all be peaches and cream, the sheer glory of striving for man-made natural environments, the rich belief in art, the excitement in the joy of a waterfall or a zigzag bridge, and the timelessness of a structure made with the hands that can be seen from space." Stephen Painter, Jazz Band

"Seeing the way another culture lives was the most rewarding experience. Coming from suburban America, to see millions of people living a completely different lifestyle really put my own life in perspective. Seeing the whole picture is better than just parts. We were treated wonderfully in China. Everybody was extremely nice and accommodating." Michael Koester, Jazz Band

"I would like to thank the CACBC for this wonderful opportunity. Without their help and guidance, I never would have been in China. I really enjoyed the trip and my visit, and I know the rest of our group can say the same. So, thank you again for everything." Mark Rajewski, Concert Band

"The trip was one that will provide everlasting memories. I am very happy and grateful to have had this wonderful opportunity. Thank you to all who worked so hard to make this happen! I feel the trip was very well organized and had a wide variety of experiences. The combination of beautiful ancient gardens; the Forbidden City; ancient buildings; the Three Kingdom City; the Great Wall; boat rides; different meals; a 24-course dinner and Peking Duck; along with different shows and performances; factory visits and shopping gave everyone a taste of what China is, and is becoming!!" Jody O’Neill, Adult Participant