Learning is a two-way street on this road trip. UC Berkeley students, Nick Bowen and Courtney Horstman, travel through Shandong Province together with eleven Shandong University students their age. They stop along the way to teach impromptu English classes to their peers, and in the process learn the history and culture of this historic region by visiting the hometowns of these Shandong natives. This learning exchange provides Nick and Courtney with the rare opportunity to explore a variety of lifestyles, and see China through the eyes of their new-found friends. On their first trip to China, not only do Nick and Courtney visit historic sights of  Confucius’ birthplace, they are also invited to share meals with students’ families in their homes.
 

Nick Bowen and Courtney Horstman meet for the first time
before embarking on their China trip (August 3, 2006)
 

Travel Itinerary:

Jinan
The capital city of Shandong Province has been inhabited for over 4,000 years and currently has a population of nearly 2 million.

Mount Tai
The most revered of China’s five sacred Taoist peaks, Mount Tai has an elevation of 5,069 feet (1,545 m) and is the most climbed mountain on Earth.

Confucius Temple
In Confucius’ (551-479 BCE) hometown of Qufu, this huge temple memorializes China’s most famous philosopher, known for his teachings of obedience, respect, selflessness and working for the common good.

Weishan Lake
On a sea of lotus flowers, Nick and Courtney cast their nets to catch the lake’s famous fish and enjoy it cooked Chinese style.

Yang Village
Famous for its invention of kites, this village in Wei Fang—still popular for kite production—provides the chance for these students to make and fly their own. Yang Village also offers insight into the ancient art forms of Chinese woodcarving and block printing.

Yan Tai
On their way to this booming coastal town with sandy beaches, Nick and Courtney visit a student’s family fruit farm and stop at the famous Zhang Yu Winery and Museum.

Lai Zhou
Outside of Yan Tai the class visits a students family home and marble company, and they learn about the craft of carving this heavy stone.

Yellow River
The final thoughts of each student and teacher are shared in the last class by the Yellow River, China's second longest river.
 

See how Nick and Courtney's Summer 2006 adventure unfolds, and enjoy the cultural lessons taught by every rider on the bus. Stay tuned for updates on this upcoming 60-minute documentary, Summer School on the Road.