China! (and the end of my first year in college)

Ten days, three cities, five concerts, one amazing trip.

I just got back from touring China with my college orchestra. It was really, really incredible. Certainly a trip I'll remember for my entire life. Some memorable moments include climbing the Great Wall, walking through the Forbidden City, and singing karaoke with Chinese college students.

While I was there, I learned a few things. I learned how to better imagine others complexly. I learned that cultural differences can be intimidating, but they're worth overcoming. I learned that first impressions can sometimes be really wrong. And I learned that the most valuable part of any experience like this is the friendships you make along the way.

The trip was really the best way to end the school year. I'm back in Denver with my family now, the first time I've seen them since Christmas. It's good to be back, and it's really great to see how much I've grown in the past year (and even the past ten days!).

In other words: good times, my friends. Good times.