Day 2: Part 1 Tsinghua University

             After that long first day we met Landon at his dorm so we could tour his school, Tsinghua University.  Tsinghua is the "Harvard" of China and it's where 50% of all Chinese Ph.D's  get their undergrad degree.  It's an immense honor to attend the school not only because of it's prestige but also due to China's one child policy.  Families only get one chance each generation for their child to attend so it's massive for the family's reputation if they do.
            One thing you'll never find out in China is how Tsinghua was founded.  It was founded because the Chinese government owed the US money following the failed Boxer Rebellion.  It was suggested to, and approved by, President Theodore Roosevelt that the indemnity be used to establish a school so US and Chinese students could study together to exchange ideas and prevent another Boxer Rebellion.  As you look at the pictures you'll see how Tsinghua's architecture is based on a combination of an Ivy League layout, Monticello at UVA and a Qing Dynasty garden.
          Also, Mom didn't write about visiting Tsinghua but I know she enjoyed visiting it.  Also, here we are walking past some of the basketball courts.

Here's your friendly trash or recycling man.  

I can imagine how that conversation went, "Ahhh come on bro I  pedaled all day yesterday."

Look at the sky those aren't clouds that's smog/haze from the pollution.

Wisteria Lane.

These kids freaked when they saw Mom and Abigail. They pulled out their phones and started taking pictures and videos.  So I walked up to them and snapped this photo.  The guy on the left realized what I was doing and got really embarrassed. 

These outdoor gyms were popular in Korea too.

            As we walked around campus Landon took us to his favorite place to study.  It was a Qing Garden located right in the heart of campus.  It was a gorgeous setting...don't believe me? Look for yourself!

No Ray-Ban did not sponsor this photo.

We're related? How'd you know?

It was a blue shirt day.

            After walking past the garden we came upon a statue of a former pro-Democracy leader who died in the same year Mao came into power. It's wasn't very subtle but it's damn effective in getting his point across to the students.

Rule #1 if you're pro-Democratic:  Don't let Mao win.

Here's the main building in front of the large greenway.  

Similar to us some graduates like to have their wedding pictures taken at their alma mater. 

It's a neat picture except for the smog.

The main study hall.

           Walking around Tsinghua's campus was a great experience and a rare one for most Westerners to have.  I was surprised by all the greenery and the open spaces.  As we left the school through the main gate we saw people praying for their kid to get into the school.  It was a heavy reminder that Tsinghua is truly a place of privilege in China.
            In my next post you'll see what happens after you leave the serenity of Tsinghua and get absorbed in the mayhem at the Summer Palace on May Day holiday.