CUYCE is China US Youth Climate Exchange, which was the latest project of our China Youth Delegation, but I have to say it's incredible successful and efficient. So many media hit, meeting with high level leaders, 2 workshops and many times getting together... I'm sorry I haven't been very helpful, as I don't have much experience in media and organization and was distracted to other things, but I really try to help and love to stay with all of you. I want to share some shinning points in my memory.
I remember I missed the first time when Kevin came to our place and cooked food, but heard from Yingao that Kevin was a handsome guy! The first time we got together was in the small open air restaurant on the lake. I still remember how we were nervous to introduce ourselves and participated in the discussion. I was not used to the hand gestures you use- shake fingers, thumb up or down, or the quick speaking speed and the fierce way you have the meeting - who want to speak? who oppose to that? Finally, when we discuss the details of our actions, but nobody from Chinese side even talked. We were embarassed to be asked to speak, and I felt kind of lost in the process. However we were really excited to see real American friends.
At the bonfire night, we didn't see the real fire, but later when we were in Michael's place I was quite moved by the atmosphere in your place. MJ composed the lyric, adopted TikTok to a "COP" version. "I wake up in the morning ... the shuttle bus never show up... I got a daily program and see what's goin on today... the negotiators never get things down to the ground... GO GO GO... " Everybody sung, everybody shake, everybody know the special meaning of the Lyric. Ha I just like it.
"We know that workshops are good, but we just think we should hang out and build up relationship." Kevin said that, when I was surprised that he and Jared were so willing to come to our place and stay together. We swim together, played games, had meetings, and even have parties together! Actually in the party night, I still thought maybe we have kept you waiting, which is bothering - but finally we went there together, just like a team. All the club was shaking, with the funny video of CAN (those delegates, conference, officials, meetings, protests and actions, what an atmosphere of CLIMATE CHANGE MOVEMENT!)It's really happy to cross a lot of crowed people and find "Hey! Kevin!" and he grabbed my hand, "Come!" led me to the stage of the club, and dance together. I just felt suddenly I merged into the crowed and felt comfortable about the club, and invite more girls come up to the stage. Almost all the people on the stage were us! Hey, dance with each other was quite amazing, because of physical touch. As foreigners alwasy hug, shake hands, and kiss, Chinese seldom do that, but that's effective for building up emotional connections. Ha, the highlight is Yiting's jump into the sea!
I think there are a lot of moving points, especially when we worked together and talked in depth. I have been used to see mailbox full of CUYCE mails, and I was very moved with some long talks with each other. The most interesting topics are always what do you think about your government, what do you think the other country, and why you are involved in this. How Kevin gained real friendship from Chines when he was only nine, how Jared admired Chinese culture and reflected American culture, and Michael's state - Oregon is a green state, everybody is born to be an environmentalist. I admit I didn't expect you American guys to be so crazy on this, not alone to be so emotionally involved in this project, maybe because our shared vision on the climate change and China-US relationship and our shared passion.
Just be there for each other, you know the best souvenir is friendship. Farewell and see you soon:)