It was a banner year for Westmont High Schools Geography Club which sponsored trips to China and Costa Rica. On the most recent trip, a group of students and parents went in search of adventure over spring break by traveling for 11 days through China. The group began their trip in Hong Kong where they explored the citys many markets and took in the world famous skyline. The group then flew to Guilin, a region famous for its limestone formations along the Li River. After cruising the Li River to Yangshuo, the students rented some bikes and spent an afternoon riding through the countryside. From Guilin, the group flew to the ancient Chinese capital of Xian where they visited the Tomb of Qin, Chinas first emperor, who buried 8000 Terra Cotta Warriors to guard him after death. One of the hub cities of the Silk Road, Xian became an international nexus whose roots can still be seen to this day. This international flavor was very evident when the students explored the markets of the citys Muslim quarter. One of the students favorite stops was a Xian public high school where they had a chance to interact with Chinese students who were learning English and test their ping pong skills against them. The students ended their visit to China in Beijing where they took the opportunity to race around the track in the Birds Nest, tour the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, and wander the citys older neighborhoods and markets. Of course, a visit to China was not complete without climbing a section of the Great Wall, which ensured everyone slept well on the long plane ride home.
 

Last Summer, the Geography Club sponsored a very different style of trip to Costa Rica which concentrated more on natural highlights rather than historical and urban ones. On the 10-day trip, students visited five different National Parks and explored numerous ecosystems including rainforests, tropical beaches, and volcanoes. Each stop gave students opportunities to spend their days with trained naturalists viewing the incredible array of wildlife and flora from unique vantage points. They also were able to visit several tropical farms and plantations which allowed them to understand that important aspect of the Costa Rican economy.

The Clubs next trip will be to Italy in 2011 so interested students should start saving now.