The Exodus

Students finished exams yesterday, and the term is officially over. Oh, the craziness this brings.

Apparently, before leaving the campus, every student must obtain an official piece of paper saying that they have been given permission to go home. (I don't know why... I think everyone is granted permission.) In any case, they must give the paper to security guards as they exit the gate.

After getting this paper, the journey has just begun. Imagine every person within the city limits of Knoxville (nearly 200,000 people) trying to leave the city within two days. This is what we are seeing. Buses are packed so tightly that we refuse to even attempt getting on one, and taxis are impossible to find. Students with rice bags and suitcases fill the sidewalks and streets, making biking feel like navigating through a maze!

It's crazy, but it's the China norm.

There are a few students lingering here until tomorrow, and we'll hang out with a couple of them today. We wish all of them a Happy New Year Festival, and look forward to seeing them again in February.