The first China Bamboo Collecting Trip occurred in November 2018, with totally 9 participants from Europe ( 5 from France, 2 from Belgium, 1 from Hungary and 1 from Denmark), the youngest was 23 years while the eldest 57. It was a very interesting group that spoke different languages but shared the same passion - Bamboo. 

 

To include as many places as possible to visit, 7 internal flights were booked to connect 11 cities in 5 provinces of China. It was a very tight schedule on bamboo, but still we got time for some entertainment and cultural experience. 

 

As one of the organizers, I was anxious at how everybody would take this trip. But all through the trip, I had full support from these 9 amazing guests in terms of almost everything, even when we tried hard to get rid of the worst driver in the deep mountain area. It was truly an adventure for everybody including myself, but I have to say, we loved it. 

 

When my Belgium guest expressed his surprise to see how China developed into such a country, his eyes were full of tears. He never thought of coming to China, but he came, and found it worthy. This is why we think we have to make this going and make it better in future. 

 

I am grateful, to my co-organizer Stephane Alzaix, as well as to all the participants to this trip. We are happy to say, our connection keeps going although the trip ended.