Some final thoughts on China through the eyes of members of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra:

Maria Xu, concertmaster: "There was a bigger language barrier than I anticipated. But occasionally we had something -- music! It was amazing."

Laura Block, flute: "It was the coolest, seeing how people across the world live."

Amelia Cessna, oboe: "What was really exciting were the different cities. I expected Beijing and Shanghai to be wonderful, but I ended up appreciating Hangzhou and Suzhou even more."

Kevin Halenda, trumpet: "I liked the river walk on the Bundt in old Shanghai. It was like Las Vegas and New York City, all at the same time."

Laura Czarnek, violin: "I appreciated how much individualism we have in the United States."

Erika Pinkerton, violin: "China was something I always heard about, but it was incredible to actually be there. I'll never forget it."

-- Jane Vranish