Day 7: Beijing

Drew Howard, Lexington, KY

August, 9, 2008

Today, set up to be one of the best days on this trip. The morning lecture was focused around developing the Chinese athlete. Dr. Teng Jin of the Beijing Sport University spoke about past and present systems of athletic development and government influence. He illustrated how famous athletes such as Yao Ming moved from spare time schools and city teams to the honor of being on the Chinese National Team.

The day then moved to lunch carried from KFC to the Summer Palace. The palace was absolutely beautiful. The palace was centered around a huge lake littered with paddle-boats. The Emperor's Buddhists temple provided a view of the entire palace and city of Beijing. Walking around the palace you could feel the excitement. People from all over the world worked up the courage to ask to take pictures together and try to get the attention of the half naked Chinese babies, that use the bathroom whenever they need to.

Two and half hours at the summer palace flew by. The tail end of the day quickly became to most anticipated. The late night acrobatic show was stunning. Words cannot do justice the talent, balance, and showmanship of these young Chinese. The performers seemed to be ages 6-18. They threw bowls from one foot to the head of another while pedaling unicycles. They scaled poles and lept from one to the other. Contorted their bodies in unimaginable ways and flew around the stage. This show would no doubt be a favorite on the Vegas strip. A tough day to beat.