6000km. The length of 10, 000 football fields or perhaps the distance Terry Fox ran on his journey across Canada. Regardless, it turned out to be one of the first pieces of information we received at 8am this morning. What may this be you ask? Well the team’s new matching t-shirts would tell you that “I have just climbed up the Great Wall of China.” Not all of it of course, but a substantial amount; about 1 in 6000th. The bus ride to the wall was about an hour and a half. The bus driver set the mood by serenading us with beautiful and jubilant Chinese music that he had blared with the intent of surround sound, I would assume. Once arrived at our destination most of the team took a bathroom break while Dan and Ramin took videos of our enthusiasm for the climb. Us women were fully prepared (and by women I mean Gemma and Dianne) with toilet paper for the squatters and disposable cups to use as filter masks for the unbearable stench. When everyone was ready, we took little gondolas up the mountain where we began our treacherous expedition. The hike was great, with a few races here and there. The fog was engulfing, leaving it difficult for us to see the vast distance of the wall. I felt elevated on clouds, even though breathing in smog made it a little less peaceful. Amidst our journey, we took tons of pictures with the team as did passerby’s and other tourists; including a Brazilian Olympic Handball Team who seemed quite enthused to see us. After two hours on the wall, we headed back down the mountain where we picked a spot to eat lunch. Before we were allowed to enter, our own Richard Simmons (Dan the man) led us through some partner stretches to fill a “soar” void so to speak. After a great and filling lunch, the team headed to the Ming Tombs which by the body language of everyone there, seemed to be a real hit. (not...but it was a great experience!) We got back to the apartments soon after, had fifteen minutes, and grabbed our basketball gear and took the subway to local outdoor courts. We planned to have a simple scrimmage but upon arrival, were surprised by the crowded courts. So scrimmaging together was not an option. We paid our 15 Juan and nervously laced up our shoes, being stared down and even laughed at by the confused yet amused guys/men around us. We knew we would have to play well to earn a spot on the court so that is exactly what we did. We split in to two teams of five and chose a court, asking the players if we could verse them. Although it was hard to communicate, we did our best and found ourselves ready to “hit the streets.) We ended up winning three out of four of our games (Karla, Erika, Alicia, JB and I)while the other five did just as well! It was proof by the reaction of the viewers that they had judged us strictly on stereotype. We left feeling proud and excited, while guys around us had given us uplifting cheers. From the courts we headed straight to the Pearl Market (again) and shopped for two hours. Everyone had a great time, bargaining to our preferred limits. By the subway ride home, everyone was soar and tired, but I guess that is what should be expected after climbing a wonder of the world, playing intense street basketball and shopping till we dropped. Proving that there is literally never a dull moment (with the exception of the tombs :p) here in Bejing, China.
Saraya Hickey
South Delta Secondary
3D Premier Elite Member
South Delta Secondary
3D Premier Elite Member
