Days 21-24, Aug 25 to 28

China Vblog #9 from Nanning - Last Blog? Click this link!

MON AUG 25 (Day 21)

So it was hard to get up Monday morning. I probably didn't get out of bed till 915. Crammed down some food/juice and off I walked at a face pace to my morning session. Got there around 940 and played for just over 2 hours. I took a rest and slowly walked back. I stopped for ice cream and freshly baked goods before I came to my room. Then I showered and ate and rested. I got about 1.5hr nap and back up and out for afternoon baddy. Took the bus, played from 415-745ish. Then I went to the department store downstairs from the badminton and bought some deodorant and drinks. I came back around 9 and showered. Then I went to the "expensive" cafe next store. I had to wait about 20-30min but had this delicious portion of cheesy spaghetti (28Y, $5cad). Then I came back and spent my time on the internet. Went to sleep about 1am.

TUES AUG 26 (Day 22)

I slept through my first alarm again and got up around 910. Another morning rush. Walked to my morning baddy. Weather was overcast. Played my two hours and came straight back. Showered, ate and did a video blog. Then I took my afternoon nap. In the meantime, it had been sunny and then there was a heavy rain shower but by the time I woke up and left for afternoon baddy is was overcast again. Took the bus there and arrived on time. Just a routine day, less people turned up so more court time for me. We all left just before 8 and I came back to my hotel. I went straight back out and to order dinner. I ordered this "Beef Pizza" from this place close by because I wanted to see what chinese pizza was like. It was 45Y (VERY expensive!! around $8 cad). I ordered the "big" size because I expected it to last two nights and make it worthwhile. Needless to say, 45min later, I got this 8-small piece pizza which was stapled between two paper plates (aka pizza box). Definitely not what I was expecting. And they offered 3 options: "beef" "fish" and "vegetable" - my pizza came with tomatoes, peppers and onions, and small fatty beef. I think the only difference between the 3 is they put beef and/or fish on top of the vegetarian one. I could have taken the bus to the shopping distract and gone to Pizza Hut in less time at less cost! Oh well it's a learning experience. The guy did give me a free drink because i had to wait so long, but then I accidently ordered the hot one instead of the cold one so that was a waste - I then had to go buy ice cream to cool me down after a hot coffee in 25* weather - so much for a "free drink." Haha. Another good day though, only a couple more to go!

WED AUG 27 (Day 23)

Got up around 9am and ate and packed up my stuff and left at 915. I arrived at morning baddy just after 930, did some stretching and warmed up. Then I practiced hard for 2 hours and it felt really good afterwards. I came back to my hotel and showered and had a bite to eat. Then I went for my nap. I got up around 3ish and left here 315. I walked down the street a little further and went to a couple shops along the road just to look. Finally took the bus just as an afternoon rain shower hit. I got to badminton right on time and went through the same routine. Played on/off for 4 hours; had some good games and felt improved. I came back took a quick shower and went to the closest bigger 'corner store.' My friend wasn't there but I bought 2 drinks and came back. Now I'm blogging, goin do some chores, and go to bed!

THUS AUG 28 (Day 24)

My last full day in Nanning. Got up 10min earlier so I had a little more time. I ate the usual and got to badminton on time around 930. Then did 2 hours of training on backhand drop/clear and smash return. Afterwards I came back to my hotel and relaxed. I showered and had some bakery + instant noodles for lunch. Then I spent time on the computer/msn/emails and started to pack up my stuff. I never actually got my nap in. Then at 330 I took the bus over to badminton. I got there early so I hung out with a buddy at the bubble tea hut. Then went upstairs for training. I played my re-match against their top singles player (I played him on my first day here and lost 21-3, 21-10); after two weeks of training, I lost again today but it was 21-13, 21-11. I felt better during our game too so that's good. I played a few more matches including a good Mixed doubles game that I won 17-21, 23-21, 22-20! Then I was sweaty and sore and said my goodbyes. We all went for bbt at the break which was nice. I got a gift from one of the players too! After badminton I came back to my hotel and didn't know what to do for dinner. I ended up going to the bakery and picking up some fresh goods. I bought some extras for breakfast tmw and a snack when I'm hungry at the airport. I also bought my favorite ice cream bar on the way back! Then back in my room, I did a video blog and sent out an email. Then I finally got to packing and msn'ing. Now it's nearing 1am and I'm goin to sleep!

Days 19/20 - Aug 23 + 24

Video Blog #8! From Nanning, China~

SAT AUG 23 (Day 19)

I got to sleep in today but only an extra hour. I got up around 920 and had some breakfast and a shower. I met my friends dad in the lobby around 10am and we went out to do some touring. We took two buses to get to this park which I think in english was called "south lake park." Anyway it was so big you couldn't walk it so we took a travel bus around and got off at this tourist area. we then climbed up some stairs and reached a 8-storey tower. Of course we climbed to to the top of the tower (there goes my "day off" from training) and took some pictures of the panoramic view. It was not a hot sunny day today so they view had been deminished by the hazey/damp weather which kinda sucked since it was my day to tour but at least it was cooler. Once we got to the bottom of the tower we stopped for a drink but once we heard thunder nearby, thought it would be best to start walking. We barely made it to the bottom area under cover when the sub-tropical storm hit. 30-min of rain and thunder and lightning you only find near the equator! It was intense! A bus came by to pick all of us "stranded" people up and we got drenched in the 3-seconds it took to get on the bus. But all-in-all it was a good experience. From there we went into the city centre and to McDonald's for lunch. McD's here is like a luxury food - very expensive. A meal is over 2/3 what the price would be in Canada; most other foods/goods and anywhere from 1/4 to 1/3. But nonetheless they had 3 stores within 2 blocks and they were full of people! From there we went to Wal-Mart ... yes, I just said the Wal-Mart Supercentre! It was a shopping experience although "everyday low prices" didn't exactly exist (prices were quite similar to most small department stores), they did definitely have the variety on hand. Took a bus back to the hotel and it had stopped raining but only briefly. My friend said it was going to start raining again so I casually picked up my pace but when he started running I took notice. Needless to say, about 45seconds before I had reached my hotel the skies opened up and by the time I was in the door I was soaked! I got back in my room and relaxed the afternoon away; napping and computer'ing. Finally around 8pm I took another shower and went out to eat. Had a vanilla ice cap and some rice/beef. Back to my room, did my blog, watched some tv and gonna sleep around 1230~


SUN AUG 24 (Day 20)

My Sunday I got up and left the hotel around 915am. I met up with one of the players mom's and got in the car. It was the mom, Mr.Lei, two other players and myself in her Jetta. We then drove for just over 2 hours along the Chinese hwy...I'm guessing the distance woulda been like Seattle'ish to get to this city. The highway is pretty open, 4 lanes, no traffic really except for the big slow trucks. I really wasn't told much or knew what was gonna happen for the day. Apparently they were opening up this new club and invited my coach and his players and their families (in China it's always a big group gathering) because my coach is 'famous' in the province. Anyway we arrived just before 12 and had a massive sit down lunch. Afterwards they put us in these dorm-style housing (3 ppl to a room) to take a nap. At about 3pm we went to the badminton club (which is located on hospital property) and played exhibition matches for a couple hours. Out club managed to defeat their players - I won 2 and lost 2. Then they took us back to the same place as earlier to relax/shower and then eat another massive sit down dinner while we all watched the Closing Ceremonies. We didn't leave there until 10ish and got back just after midnight! Just wanted to comment that they treat me too much like a celebrity; I go to this new city and the badminton group there is just as gracious and generous to me as the ones I am with now. And of course they all want pictures and practice their basic english. When I was little I always hung around the adults, but last night I went over to the kids table and played cards and ran around with them because I was getting tired of the adult attention haha. But all-in-all it was another good/busy day; I went to sleep as soon as I got back!

Days 14-18, Aug 18 to 22

VideoBlog #7 - Nanning Week 1 - Click Here!

MON AUG 18 (Day 14)

So my first full day in Nanning. I woke up, showered (because you're sweating when you wake up) and left the hotel with luggage around 9am. I was picked up by my friend and her dad and we took a taxi to my current hotel (Home Inn - western style hotel chain in China with free internet!). They allowed me to check-in at like 930am for the day which was nice. The place is also convenient because it's about 2min walk from my friends place and 10min from the badminton centre. I dropped off my bags and went straight to the first badminton place. I got 1 on 1 coaching for about 1.5 hours but the sweat is just insane. Without even trying, I sweat more than I do after running 5km or doing drills back in Canada; it's unbelievable. From there I came back to my hotel around 12 and showered again and went back out for some lunch. Back to the hotel, 1 hour nap and then back out to more badminton. 4 Hours later and a bathtub full of sweat and 4 bottles of water and it was over at around 8pm. Then I managed to bus it back to the hotel and shower (again!). Then I went out to find myself some dinner. I found a supermarket (not really "super") about 10min walk down the road. I met this really nice girl who spoke a little english and got some shopping done. Lots of drinks and some food and I was set to go. Bakc home around 1030 and cooked myself some instant noodles and had some drinks. Then spent time on the internet and made a blog and gonna sleep now...1am~

TUES AUG 19 (Day 15)

Same type of day today - just getting into the routine. I woke up around 830 and had some breakfast and washed up. I went out just after 9 and walked to the morning badminton centre. Did my two hours of training from 930 till 1130 and then came back to the hotel. Had a shower, hung up my clothes and had a bite to eat. Then I lied down and took a nap for nearly 2 hours. At 3pm, I met up with my friends dad and we went to get our hair cut. It was really cheap ($1.75 CAD) and included head massage so I feel much lighter now! Then we took the bus to the afternoon badminton facility. Did group training from 4pm till 8ish. I went for some bbt during the 15min break we get!! Yummy and cheap =P Oh I had really bad luck for the bus today. I took 3 buses and each time had to wait around 10min .. every other bus came by except for the one I needed! Oh well it's no problem. After I got back, I showered again and then got on the computer. Handled some business, made myself dinner and a big drink and now it's almost midnight. That's all for today...

WED AUG 20 (Day 16)

Didn't manage to get out of bed till almost 9am. Then I had to be down at the lobby by 910. Went to morning badminton session with my friends dad. Had my two hours of sweaty/tough training and didn't leave till around 12. Then I slowly made my way back to my hotel by myself and arrived around 20min later. I took my shower and went for my nap. That lasted till 3pm when I got up again and back down to the lobby. Took the bus around 345 and got to badminton just in time around 4pm. Spent the evening there until 8pm and bus'd it back to my hotel. I was exhausted and went for my shower. Then I did some stretches on my bed and fell asleep around 915! I woke up briefly around 3am and did some stuff and went back to bed~

THURS AUG 21 (Day 17)

My day was pretty routine again. Got up around 9, had training 930 to 1145ish. Came back to my room, showered, ate, and did a vblog and phoned home. Then took a quickie nap and got back up around 3pm. Bus'd it to afternoon baddy from 4 till 8ish. Then went out for dinner with an assistant coach and another fellow to a restaurant right nearby. That took a good hour or so and then came home. Spent some time on the internet, took a shower, unpacked some more clothes and now its almost 1130pm.

FRI AUG 22 (Day 18)

Woke up at 9ish, left the hotel at 915. Walked to baddy by myself this morning, it took around 15min. Trained for 2 hours and then walked back home. It was a really hot day again, prob around 36! I stopped by the bakery on my way home and picked up some freshly baked goods! Once I got back, I spent some time on the internet + eating and then went for my nap. Got back up around 315, changed and headed out to catch my bus. Got to the baddy place early so I went and walked through a department store nearby - more drinks, more food, more goods, lower prices *makes note to stop by later* The afternoon baddy was a little different because we had less courts. It was also very hot in there and I felt more tired. I left around 8 and came back to the hotel to shower and relax. Then I booked myself for another 6 nights here as this seems to be a really good place for me. Then I went out for dinner; surprisingly it was difficult to find a place to eat on a Friday night after 9pm. I went to the place attatched to the hotel which was kinda pricey compared to most eateries. However I have to admit the food quality was very good - I had pasta with steak strips. Then I walked to the "big" corner store and bought some drinks/snacks. I got back around 11 and watched some Olympic highlights on tv and am gonna go to bed soon~

Day 13 - Sun Aug 17

CHINA VIDEO BLOG #5 - The "Move" - Click here!!!

SUN AUG 17 (Day 13)

An hour and a half later, my alarm went off at 445am. And I was out the door with my suitcases (now 2 because of all my stuff) in tow. I took a taxi to the airport because the special "airport express" subway doesn't begin till 6am =S I arrived there around 530am and the place was insanely busy. It felt like 5pm with the amount of people in that place! But I got through smoothly (although security was very very strict and thorough) and got to my gate at 630. My flight left at around 730am and I arrived in Nanning city, Guanxi province at around 11am after catching some Zzzz and breakfast on the plane. From there I had to test myself bcuz there were no volunteers around and no one who spoke english (Nanning is in South China, about 2500km from Beijing!). I found a shuttle bus which took me to downtown Nanning and then managed to find a taxi driver who knew the hotel I was talking about. I arrived there just after 1230 and checked-in after 45min due to language issue and a quick run to the bank. I got in my room and took a nice long 3-hour nap. At around 630pm I met with my friend here and her dad as well as a few other people and we all went out to a nice dinner. All of us are huge badminton fanatics and the Olympic Mixed Doubles + Men's Singles final was on tv that night. So we actually left the first restaurent because they didn't have the tv channel we all needed! Finally found a good place and enjoyed an awesome meal with some great badminton on tv! I got back to my hotel around 1130 and went straight to sleep.

Day 12 - Sat Aug 16

* Vblog #4 w/Pics + Vid! Click here! *

SAT AUG 16 (Day 12)

So after going to sleep around 230...I was woken up at 6 by my alarm. With the urge to go back to sleep, I gave in for 10min before my sleep-timer went off and I was out to bed. Shower, change and out the door at 645. We took the subway, including 2 transfers, and arrived at our destination just past the meeting time of 730. However, the bus did not leave until it had filled up with more people; so our tour didn't even begin till after 830. We took the bus for over an hour when we reached our first stopping point. It was a large temple/park along the way. Since I was travelling with a group (my friend, her Dad, Alex, Dianna, Me) it was a little different. Alex decided that he was gonna climb up the mountain (via steps) to get to the "top" of the temple. Since I had been so out of shape, I decided to join him. We scaled a good 1000 steps (large stone steps...not apartment stairs) and were exhausted. Full of sweat and pain but the view was gorgeous from up there. Then we took this thing called the "Alpine Coaster" - I wasn't expecting much but it was actually a roller coaster that went down the mountain we just climbed! It was a thrilling/fun experience. From there it was back on the bus (made an ice cream stop) and to the Great Wall of China. Full of buses and tourist targeters (souvenir salespeople). We had a quick "apple pancake" for lunch and started climbing another mountain. We made it to the Great Wall at around 1230pm. We spent 1.5 up there walking a pretty good distance (2-3km) on the Wall. It was quite the experience, once in a lifetime. And when you're standing up there and thinking about the history of it, you understand why it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was spectacular; afterwards we took the ski ride thingy to the bottom. Back on the bus on which I slept until we got back to Beijing around 5pm. We then went to pick up my plane ticket for the next morning. Afterwards we went out for a big family dinner. I went out again after by myself to Wangfujing looking for any last minute Olympic stuff before I left Beijing. I got a couple small things and got back to the apartment just before 12. I then proceeded to begin packing and sorting all my stuff out. I finally finished around 315am and lied down.

Days 10/11 - Aug 14 + 15

* Click here to see Blog #3 *

THURS AUG 14 (Day 10)

I managed to get up at 7am this morning! Showered and had some breaky and out the door at 745. Arrived at Guomao around 815 and walked around the area taking pictures of the business district. I met Denise back in the station at 915 and we headed to badminton. Today it was Men's Singles and Mixed Doubles 1/4 finals! The #2 + #4 MS won and #1 and #3 XD won. Afterwards it was around 2pm so I was looking for something to do. I added more money to my phone card because it had run out. Then I went to SoHo area to go to the internet cafe but before I could make it there, Beijing was hit with a major rain storm. It was heavy heavy rain for nearly an hour causing some minor flooding etc. I dashed into a Chinese fast food place and ate verryyyy slowly. Finally I left when it had calmed down to light rain and walked the remaining distance to the other building. I stayed in the Internet Cafe for 2 hours because it began to rain out even harder once again. Finally after 530ish I left there and walked to Guomao station area. There was some shopping and stuff but I decided to find something more productive to do. I went to the information booth to decide where to go and after doing some quick research I made some plans. So I went into the McDonalds to grab a quick dinner. I found a small table which was infront of this big LCD Tv. Next thing I knew it was 630 and they had live coverage of the other 1/4 final badminton session! So needless to say, after one full meal and a couple desserts, I was still in McDonalds at 10pm after watching 2 Mixed games and 2 Men's Singles including Lin Dan vs. Peter Gade! Finally I left there and headed home. Got back around 11 and talked on the phone for a few and now just relaxing.

FRI AUG 15 (Day 11)

This morning I was suppose to get up but because I didn't have to, I slept in till 10. Had some chocolate danish-style bun with some Iced Tea. This morning was a rare and spectacular "Beijing blue sky day." It was the first 100% clear day I have had here since I arrived and it really does change things. Everything is just a little better (except for the fact that there are hundreds of umbrellas when you're walking around outside). But it was a good heat for the majority of the day - not a stuffy heat. It was great for pictures and the city just seemed a lot more beautiful when it's clear out. So anyway I planned out my day, cleaned a little and left. Out I went around 1130 and headed for the Temple of Heaven. I arrived there just past 12 and walked around for a bit before I went in. Once I was there I did some sightseeing and took many pictures as always. It was another large property with lots of scenery and big meaningful temples and stuff. It was very pretty though. I finally found some souvenirs to buy so I jumped at the opportunity and got it all done. I also bought this ice cream bar - most delicious one ever (comparible with that Canadian Mint one from years ago!). Then I walked around the place more, and then spent more money in one of the Olympic stores on site. It was now after 3 so I headed off for Tian'amen plaza. I walked around the area for a little bit and then went to a travel place to check on tickets. Then I crossed the street to this place that said "British Columbia Canadian Exhibition." It was actually a brand new Exhibition centre, 4 floors dedicated to history/modernism of Beijing and a seperate rather large area for BC. I got in for free as I am a Canadian citizen. Inside they showcased Vancouver and previewed the 2010 Olympics. They also had an HBC Olympic store with prices much more than in Canada for the same merchandise. So I spent just over an hour going through there and it was pretty interesting and it was the most english I've heard this whole trip. I went back out and finished the rest of Tian'amen Plaza which is actually a very large space. Secturity presence was everywhere but it was pretty good. They also had the Olympic 'Garden' on the site so I took lots of pictures of that - beautiful garden work. Then I went across the street to the last part of the area and into another scenic temple/garden place. It was good but it was getting late and I had a lot to do. I left there just after 7 and went to XiDan. I went to do a couple quick shopping stops and leave. However, the place is like a shopping mecca. There are malls/stores everywhere! So I went to "Grand Pacific" which is like Beijing's largest Department Store. And I also went to this massive mall called "JOY City." And a couple other stores along the street. After making 0 purchases, I headed for Wangfujing just after 9. I got to the "flagship" Olympic store around 930. It closed at 10 but by the time I got through the chaos and lineups, I was nearly 400Y poorer and it was after 1030. I went to the McDonalds right next store for a "quick" dinner but by the time I got through the lineup there and done eating, it was nearly 11:15. I got home at 12, unpacked, had a talk, prepped for the big tour tomorrow and gonna sleep soon - nearly 2 =S

Update (8.19.08)

No additional blogging from last week will be posted today. However I did shoot a new video tonight just as a quick update! Here is a recap of my 3 videos:
Blog 1 - "Beijing the Beginning" made on 8.09.08
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrgVCfXnE3c
Blog 2 - "Beijing Blog 2" made on 8.18.08
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0c9ilvkOjc
Blog 3 - "Beijing Blog 2.5" made on 8.19.08
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jek_yTDz98
Each day I will post a new VBlog and update my diary from Beijing last week =)

Days 8/9 - Aug 12 + 13

* Sorry for the delay!! Blog will be updated DAILY! As well as video blogs nearly everyday including the newest one at: *
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0c9ilvkOjc

TUES AUG 12 (Day 8)

Woke up much earlier today - 730. Had a shower, ate and left 830ish. Met Denise at Guomao just after 9am. We subway'd and then took the Olympic Bus to the Beijing Univ of Technology for the badminton event. We got there about 10min before we started so we went straight inside. We were in "B" seats once again and had a corner view of everything. Our Canadian Mixed team lost against a higher ranked Thai team. we got to see the #2 seeded Men's Singles player from Malaysia and he won easily. There were also a couple Mixed Doubles and Men's doubles matches that took place (all round of 16). We left there just after 1pm and went back to the subway station. Then her "driver" picked us up and took us to SoHo where we had to pick up more Olympic tickets for the coming days. From there she went to work and I went across Line 1 to meet up with my other friend and her dad. We then went back to his hotel and took a taxi to the North Olympic Green. By that time it was nearly 6pm and we still had to go through security etc. We made it through and into the Olympic Tennis Centre. We first saw #3 MS ranked Djokavic who won easily on Court 1. Then on Centre Court I got to see Layton Hewitt vs. Rafael Nadal! I was really lucky to get to see the future #1 and defending French Open/Wimbledon champion. It was a decent match with some good shots. And then to my surprise, the next match on Centre Court had #1 seeded Roger Federer! He played some guy from somewhere and won pretty easily. I also got to see the Serena+Venus Williams win their Womens Doubles match and a couple other high rank players. It was a really great experience and lucky to see so many people in one night! We left there around 1030 and got back to the apartment at 1130. Just cooling off and gonna go sleep~

WED AUG 13 (Day 9)

Woke up early for the second straight morning. Was up around 730 and left the apartment before 9. Took a long walk around the neighbourhood looking for things I might need. Eventually got on the subway around 1015. I went to the far end (west) of Line 10 to Baguo station. From there I took a bus to get to the Summer Palace. By that time it was almost 11. I spent a good couple hours walking around (more like up and down) the place which had some very nice old Chinese buildings and some splendid views. It had been destroyed twice previously, but they have rebuilt it beautifully. It was a massive property (290 hectares - 3/4 water) and there must have been hundreds of tourists/people in the place. From there I took a 20min bus ride to the Yuanmingyuan Ruins. I was expecting to see something like a smaller version of the Mayan Ruins in Mexico but it turned out to be acres and acres of a "park." There were two smaller sites which would be considered "ruins" within the park but the majority of it was trails and bridges along/over this river. It was actually very very pretty and carried a much different atmosphere to parks in Canada. In size comparison, (it was 350 hectares - 1/3 water) I would say similar to Stanley Park and I walked non-stop around that place for over 3.5hrs! Finally near 6 I was out of the gate and back into suburbia. I was going to take the bus to the Peking University Gymnasium (where I was going for the Table Tennis) but since I had plenty of time I decided to walk there. With like no tread left on my shoes from the day I arrived at around 630, an hour before opening. I went through security, purchased postcards/collectibles, took pictures, grabbed some "dinner" (I had been snacking throughout the day on these chinese sausages which are cooked and flavorful and a good value and when I got to the Venue, it was the first place which actually had hot dogs available!). Inside there were 8 tables spread out across the gym. The competition was pretty good; China won their match in like 30min and the next closest team took at least an hour. It was all said and done by 930 so I bus'd and subway'd and walk'd it home. Back home by 1130 after picking up some fresh baked goods for tomorrow's breakfast. Now doing some typing and going to sleep 1230ish~

Day 7 - Mon Aug 11

MON AUG 11 (Day 7)

Sleeping in for the 3rd straight day, something I shouldn't do but the rest is always nice. Got up again around 10 and then had some bakery stuff and yogurt for breaky. After that I went upstairs and used the internet for about 1.5hrs or so. Then I planned out my day and where I was gonna go. After that was all done it was almost 3pm. But then I had to run an errand for my friend so by the time I left the place it was 4pm. This would be a good place to note that I literally have no voice at all. I can only whisper, if I try and produce a sound it won't generate. So with my minimal language as it is, now I have no vocal language. (I'm healthy though, not sick just to note) I wanted to go to look at/take pictures of the Beijing Golf Club. However there was no public access to it (ie - no subway, bus). However I did not know that so I went to the closest station and then they told me that a bus went by it. But the bus I went on went in the opposite direction for like 20min to somewhere in north Beijing. So I switched back onto the same bus # and went back towards my original destination. However this one took a different route which by-passed the bus stop by the subway and briefly passed by the golf course which ended up to be an enclosed secured property with a massive gate. So now I just kept on riding the bus hoping to find a subway sign and get off. About 20min later the bus ended up at the Olympic Green where I had been early last week. I got off becuase I "knew the area" however soon after I recalled that I had taken a taxi home because there was no subway station nearby. So then I just started walking and talking some pictures along my route. After walking for like 30min I was getting tired. I wanted to take a taxi so bad but I couldn't speak to them and I had no map to point where I wanted to go. I ended up finding a sign showing a subway stop. So I hopped on another bus which took me to the subway. At about 7pm I arrived at the Agricultural Exhibition Centre near Chaoyang park - 2.5hrs behing schedule. Then I proceeded to walk in the wrong direction for another 15min and had to backtrack. Finally my friend called me and met up with me there just after 730 and I hadn't even began where I had planned to go. Then we walked around for 20 more min before finally saying screw it and we took a taxi home. I was famished as my idea of getting lunch while I was out didn't turn out to be because there was no food places on the buses (where I spent 1/2 my afternoon) or around the Olympic Green (where I spent the other 1/2 of my afternoon). I was starved and had about 15 lamb/beef skweres as well as a massive plate of "fried rice" along with like 5 glasses of iced tea. There was also a classic moment...inside joke though lol. But yeah got home around 930 and changed and back on the computer. Gonna sleep early tonight, BUSY next 3 days!

Day 6 - Sun Aug 10

** VIDEO from Aug 9th is posted here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrgVCfXnE3c **
(If you wish to comment on the video/blog, please do so here!)

SUN AUG 10 (Day 6)
Got to sleep in again today because there was nothing scheduled in the morning. I got up about 930 and had some baked goods for breakfast. Then I watched some Olympic badminton coverage on tv and spent some time on the computer. Then at around 1230 I had some honey congee for lunch. Just after 1, I left the apartment to go to the subway station. I met Denise at Sanyuanqiao station around 2pm. Then we went to the Silk Market till around 4. I ended up bargaining with this lady for over 15min and ended up paying 20% of original price. It was very stressful and I got so thirsty. So we went to a cafe and had a ham sandwich + Sprite. Then it was around 5 so we headed to the subway station and then caught a bus (in the rain) which took us to the Beijing University of Technology. We took a few pictures outside and then the CBC cameraman asked me to cheer Canada on video! We got inside around 6pm and it began at 630. The seats were up in B section but we got a good view of the important court. Anna Rice won her game on it. As well, we saw #1 WS seed win from China and the #3 WD team also from China on that court. So it was a pretty good evening. The concessions were sold out of most of their food by 1/2 way through which was disappointing although they charged very little for an athletic event. However afterwards in the rain, they were giving out free rain covers so that was good service. We had to fight our way onto a bus but once we got on things were ok. But then we had to walk 15min to get to the closest subway station. From there it was easy again until Denise needed to find a taxi and no one would drive her home =S But she finally managed to get one and then I couldn't get back "home" bcuz the side gate was locked so I had to do a 15min walk around the interchange to the front entrace to finally get in. Saw the last 5min of the USA vs. China Men's bball game and then came up to the computer and it was already past 12. Gonna sleep 130ish!

Day 5 - Sat Aug 9

SAT AUG 9 (Day 5)
Slept in till around 1030am this morning. Was still feeling kinda iffy from yesterday. Had some congee for breakfast and spent some time online again. Did some cleaning and catching up on things etc. Then at 3pm I went to the massage parlour they have in this apartment city. I got a back + foot massage for 1.5hrs for only 100Y! It was pretty good and definitely made me feel refreshed. Afterwards I came back and watched some tv and took it easy. Finally I went out around 8pm for dinner with my friend + her mom. Had some chinese food and stopped at the bakery along the way to pick up some goods for tomorrow's breakfast. Got back around 10pm and finished my vblog. Gonna sleep now...1am~

Days 1-4, Aug 4 to 8

FRI AUG 8 (Day 4)
Woke up at just after 7am by my friend on her way to volunteer for the Red Cross. Then I decided to get up and do some reading. I had a small portion of red bean soup + egg for breakfast and then showered and changed to go out. I subway'd it to for 40min or so to get to the former city core. Once I was out of the subway, it only took me about 30min to find the entrance to the Forbidden City (if you have Google Earth, go look it up!). I went to the East entrance where there would be less people, however it wasn't open for tourists, ugh =S Therefore I had to walk back to the South entrance to get in. The Forbidden City is much larger than I anticipated; it is approximately 1,000,000 square metres! It took a few hours to walk around that place and I still didn't see all the buildings! They should do golf cart tours =P Afterwards I hung out with the Red Cross people until I started to feel sick so it gave them someone to tend to. I used some of their supply of medicines and took a taxi home where I ate another minimal meal. Then at 800pm (on Aug 8/2008) it was time for the Opening Ceremonies. I watched it from the house and it was simply spectacular! China did an amazing performance which definitely took away the negative attention - at least for now. It lasted nearly 4 hours and I was exhausted and fell asleep shortly afterward.

THURS AUG 7 (Day 3)
Slept in till 1015 today. Went to the gym they have here and couldn't get the running machine to work even though it is in english =S Had some breakfast (chocolate baked bun + juice) and showered etc. Spent some time online/uploading pictures and went out just after 12. Got to the Muxidi station and walked to the Capital Museum. I arrived there around 2pm. The ticket cost 15Y. Only half of the exhibits had english translations so the self-touring went by pretty quickly even though this was a brand new centre consisting of 6 entire floors of exhibits/history. Some special Olympic guy showed up too so they closed down the entrance for like 10min to usher him inside. I looked at some Beijing history and chinese artifacts as well as watching a video presentation and then left just before closing at 5. I walked back to the subway station and took the rush-hour ride for 45min to get back home. I was pretty tired so I took a powernap. Then I had some fresh watermelon and watched tv for an hour or so. Just relaxed the night away and now blogging and sleeping around midnight.

WED AUG 6 (Day 2)
Woke up at 930am. Cooked myself some dumplings and juice. I got my stuff and went out with Mrs.Zhang. I had to go to the police station because I am considered an "alien" here and had to get my ID registered. Then proceeded to get myself a temporary residence card. Afterwards we went to the Bank of China and exchanged some cash ($1 CAD = 6.41 Yuan). Then took the bus and purchased a bus pass for myself to make transit convenient. And stopped to pick up some groceries at a small local market on the way back. We had lunch and I spent some time on the internet. After relaxing for a few, I left on the subway and went to Wangfuling station. I met my friend there and we went out touring the city. We went shopping and sightseeing through the dt area (comparible to Robson St.) and checked out the official Olympic store and some other brand name shops along the route. After returning home briefly, we took the subway and taxi (which are really cheap here) to the "Olympic Green" area which is under intense security even before the games. The entire area is enclosed by 3m (9ft) fencing which must be a couple miles around. It won't open until the Opening Ceremonies. However there were many people there taking pictures through the fence and from the best angles you could get. I ended up taking close to 150 of the two buildings (Birds Nest / Water Cube) from various angles in its various colors. We were there so late we had to take taxi home bcuz subway had closed and got back around 1am.

MON/TUES AUG 4/5 (Day 1)
I woke up 5am, showered, ate, and left house w/parents 6am-ish. We arrived at the Campbell River store in South Surrey around 645 and I took the Quick Shuttle at 7am. It took an hour to get across the border and then we stopped in downtown Seattle around 10am and I arrived at SeaTac at 1045. The lineup for Northwest had extended to across the walkway and it took about 40min to get through the self check-in process. Once I got through security it was around 12 noon and my flight didn't leave until 230. I wrote some postcards, relaxed, and got 25 nuggets for the price of 20 at Wendy's. When I went to board my flight at 2pm, they knew my name because they had been waiting for me - I was the 2nd to last person to board =S We took off from SeaTac at 230pm and 9.5 hours later (25.5 hours with time change), I arrived at Narita Airport located in Tokyo, Japan. Again I did some postcards, went browsing and boarded my flight at 6pm local time. The flight seemed very short as it was only 3 hours and I slept through most of it including my dinner. I arrived in Beijing, China just after 9pm and picked up my luggage as well as a SIM card from China mobile. I was then picked up by my friend and her mom and came back to the apartment. It is located in the Chaoyang district (NE section of the city along the "3rd ring" if you know Beijing). I unpacked and we talked for a while and then I went to sleep just after 1am Aug 7th China time .. 10am Aug 6th BC time.