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!