China Summer 2009

Written by Alicia Harper

May 29. We started the day off with breakfast and then went to the Olympic Venues. We visited the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube! The main theme for the Beijing 2008 Olympics was “One World One Dream”. We did some shopping for Olympic gear and then went into the Water Cube. Upon entering the Water Cube we were able to dip our hands in the waterfall surrounding the Water Cube. Inside the Water Cube we looked at the competition pool and the practice pool. In the competition pool we were able to see the diving section and the swim lanes. The Water Cube was an amazing experience.

After the Water Cube we went to the Bird’s Nest. The Bird’s Nest held competitions for track and field events. Once we got into the Bird’s Nest we were able to walk on the covered track. We took multiple pictures on the field such as the group spelling out HSHP and IC with our bodies. I am pretty sure that I can speak for the group and say that we felt honored to be visiting the Olympic Venus.

After the Olympic Venus we came back for lunch and then went to the Summer Palace.  The Summer Palace or Yihe Yuan in Chinese means Garden for Maintaining Health and Harmony. The Summer Palace contains includes gardens, natural landscape, temples and bridges. The Summer Palace is a great place to relax with its gorgeous views. Kunming Lake is located in the Summer Palace and visitors can rent paddleboats to take out on the lake. We had beautiful weather for sight seeing.

After the Summer Palace we returned to Beijing Sport University and played soccer. We had an awesome time until we got kicked off the field because we didn’t have permission to play on that field.

After soccer we ate dinner and then Shona performed her traditional Scottish dances for the group on the front entrance outside of our dorm. Shona did an outstanding job. We had no idea that Shona was so talented.

After the performance we all showered because we were so dirty from soccer and then we walked down to the river/canal with Nick to hangout and play games. It was a great evening to fun filled day.