This was a long one, first proper Chinese classes from 9am, Tai Ji for 2 hours in the sweltering heat in the afternoon, and then a trip to see Beijing opera in the evening, followed by a mental night in a bar, definitely a story worth telling (though hopefully none of the Study China staff will see this one….)
I was a bit apprehensive about doing Tai Ji. Anyone that knows me will know that I’m not the most physically capable human being (my shoulders hurt just from typing this), so when the Tai Ji instructor said to stretch forward and I just managed to touch my shins, looking up and seeing his head on the floor between his feet was unsettling! However, it was nowhere near as bad as I had feared, and it was very relaxing, as I’ve heard it to be. Not something I plan to take up in the future, but definitely not something I’d avoid doing!
After a very hurried tea, we hopped on a coach to go and see a Beijing Opera, 京剧。After an hour of terrifying Chinese driving, we made it to the small theatre. I’d hear a lot about Beijing opera, having watched clips in Chinese classes at home, so I know how long they can be. Fortune was on our side though, the theatre was that of the Beijing opera school, and what we were about to watch was a 1 hour “Best of” of some famous Operas. The use of colour, dance, costume and music was so impressive, though I’m not a fan of the singing, it left me with headache! I’m glad I finally got to see one!
Now, the good bit, the crazy night. 40 of went out for a few “quiet drinks” at a bar called Lakers just off campus. One thing led to another, they put some flashing lights on, turned the music up, and then we were suddenly dancing on the tables, we were choosing the music, and we had a full on party going. Alright, some things might have got broken and there may now be a cowboy hat in someone’s room, but that was such a good night!
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