Good Friday Morning! Ni 'how.
We finally both sleep through the night!! Hooray!!!!!!! At about 7:00 a.m. I opened the black-out curtains on our seventh floor hotel room of the Ho Jo, and much to my surprise, 100-150 Tai Chi folks were out in the adjoining courtyard doing their morning drill. Wow!! I threw on my street clothes, grabbed my camera, and told Drew I was heading out. I ran to the elevator, out the hotel and across the street (didn't flinch) where I saw the most beautiful and tranquil, in unison Tai Chi routines from three-four groups. I took 338 pictures in 45 minutes. Beautiful. Wait until you see the pictures!
They were young, middle age, old and the very old, in different groups doing their morning routines...some with fans, some with swords, and some with two fans. Awesome!! One thing that struck me is how strong the "core" of their body must be! They hold their leg out or balance on one leg with their arms out or bend at every level imaginable. I should have put my camera down and joined it, but I was sooooo intrigued by the elders I couldn't move. I was mesmerized by their faces, so beautiful..their character, story and life all shown right there on their face. Male or female, didn't matter, I was glued to them. I hope you enjoy the pics!! It made my trip!! I loved it!
I could see myself doing Tai Chi! I could see my mom and dad doingTai Chi!! Dad had told me about the Tai Chi groups doing their morning exercises before I came. He remembers them from his visit in the mid nineties. I couldn't believe it. Dad, there were men in their mid-nineties that could kick our butt they were so strong....you would have really enjoyed joining in!! You already practice balancing on one leg and extending your torso and arms forward!! I thought about you a lot today...this is right up your alley!! Who needs swimming...
After Tai Chi, I was so excited about my pictures I texted Drew to bring my computer to breakfast (yes, the Ho Jo breakfast one more time) and I downloaded the pictures and had a slide show while eating. We both loved it!!
After the euphoric morning/experience, we headed to the room to shower and pack! It was time to get Drew to school in Tianjin. It was cloudy and trying to rain, but no go. We said good bye to the Ho Jo and headed to the the other domestic airport, Haongqiao. The other night, our friends mentioned that the bullet train from Shanghai to Beijing is excellent. A good option for Drew.
A taxi ride later, we arrived for our flight. There were 10 flights to choose from Shanghai to Tianjin today. We chose the middle of the day and it was packed!! While waiting for our flight, a little chinese boy befriended me, intrigued by my needlepoint project. He gave me a sesame seed piece of candy (no sugar involved, ugh, and after consuming it, Drew told me not to smile cuz I would scare someone with my teeth being filled with black seeds) LOL! In return, I gave the little boy a Starburst and he hit the ceiling!! His mom said only one, but he stared at the bag, then me, the bag, then me....his mom was not happy I gave her child sugar...either was the grandmother who was taking care of him and chasing him throughout the airport.
The flight was rough. We were obviously going through a storm for 1 hour and 50 minutes....we got tossed around like a bun in a basket!! But we landed and grabbed a taxi. The ride was quiet. Drew was going to check into his dorm, so he dropped me off at the Westin Hotel (Expedia.com has great deals in China). Upon exiting the taxi, I was excited for Drew to start his summer in Tianjin, but sad that our days of travel together will be limited to this weekend and next weekend since he starts school on Monday, May 28th. I have loved traveling with Drew. We laughed, sweated and ate some awesome food. What great memories we have.
Tonight I have heard from Drew. He sounded excited about being back in Tianjin and on his home turf. Other friends/students were arriving at the dorm and it sounded chaotic!! We decided to meet up tomorrow for "hot pot' and a traditional tea room experience (without Leo and Sarah, hahaha, a whole other story) after he attends orientation.
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