One week in China today. The last three days of training were progressively easier than the first two, but the soreness has yet to wear off completely. Thursday and Friday focused more on forms than conditioning than Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and we even got to spar (in full Sanda gear - chest protector, foot/shin guards, gloves, and headgear) on Friday. Friday evening, last night, we took the last bus into Taining and checked into the local Holiday Inn (two to a room), got cold drinks (thank god) and food, wandered around the city a little and ended up at Scott (the school's owner)'s bar. Side note: while Scott is in England getting a torn ACL repaired, his friend and business partner Richard is running things in his stead. After a few hours of pleasant conversation and games we all retired to our rooms at the hotel - only a few seconds away. 

Today, after a sleep-in on a comfy bed and soft pillow, we stocked up on supplemental food for the next week at Joy Mart, the Chinese equivalent of WalMart, only smaller and with techno music. In town we met up with Jing, our Wushu instructor, who, when we saw him, was toting a bag of cigarettes. Surprised, we asked him if he smoked, and he told us (through pantomiming) that he smokes two to three packs a week. Unbelievable.

Tomorrow is another day of rest at the academy. Probably watch some movies and hang out.

Above student accomadations:

Tai Chi area

Student accomodations:

View from accomodations:
Walking towards training hall from accomodations: