So I've had the idea to write this post for a long time, because there is a lot to say about this topic. All I needed was a little push (from my sister) and some motivation (from my Redskins). So in preparation, I tried to recreate an authentic, American sports-viewing environment by buying 2 Heineken canned beers, 1 bag of steak flavored potato chips (picked over Italian red beef flavor), and 1 peanut butter sandwich. I've prepared for this for 2 weeks, but two weeks ago by the time I was tuned into the Redskins game we were already down 14-0, 7 minutes into the game (can't write an anger-fueled post), and last week the internet went out hours before the game started. I went to my girlfriends room to make use of her internet, and keep her up from 2-5:30am, but she had not paid her electrical bill, so around 11pm we found ourselves sitting in darkness. Apparently in China, in the dorms, you have to pay for electricity..So, obviously, I've been looking forward to this.
Because it's the most recent memory, I'll start with my walk by the 'local/community rec center area' located on campus this evening. I was walking after dinner when I began to hear music blaring from around a corner. I went to investigate and discovered what I guess I would call jazzercise? Basically it was an open courtyard area, with about 12 people randomly dotting the area, listening to Penguin's Game by Gelato, while jumping up and down. No other movements, literally just hopping straight up and down, offbeat like some sort of bobblehead or pogo stick. Meanwhile, lining the courtyard are public, playground-like exercise/weight machines being used by 65+ year old Chinese. Inside the center, you could see through the windows, were about 3 ping-pong tables, all being furiously occupied in intense table tennis competitions. I think it's pertinent to mention hear that I have also witnessed wrinkly, ageless men nearly shirtless (tanktops) playing away at 8:30am..in 2 degree weather (Celsius, I'm overseas everyone!). Needless to say, they are very serious about sport and exercise here.
To portray just how vital exercising is here in China, let me describe the scene in the gym. If you decide to go just as the gym opens, you will have to take a number, as there is a line waiting for the doors to open. Once they do, it's a race to get to the machine first. Of course, finders keepers losers weepers. Reach your machine, claim it with a cellphone or some other personal object, then go and take your time changing in the locker room. IF you even decide to change. Some Chinese are so hardcore and enthusiastic about exercising that they don't even change clothes! Can you imagine being so excited to exercise that you just wear jeans, sweaters, or even high heels to work out? Me neither, but apparently the Chinese can! (I'm serious about the high heels too). Also you should see these people push it to the limit. Imagine a treadmill on 10 incline, with a girl working so hard to walk uphill that she is grasping both handles just to stay alive. Others are more casual, 'running' at a mean 4km/hour. Let me convert for you; 'running' at a mean 2.6mph. Just taking up space, making everyone else wait for the machines. My girlfriend has waited 40 minutes for a machine before (yes that's devotion, and it's great she takes care of her body every woman should). Also, this is just 40 minutes of waiting..it's 40 minutes of alert, on your toes scanning/listening for any sign or beep that might indicate someone will finish using the machine, lest someone else who may have just arrived hop on immediately. Try arguing to someone who A) will not understand your point of view and B) does not even speak your language.
One striking similarity between Chinese gyms and American is the social aspect. Without question its a place to make friends! I mean with everyone looking so hot and fly, showing off their bods how could you resist some conversation? I think thus far I've been asked for my number at least 3 or 4 times. Oh yeah, it might be important to mention that everytime it's been a guy trying to make friends..awesome.
Anything goes in China. This is the country where when you go to challenge someone in pick up soccer, it's okay to then start naming your own rules. House rules don't apply! Rules don't even apply! Eat of be eaten! I wish so badly I would have gotten footage of my friend Ella's girls basketball games. Sometimes I wasn't sure if I was watching basketball or some cross between American football and handball. Girls were decking each other left and right, hair was flying, the feet were moving, the ball wasn't touching the ground, and games ended with scores like 26-0. Absolute chaos. But it's just something I've got to expect from the country. It's a scary moment when you see things like this, or someone run their motorbike into the back of a parked car thats 5 meters from you, then go back to having your beer because you realize how insignificant and commonplace this stuff is. Whatever, it's China.
No comments:
Post a Comment