Final Thoughts...Keith Buckley

It was quite a trip, two cities, four universities, the world’s fastest train, wonders of the world, history, culture global icons. I was quite apprehensive about all of the logistics but with the help of Wesley the trip went off without any hitches. The games were competitive, Beijing Sport University gave us the toughest test. Matt Bauchle played very well as did Dennis Chin, Kevin Boone and Jack Clifford.

China is definitely a country that is moving forward very rapidly. The financial district of Shanghai is quite incredible, especially at night time when all the skyscrapers are lit up. Beijing is more orderly, but the pollution means that the sun is invisible. It was a shame that Thomas Biddinger and Stephen Wright were injured, but it was good to see Chris Cummings and Jack Clifford back on the filed.
Now we are back it is taking a while to get everything into perspective. I am sure as time goes on everyone will appreciate the experience and enjoy the memories.

Final Thoughts...Tres Loch

After the experiences we had on our trip, I am certain that none of us will ever be the same. The same could be said for China for that matter. Truly an unforgettable cultural adventure that we will all cherish for the rest of our lives. For me, one of the best experiences was visiting the Great Wall of China and learning about its construction and its history. A group of us climbed to the highest point of the wall that we could see, sometimes scaling up extrememly steep inclines and centruy old steps. The view from the top was breathtaking, looking down over the beautiful countryside and green mountainous terrain. Another great experience was attending a Chinese Premier League soccer game. We paid 50 Yuan ($7) for spectacular seats- about 15 rows up in the lower bowl, smack in the middle of a group of passionate Chinese fans who taught us all of the chants during the game. The atmosphere was incredible- 100,000 seat stadium -probably about half full with energetic soccer fans and banners waving- on a very comfortable warm Beijing evening. Biggest dissappointment... not a single Fortune Cookie.

Trip to the Great Wall

Game photos vs. Beihan University Aeronautical Engineering

More from Paul...the zoo and the Birds Nest

Paul Giannotti - trainer, friend, father, photographer

From the Training Room...Update from Paul Giannotti

We spent today touring some of the most historical sites in China, beginning with Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, which can hold one million people. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the 1989 protests. There will be a parade later this month.
After walking the length of the square - about 1000 meters, we entered through the first of many gates on our way to the Forbidden City which was the home of the Emperor. This was a city within a city, really with many buildings, bridges and pathways all dedicated to the Emperor. Historically the "average person" was not even allowed in the Forbidden City. Interestingly, there were no plants in here...all brick and concrete...to keep out the invaders and assassins.

After lunch, we visited the Temple of Heaven, where the Emperor would go to pray for a good harvest.

The afternoon included some great shopping experiences at a large market...just about anything could be had...for just about any price!

We concluded the evening with a trip to watch a Chinese professional soccer league match. The stadium was huge - at least 80,000; and the crowd was spirited. The home team came out on top, and it was quite a festive atmosphere.

We are looking forward to the match with Beijing Sport University today, who is regarded as one of the top 3 University teams in China, and will likely provide our toughest competition yet!