Today started with an early breakfast with some western food and some local food. After breakfast we went to the stadium for a workout. Leaving the hotel was impressive. There were people watching us as we left and the police had the street blocked off in front of the hotel when we got out there. We had a police escort along the way with the traffic being stopped so we could get through. The facility is an impressive stadium with just basketball lines on the court. It was hot and humid in the gym but we practiced for almost 2 hours to get the legs going on the players. As it went on, they got better and better. The people there were very nice and were scurrying about getting the facility ready for tomorrow's game. During the early part of practice, a little dog scurried to courtside, sniffed a bit, turned around and left. Also during the workout some workers sat courtside for a cigarette. Very interesting.
Lunch time was another culinary adventure. The squid with vegetables was a once in a lifetime adventure and I am not so fond of eel either but there are plenty of choices and the people are treating us very well. The highlight of the lunch was a tapioca type pudding with different fruit in it. It was sitting in coconut milk and did not have the consistency of real pudding. More like a soup.
This afternoon was probably our only free time during the trip so we went to a local shopping district in Jiangyin. The girls enjoyed and some found a "back alley" spot where they got some deals. I didn't find anything enticing as most of it was the same as we can get in Canada and only marginally cheaper. It was funny in one store as two younger ladies who were quite short followed me and kept stopping and looking at me from head to toe. They giggled and came back with a very large shoe for me to try on. I am pretty much a giant here (and I mean tall Derrick) so I do get a few different looks. It is fun and the people are really nice.
Supper tonight featured some lamb and some local beef. There was fresh squid on the grill but that was not for me. I tried some different veggies and some different fish and then found the best dessert I have had in a long time. Honey Melon Pudding with a sweet green sauce on it. WOW.
After supper , our staff and our guide did a walk in another part of the city. Very nice, very hot and very busy. It feels very safe though so we don't mind. A cool shower afterwards and I will now try and find something on HBO to watch.
One thing I forgot to mention about our drive up from Shanghai yesterday was the very interesting choice of music. We listened to christmas carols the whole way. It was the driver's choice!
So we play tomorrow at 7:30 pm local time. The game is webcast at http://www.myp2p.eu/competition.php2?competitionid=&part=sports&discipline=basketball.
I am not sure if there is any particular software needed but it is online. They are expecting a big crowd.
So hopefully this blog is getting through. There are some restrictions here. I will have many more stories when I get back. Tomorrow starts with an early breakfast and then a shootaround and a video session. Off to rest.
The journey continues.
Coach
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