This Sporting View

Hong Kong & Shanghai

February - May 2017.

Unlikely as it seems, being in a country not renowned for Cricket, Cycling or Aussie Rules, we have been able to indulge in some exciting and world class action.
February we travelled to Mong Kok, Hong Kong to watch the Dutch sneak a 13 run win against the home side in the one day World Cricket League, championships.
April, again in Hong Kong, we watched our Aussies do themselves proud during a night of the 2017 UCI World Cycling Championships.
May was a real highlight, watching the first game of Australian Rules Football (AFL), outside Oceania, for league points. The game between Port Adelaide (Port Power) and Gold Coast (Suns) in Shanghai was truly historic; we were happy to call ourselves 'Croweaters" for an afternoon.

The backdrop for The Netherlands to show Hong Kongers how to play one day cricket - just.

Hanneke contemplating if she should "Pad Up" as the Dutch lose their 9th wicket.

Great atmosphere in the Hong Kong velodrome  

Set for the women's elimination race:
the last rider in the peloton is eliminated after each kilometer, very exciting.
Aussie Amy Cure won this event, she finished with Bronze for the four event Women's Omnium.

Aussie Cameron Myer well positioned to win Gold in the Men's Points Race.

Entrance to the Jiagwan Sports Stadium, Shanghai -
never looked like this before!

Looks like a real Aussie Rules ground.
Waiting for the players.

Before the bounce.

Port Power fan club - + two extra members.

Interesting mascots during the half time entertainment!!

Some action close to the Port goals.

Free Kick Ump!!!

A Sight for Seoul Eyes.

SEOUL,
SOUTH KOREA
MARCH/APRIL, 2017

Having a few extra days off from school we headed north east to the dynamic city of Seoul.

A mix of ultra modern and historic, green parks and walking paths, trendy shopping centres and ancient temples, always something to see and do, the city has a very livable feel. Despite the ever present threat from the North the South Koreans are very friendly and welcoming. The local cuisine is varied and delicious.  Definite destination for further adventures.

One of the eight, great gates of Seoul. 

The modern Seoul tower

View from the Top of the Tower.

Looking for the windmills and tulips.

Seoul looking East

Traditional local policeman 

Traditional dorky tourist

Traditional Maiden Tourist 

Cherry blossom time 

Demilitarized Zone 

Looking towards North Korea

Former border where North and South Koreans could meet  -
 now well and truly closed.

A glimpse of the secretive North Korea

Iconic symbol of unification.

The last train to cross the border during the Korean War.

Traditional and Contemporary 

A beautiful season to visit.

Where are we again?

Another interesting gate.

Evening view of
Deoksugung Temple

An interesting walk along the well maintained fortifications. 

The imposing Gyeongbokgung Palace 

Not so imposing regal tourists.

We heartily agree

Looking for the right moves

CHENJIAGOU,  HENAN

February 2017

For the past few months Hanneke and I have been learning Tai Chi.  The graceful "Martial Art " of fluid movement and amazing complexity.
We have been very fortunate to be trained by "Chen Jun" (June) whose family heritage is traced back to the originators of the art form.

Master June is extremely patient and dedicated , so much so, she invited us to train in her village, Chenjiagao, the home of Tai Chi - what a privilege.

The experience was unique, staying in a Tai Chi school, in a traditional Chinese village in the North East of China.

The day starts with traditional Chinese breakfast, followed by a  morning run, three hours of training. Lunch, recover, an afternoon run and three more hours of training, dinner then for the really dedicated more self practice, ensuring each move/form is precise, exact and to the Grandmaster's satisfaction.

Our routine followed a slightly more relaxed style, we omitted the extra practice and we evoked daylight saving to some of the three hour training sessions.

We both really enjoyed the 5 days, our Tai Chi did not improve a great deal but our admiration for the dedication and commitment of those who live and breath this ancient art form (lifestyle) is immense.

Our teacher June.
 Yellow River in the background.

Our Tai Chi school.

Hanneke ensuring our training ground is spotless.

The front of the school. 

Ready for action.
A pity we did perform as good as we looked.

Chenjiagou village street ; decorations are part of Chinese New Year.

Dinner on the street - yum.

It gets cold in North Eastern China in February.

Statute of Chang San-Feng - founder of Tai Chi.
Part of the large complex dedicated to the history of Tai Chi. 

More contemporary style. 

A lovely sprinkling of snow for contrast. 

Grandmaster Chen Zhao Sen (centre).
Our teacher from the school (second left) and other students. 

 Before returning to Shenzhen we had a quick stop at the famous Shaolin Temple birthplace of Kung Fu. 

Looking for Mr Lee.

Future Bruce Lees!!

Our visit was Yin and Yang 
Yang for the experience, Yin for our Tai Chi improvement.

June's web site:

https://www.china-taichi-guide.com/Taichi-Schools-Teachers/Chen-Jun.php