Our last day in China...
posted: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 at 10:33 AM
Before I get to my last blog entry from the NBA Van Jam, I want to remind everyone to vote for us in the
NBA Dance team bracket! We are up against Houston today, it's tough competition, so make sure to
vote!
Here in Guangzhou, Sunday breakfast is winding down at a leisurely pace followed by, yet another shopping mission. We've bought an extra suitcase and are conspiring to have one of our chaperones check an extra bag for the trip home tomorrow. We are all ferocious shoppers and bargainers. On the other hand, weight and volume of purchases may not have been so precisely calculated. I can't wait to tip the scales tomorrow!
Meanwhile, back on the outdoor breakfast terrace, a cluster of koi swim to snap up the last bits of bread tossed into the reflecting pool by hotel guests. We've really enjoyed our big breakfasts, too. Once we head over to the Jam Van venue we are unable to venture out for food due to the rock-star type atmosphere that pervades. Breakfast at The Garden Hotel is a Sino-American experience, spiked with a few Euro-Japanese food items. Sticky rice, Chinese stir-fried noodles and deep-fried taro and pumpkin balls are countered by made-to-order omelettes, bacon and sausages. There are French cheeses and Italian salami, plus Japanese miso. Asian pear, pineapple, papaya, banana, starfruit and watermelon offer a tasty burst of color and flavor.
Our hotel is terrific. A recent renovation added enough Vegas splash to traditional Chinese stylings to make for a very visual place. The giant, showtime lobby floral displays are right out of Wynn Las Vegas.
During a 90-minute break yesterday, we were able to bus back to our hotel and walk to a nearby tea shop. The seven of us squeezed around a tiny table in the tiny shop to learn about and sample an array of special teas. We learned which water temp to have for which tea, how to clean and ready the thimble-sized cups for the tea. Ginseng Oolong seemed to have topped most of our "favorite" list, but the rose blossom ball that opened in the steaming brew provided the greatest visual show. Most fun? Kung Fu tea. The tiny dried spinach pellets would do Popeye proud.
The Chinese crowds at Jam Van have been young, mostly male. Their enthusiasm and energy has been amazing. We have had a lot of fun with the meet and greet/autograph sessions. At the conclusion of every routine, we have worked the crowd, high-fiving, waving and getting up close with everyone. I suppose that's the mission after all, getting to know new faces and places, realizing that the passion for hoops and its show, transcends any kind of barrier -- language, culture or politics.
See you soon!
Another day, another performance...
posted: Monday, April 02, 2007 at 10:01 AM
Make that performances.
Full day number two in Guangzhou was devoted to two things for the
BlazerDancers: 1) three outdoor peformances, plus a meet and greet/autograph session and 2) shopping, shopping, shopping. After conquering the 90% humidity and near-80 heat at performance time we saved energy to stalk the fashion bargains of Guangzhou on a Friday night.
After being buried with boxes and bags last night, I am beginning to wonder what our weight load will be on the NWA flight home early Monday morning. When we’re not dancing -- or eating -- we are all the consummate shoppers!
It seems as though the image of Colonel Sanders has replaced that of Chairman Mao in the streets. Aside from gracing the 100 Renmimbi Yuan, Mao has been absent from view. Like Portland, Guangzhou boasts a Starbucks at every corner. There is simply no escape from Frappucino-land!
Jam Van is a very high energy set of events: Lots of different performances, hoops shooting contests and interactive games. Our bus, with it's insect antennae-like mirrors protruding forward creeps into position back of the Jam Van and stage. Then with a dozen security guards, we are swept through the crowd to the front where we are greeted by a sea of enthused new fans. Our DJ host -- sporting a Brandon Roy jersey, of course
-- teases in Mandarin spiked with some Cantonese street jive. (Think of a hyped up Todd Bosma playing that Trail Blazers crowd.)
The Lion Dance officially opened the Jam Van yesterday. Marlene and Mindy were honorary participants. Their task: Awaken the sleeping lions. Patting each ersatz feline on the head, the cats' eyes opened. With calligraphic brushes in hand, Marlene and Mindy first painted a red third eye on the forehead of each beast, then added red pupils to the lions' eyes. This set off the lions extended dance, which included some hoop to the amusement of the crowd. Lashing, swirling, diving and rising, the lions at last stretched to retrieve suspended vegetables stage left. Placed in a basket, this symbolized a good growth season for all. I suppose there's a metaphor there for all of us in Blazerland, as we roll to summer and the promise of our own off-season growth and renewal!
Ciao from China,
RSS FEED
Question? I have gone to about seven games this season and the blazer dancers are never there..they've been replaced with the Jam Squad, who completely stink. Please bring back the Blazer Dancers!
Please bring back the Blazer Dancers!
i been to every home game...and the amazingly beautiful blazer dancers are there tearin it up every night !!
and i just wanna say that ione is the most GORGEOUS !! its great to watch the blazers play too...
Hey I'm from Guam also. Like to meet you someday. Haven't made it to a Blazers game. Hope to see you someday!
Post a Comment
<< Home