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!
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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!
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