June 23, 2012 / Day 5 (Part 2): We Went to Play on the Drums!
Without a doubt, the most entertaining and perhaps the most enjoyable moments of the day came during the lunch period. It began with a simple question when we looked over at California's nearly empty tent next to ours after we'd finished eating and wondered, "Where did their team go?" To which, Stephanie, their team caller and the only member still hanging around, replied, "Oh, they went to play on the [dragon boat] drums." And in that very moment, every single one of our faces lit up and our jaws dropped in laughter as we were confronted by the sheer BRILLIANCE of this move. California University, you are geniuses! We quickly ran down to the docks to join them, and in doing so, dragged down with us the entire Christchurch Team from New Zealand.
Oh right, we passed this guy from the Asian & African Students United Team on the way to the dock. Awesome.
Oh right, we passed this guy from the Asian & African Students United Team on the way to the dock. Awesome.
The drumming and general craziness at the dock led to some heartfelt team bonding with California and New Zealand. Photographs were in order.
I want to take a little time at this moment to say thank you to California for being such good sports. I know I've taken quite a few jabs at you guys and joked about how young you are, but in all seriousness, you were a pleasure to hang around and to share a bus and tent with. You guys are a wonderful team who really click well together, and it's very easy to see. The energy you provided at the race site was hilarious and entertaining, but it was also immensely positive and contagious, and I hope you guys understand how enjoyable it was for us to be in your company in Jiaxing. Additionally, you guys are truly tremendous competitors. We were all amazed by how many races you paddled, sometimes back to back to back, without any complaints. You were there for each other, and personally, you were one of the closest teams I've ever seen. For us, who are still an up-and-coming team trying to become more competitive year by year, we could really learn a thing or two from your team. So thank you for showing us how much fun a wet and nasty festival can be and for being a shining example of why the sport and culture of dragon boat are so great. If you've got the time, come to Boston next year for our local Boston Dragon Boat Festival. Or maybe we'll see you in Long Beach or China again.
And Larry, it's true, we have a special place in our hearts for you. It's because you were the first member of the UC Team we met at LAX, and for much of the weekend in Jiaxing, you were the only one from California who we knew by name and said hi to in passing. But then, it was also hard to ignore when your own teammates called you their "local naked boy" and featured you so prominently in their own photographs. So yes, Larry, we like you (but not like like, got it?). And I hope I haven't offended you with any of my posts. A drink on me if you're ever in Boston.
And Larry, it's true, we have a special place in our hearts for you. It's because you were the first member of the UC Team we met at LAX, and for much of the weekend in Jiaxing, you were the only one from California who we knew by name and said hi to in passing. But then, it was also hard to ignore when your own teammates called you their "local naked boy" and featured you so prominently in their own photographs. So yes, Larry, we like you (but not like like, got it?). And I hope I haven't offended you with any of my posts. A drink on me if you're ever in Boston.
Having said that... here's the Harvard, UC, Christchurch teams photo again, but this time with Larry in a jersey. Now before anyone says anything, please know that Amy approved this photo for posting!
Lunch Break's Numbers:
Number of paddlers who growled at a dragon boat: 1
Number of attempts to get the Jiaxing crowd to do the Wave: 5
Number of paddlers making fobby V-signs: 2 (you and me, Lily!)
Photos taken with UC and Christchurch: I personally have 12
Number of Christchurch paddlers who almost didn't make the teams photo: 2
Real average age of the UC team: ~20
Winner of this episode of Jiaxing's Next Top Model: Sean
Number of paddlers who growled at a dragon boat: 1
Number of attempts to get the Jiaxing crowd to do the Wave: 5
Number of paddlers making fobby V-signs: 2 (you and me, Lily!)
Photos taken with UC and Christchurch: I personally have 12
Number of Christchurch paddlers who almost didn't make the teams photo: 2
Real average age of the UC team: ~20
Winner of this episode of Jiaxing's Next Top Model: Sean