Aside from studying, of course we also have sports.

In the afternoon, I hurriedly picked up my package and left the house, decisively snagging the only shared bike in the neighborhood. In the end, I successfully arrived at the park right on time at 2:00. I didn’t know what to do with the heavy coat I took off along the way since it would fall out if I just put it in the basket. So, I managed to tie it in using a water bottle holder, neck gaiter, and gloves all combined (is this also a form of engineering?).

Most of the kids there were homeschooled. Their first reaction upon seeing me was, predictably: “How tall are you?” () Basketball is the main event here, so I had to start from zero. (“Coach, I want to learn…”) The coach had plenty of praise for me, but the longtime students said this was merely beginner protection; after a few sessions, once the novelty wore off, things would return to normal. Although my basketball skills are basically held together by prayer, my height still let me lift a few shots into the hoop from underneath. The soccer segment tacked on afterward was not exactly professional—it was a basketball court, after all. People were even playing one-twos off the surrounding walls. No throw-ins, no goal kicks, no corners: one enormous, rule-free brawl. David, a man known for speaking his mind, had this to say: “Have they no shame?” (Not really.)

As for me, I have a pretty clear understanding of myself, so I’ve always known that my physical fitness still needs training. Since there is such an opportunity, I should naturally cherish it, and my first impression of everyone was quite good. However, the names of the kids here are really hard to remember: Song’en, Enyan, Mu’en… Well, it was indeed a day “overflowing with grace.”

In the evening I joined an “English Corner” at a friend’s home. Managing a smooth conversation with the foreign teacher made me see the words: “You are filled with determination.” Opportunities like this are rare, especially in China, where there are so few situations in which English is the only option. (Though the teacher’s Chinese was quite good too.) I genuinely feel sorry for the friends who stayed away because they lacked confidence in their English!

There are no plans for tomorrow at all, so I plan to start touring the museums in Beijing!