Tai Chi Training and Touring China Easter 2008 Golden Lion Academy

Primarily a tai chi training and touring trip in China, it could also be called a Food Lovers Fantasy - for those of superior constitution that is!.

Multi-course breakfasts, lunches and dinners every single day. Many specialities: pork dumplings, pork, noodles, pork, 100 year old eggs, pork belly and mustard greens, 100 ways with lotus plant, carp with funny things, steam boat with lots of pork, or maybe lamb or maybe not, a million ways with soup, and all culminating in the fabulous feast at the Fangshan Restaurant in Beihai Park.The menus are based on the Imperial Court cuisine of which we had 26 courses. Phew!

Just as well we had plenty of exercise to work off our many indulgences. We (again for those with superior constitution) were at the park at 6:30 every morning doing Tai Chi in the park.

Back for a ‘quick’ multi-course breakfast and off to training at the Beijing Shaolin Wushu School for the morning’s Qigong. Our master for the two weeks was Huang Jufen (Deputy Chairman of the Taiji Quan Association). We learned the Ba Duan Jin and the Yi Jin Jing; health and fitness exercises handed down from ancient China. We returned feeling rejuvenated, re-energised, revitalised and regretting leaving China! The Kung Fu group returned probably a bit more exhausted or was that invigorated after Nanquuan and Optional Routine training. They really worked hard and found themselves doing things they never imagined their bodies could!

In between eating and exercising we managed to fit in a bit of sightseeing. The Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, Underground City, Old Summer Palace, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, A Chinese Tea Ceremony, The Ming Tombs, The Drum Tower. When every one else was either ailing or shopping, we went exploring to Beihai Park, the China Nationalities Museum, a rickshaw ride through the Hutongs and to Tiananmen Square at nightto see the spectacular lights.

A highlight of the trip was The Great Wall at Juyong Pass where (oh, is that again those of superior constitution?) we ran to reach the 7th tower in the short time allotted! Juyong Pass is 1000 meters above sea level and the views are spectacular! Not to miss anything, we also went to see Woody’s band playing in a local bar. We loved the ambiance, the music and catching up with Kelly and Woody. (Kelly was a Tai Chi instructor with the Golden Lion before moving to Beijing to live.)

There still much more to tell!..

Robyn Robertson and Aggie Gratton, Mornington TC

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