Banana
George
Barefoots in China
Banana
George and his wife JoAnne recently completed a
very successful and enjoyable trip to China.
The Chinese Water Ski Association has a beautiful ski site about
one-half hour from the center of Beijing. George
was a hit with everyone and was surrounded by media and fans the
whole time. He was on TV and in all of the newspapers.
Although the ski site is beautiful, the temperatures had dropped
at night and the water was very cold -- 52 degrees Fahrenheit.
George
skied the first day with only a shorty wetsuit but switched to a dry
suit for the next three days! They have four Correct Craft ski
boats. The tournament was strictly for jumping (not barefoot
jumping, regular jumping). The Chinese water ski team put on a
show each day and they were really good. This tournament was
put on because of Beijing's bid for the 2008 Olympic Games and it
would be wonderful if they succeeded because they really know how to
get things done! Banana
and JoAnne were hosted by Mr. Liu and Mrs. Xia. She is
director of the China Water Sports Administration Center and he is
Secretary General of the Chinese Water Ski Association.
According to George,
"Mr. Liu and Mrs. Xia took very good care of all the skiers, providing
nice accommodations and ensuring that they sampled various Chinese
foods." Banana
also visited the Great Wall, where he was photographed in his wet
suit, and he spent time in the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
with JoAnne and Mrs. Xia After Beijing, George
and JoAnne visited Shanghai which is really a city in transition!
It was a fascinating four days. Adds George,
"The whole trip was very worthwhile!" |