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!"