Image courtesy of Dawn AndersonWe did not have a game until the afternoon so everyone got to sleep in. We ate breakfast at the hotel and took a bus over to the gym with the opposing team, watching Asian action films and music videos. We played a team from Kyushu, Japan. They were very quick and played hard the entire game. In the end, our superior shooting and rebounding helped us prevail.
Over the course of the first two days, we noticed some unexpected cultural differences. First, they have uniquely shaped bathroom utilities. Second, mopeds are the main form of transportation and they disregard all red lights. Third, the walk signal actually walks and then runs when time is running out to cross the street. Lastly, we bow and exchange gifts before and after games.
After we returned to the hotel, we went to the hotel's spa. After swimming under the waterfall, floating in the whirlpool, chilling under the water jets, and hanging out in the hot tub, we went to the steam room and showered. After showering, you are given yukatas. We went to dinner at the Windmill with all the other teams and the president of Kainan. There was another impressive spread of delicious food and desserts.
After dinner, several of us decided to indulge in an ancient Asain tradition. We ventured off to the Taiwan royal spa where we each received massages and were served tea, soup, fruits, vegetables, and cheesecake.
Tomorrow we play host Kainan University.
-Mitch and Will
