Remember how much fun the roller skating rink or ice skating rink was back in junior high? Well, I've discovered that the track at our school turns into a place like that at night, and I love it!! Take an evening stroll with me:
8:15 (pm): a little too early to go yet. Freshmen still aren't done with study hall, so write a few more emails to kill a few more minutes.
8:20: change into running clothes, plug in the headphones, and head out the door and down the stairs.
8:21: Ah the air feels nice out here, so much cooler outside than my fifth floor apartment. Loudspeakers are blaring the evening "dah-dah-dah-DAH-DAH!!!!" music that announces the end of another day. I can't hear them most of the time though, because I've got my headphones in, getting my praise on!
8:23: Students are milling around, heading to the supermarket to get a supper of snacks and fruits, or buying bing to eat for dinner. I say hi to several students as I thread my way toward the track, walking by the sidewalk market of small wares being sold by students off blankets on the ground. Those who arrive first get the prime spots under the street lights.
8:24: through the basketball court, even though it's dark there are still a few dedicated souls shooting baskets at rims without nets.
8:25: ahh, on the track. Floodlights on. Highlights/places of interest include: the back stretch--groups of girls practicing their aerobics dance for their gym test. Sometimes this area also includes some kids practicing the martial arts. Turn three: the romance turn, where boys and girls meet to talk, walk slowly, and hold hands (before they go find darker corners of campus). The home stretch: badminton central. No net needed, just lob the birdie back and forth as long as you can. The ping pong is inside, in the rooms underneath the stadium seats. The rest of the kids walk or jog in pairs or small groups, enjoying the night, while a few hang out in the field in the middle of the track. The only difference between this and the ice rink is no fancy tricks in the middle. We do have backwards walkers.
8:35: run into some students (or they come up and start walking with me). Make small talk, find out how they're doing.
8:45: run into other students, rinse and repeat.
I've found the track to be a place of solace and companionship. Highlights included the magic show I was treated to one night, talking with students I never would have had the chance to otherwise, chatting more with the Chinese Spanish teacher who speaks really good Spanish, encouraging sisters, talking about my Favorite book, and even brushing up on my badminton skills!
9:30: regretfully call it a night, thread my way back through the basketball courts, the street market, past the other dormitories, up the stairs, and back home.
8:15 (pm): a little too early to go yet. Freshmen still aren't done with study hall, so write a few more emails to kill a few more minutes.
8:20: change into running clothes, plug in the headphones, and head out the door and down the stairs.
8:21: Ah the air feels nice out here, so much cooler outside than my fifth floor apartment. Loudspeakers are blaring the evening "dah-dah-dah-DAH-DAH!!!!" music that announces the end of another day. I can't hear them most of the time though, because I've got my headphones in, getting my praise on!
8:23: Students are milling around, heading to the supermarket to get a supper of snacks and fruits, or buying bing to eat for dinner. I say hi to several students as I thread my way toward the track, walking by the sidewalk market of small wares being sold by students off blankets on the ground. Those who arrive first get the prime spots under the street lights.
8:24: through the basketball court, even though it's dark there are still a few dedicated souls shooting baskets at rims without nets.
8:25: ahh, on the track. Floodlights on. Highlights/places of interest include: the back stretch--groups of girls practicing their aerobics dance for their gym test. Sometimes this area also includes some kids practicing the martial arts. Turn three: the romance turn, where boys and girls meet to talk, walk slowly, and hold hands (before they go find darker corners of campus). The home stretch: badminton central. No net needed, just lob the birdie back and forth as long as you can. The ping pong is inside, in the rooms underneath the stadium seats. The rest of the kids walk or jog in pairs or small groups, enjoying the night, while a few hang out in the field in the middle of the track. The only difference between this and the ice rink is no fancy tricks in the middle. We do have backwards walkers.
8:35: run into some students (or they come up and start walking with me). Make small talk, find out how they're doing.
8:45: run into other students, rinse and repeat.
I've found the track to be a place of solace and companionship. Highlights included the magic show I was treated to one night, talking with students I never would have had the chance to otherwise, chatting more with the Chinese Spanish teacher who speaks really good Spanish, encouraging sisters, talking about my Favorite book, and even brushing up on my badminton skills!
9:30: regretfully call it a night, thread my way back through the basketball courts, the street market, past the other dormitories, up the stairs, and back home.
