Women's Basketball Takes on Beijing University
December 31, 2007
On New Year's Eve morning, the Emmanuel crew set out to visit the Temple of Heaven, a complex considerably larger than that of the Forbidden City. Covering an area of about 2,700,000 square meters, the domain was built during the Ming dynasty to provide sacrifices to Heaven. Its great size was meant to reflect Chinese rulers' reverence for the great above, as no emperor would dare have his own residence be bigger than one dedicated to Heaven.
Walking through the temple's gates, the group was able to see some of the complex's most magnificent buildings, including the Circular Mound Altar, Imperial Vault of Heaven and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest. Many were also impressed by the variety of activities of the Chinese natives throughout the area, as it appeared the temple serves as a popular congregation area for many locals. Whether it was singing, dancing, group exercising or games, the tour proved a wonderful opportunity to witness the country's people going about their daily lives.
After eventually exiting the temple, the group made its way over to Hongqiao Market, where each member got the chance to peruse the local shops and practice the fine art of negotiating. Thanks to advice from the group's guide, Richard, the crew had a better understanding of how to bargain with the vendors, yet even armed with his good advice, it was difficult not to be overwhelmed by the scene at first glance.
Entering into the market, which from the exterior resembled a typical commercial building, the setup appeared to be a mix of both a mall and bazaar. On the top floors, group members could find more expensive items - mostly jewelry - in stores comparable to those in the U.S. As they made their way down to the lower levels, however, the building's arrangement began to take on the look of a flea market, with vendors jumping at the chance to sell to any and every potential customer within arm's reach.
The inexpensive prices certainly caught the attention of the group from the start, and after getting comfortable with the setting, few were impeded by the cultural shock of the experience as a whole. Needless to say, by the end of the two hours of shopping, the bus was a bit more packed on the ride back to the hotel.
After a few hours of relaxing at the Holiday Inn Temple of Heaven, the team departed around 3:00 p.m. for its first game in over three weeks, this an exhibition against Beijing University. One of the top team's in the country, Beijing impressed the Saints with its size and strength, as well as its ability to move the ball around the court. Although ultimately falling 68-40, the Emmanuel players viewed the game as an educational glimpse into the Chinese style of play, and each took away something positive from the first opportunity at international competition.
After the game, both teams exchanged gifts, with the Saints presenting Beijing University with two team-autographed Emmanuel jerseys. Jade Paez '08 led the Saints offensively with seven points. Jacquelyn Pannell '08, Abigail Brenkach '10 and Casey Shevlin '11 chipped in five apiece, as did Kathleen Brice '08, who played exceptionally well in the paint. The Saints next game will be on January 2nd when they take on Beijing Sports University.