By: Coach Bastian ~ Saturday, September 3, 2011

Today was again a day of Chinese Softball Foundation (CSF) work, softball and human development. Zhou Yu, Bailu, Yichun Chang, Lan Su (Chang Xiaoxue’s father and mother) and I went to dinner in Beijing, where we had some of the best authentic Hot Pot in all of China, I am told- most definitely the best in Beijing- and we drank wine that Yichun Chang brought back from Italy. It was fun for Zhou and Bailu to get to know Xiaoxue’s parents. Her parents presented me with gifts of a Chinese moon cake and ancient Chinese coins. The Chinese Fall Festival begins later this month and those are traditional gifts given during that time. Those were great gifts from them, and I was honored to receive them. Xiaoxue’s parents are very excited about her life right now. I shared with them that Xiaoxue has told me that she may stay in the United States to live and work, and they are ok with that and excited for her. It has been a wonderful journey for Xiaoxue and the work that we have done- that is what the Chinese Softball Foundation and The Fastpitch School stand for.

After dinner, Zhou, Bailu and I went to a cinema in the French market, which is close to their home, and watched Cars 2. The movie was very expensive- close to twenty dollars. Movies have gotten much more expensive in China! It was interesting to watch a movie with Chinese people, the accents, use of the English language (Larry the Cable Guy?!). It was fun to see if the people understood some of the subtle humor involved.

Overall, my time in China so far has involved some great communication and learning experiences. We will see what my final three days have in store!