Early morning in the Wetlands was quiet and calm. There was a cool breeze at the top of the pagoda in the village square but at ground level it was very still. The streets were empty and all the shops and restaurants closed up.
Breakfast was steamed buns, boiled eggs and rice porridge. The absence of coffee was distressing. The coffee shops don't open in the morning because nobody drinks coffee until the evening.
Our first Tai Chi session consisted of taking turns to demonstrate forms for Master Li. He seemed happy with our performances and offered some advice on hand and foot positions and posture.
After lunch we had an official welcome ceremony attended by some of Master Li's Hangzhou Disciples, some guests, media and the Chairman of the Zhejiang Sports Commission, Mr Zhou. After the ceremony we had our first session of Tai Chi Daoyin Gong with Mr Zhou who will be be teacing us each afternoon for the rest of the retreat.
The first part concentrated on Chi gong exercises to strengthen the body and later we worked in pairs on a pulling/charging exercise. Lots of fun.
Pulling down turn the waist then shift forward and push.