The Swimming Pool

Yesterday I finally made it to the pool--a task I've had on my list since my brand new bathing suits arrived by express mail a few weeks ago. Let's recap the experience.

I was already downtown and hopped in a cab (I had previously picked up a business card from the hotel so I could just show it to the driver instead of having to talk). Of course, he wanted to talk and asked the three big questions: 1. What country am I from? 2. How long have I been in China? and 3. Do I like Chinese food?

He added in a few extra for spice--why I wanted to go to the hotel and I told him I wanted to swim (having just learned this word from a friend...). He seemed to find this rather amusing and dropped me off in front of the pool doors. I was impressed with his taxi-knowledge.

So, I walked in and the attendant asked if I had a swimming card. I had previously decided that I would swim in the pool to test it out before investing in the 300 rmb for 12 trips dealio. I was quite relieved to see that they had goggles for sale since I had failed to purchase any elsewhere. They also had swim caps which were tempting until she told me they were 15 rmb which I thought quite expensive and said I'd pass. Then, she rattled off some barely indistinguishable Chinese. I guessed that I HAD to buy a cap and asked if this was the case. It was. They had quite the selection of caps and I finally settled on an electric blue Lycra-like one that matches my newly purchased goggles. I got my locker key and some towels and pushed my way through the large door that, thankfully, had some English indicating it was the lockerroom...for women.

The locker situation seemed rather straightforward, but after several failed attempts at opening the small door I was more than relieved that the locker and I had no other company. I took a deep breath, plead that the locker cooperate, and tried again. Success!! It was really quite odd. The key is basically this flat piece of metal that slides into the "lock." There is a small metal part that protrudes from the right side of the lock that you must deftly pull out while pushing the key in with your other hand. Then, the key "jumps" in the lock and the door swings open. Inside the locker (and this is what I love about China) there were several hangers waiting for my clothes, flip flops for my feet (in a separate compartment), and a sign indicating the rules of locker usage.

I got suited up and managed to offend only one other person (her look was telling...it wasn't until after showering with my suit that I saw the sign NOT to do this and understood her disgust at my naivete). Up the stairs to the pool. Stood at the "foot pool," which still seems like an incredibly BAD idea to me... you know, standing water to wash your feet? I shuddered, searched for a way around, found none. Took a deep breath, imagined all the warts that would be on my feet in a couple of days, and croseed as quickly as possible.

There were quite a few children and maybe 10 adults. I was delighted that there were some lanes out and that the largest section of the pool was reserved for adults. There was no lifeguard on duty, but a man in a white cotton jumpsuit supervising the rowdy children in the absence of their parents. And now, I understand why pools don't allow children to swim without supervision...a rule that I hated as a child and know think is a pretty grand idea. These kids were, well, kids. All over the place!!

The temperature of the water was perfect. I always dislike the pools that are heated for comfort at first dip but then are way too hot if you decide to exercise after adjusting to the pool environment. This pool was a bit cool at first, but remained refreshing for the entire hour that I swam. I got out of the pool only to be followed (through the foot pool) by a man who had been eyeing me the entire hour, had even tried to talk to me (to which my reply was an over emphatic pointing at my ear plugs). He was impressed with my swimming, I guess. I retrieved Noam Chomsky from my locker and returned to the lounge chairs upstairs. The attendent told me that these lounge chairs are only for sleeping, so I couldn't incline the back to a sitting position. That's cool, I'll just read horizontally.

After some Noam, back to the pool. The odd man was still there and now my ear plugs did not phase him. He wanted to race this way and that. I consented to one freestyle 50 m race. I beat him, though not without great effort. I am soooo out of shape!! Towards the end I felt like a flailing victim of a boat wreck.

Swam 30 mins more (trying to get as much out of my 40 rmb entrance fee as possible) before feeling the extreme tiredness descend upon me. I could have fallen asleep right there in the pool if my mind hadn't reminded me this would have been a less than good idea. I hit the showers (after crossing the foot pool again, of course) and ignored the "Our work is really lack water" sign and availed myself of the endless scorching hot water. I think I clocked in at about 15 mins. I was DIVINE!!

When I was ready to leave, the same man was, guess what? Waiting for me!! Just my luck!! Exercise and picking up a man...NOT!! I refused an invitation to dinner saying that I already had plans to eat with a friend. He asked if it was a boyfriend. I looked at him and then answered that it was. His steps slowed and I continued down the hill to catch a taxi home.

Overall, I think the pool was rather fabulous. The foot pool, not so much. We'll see what happens there. But, the pool is about a 15 rmb taxi ride from home, plus the 40 rmb entrance fee, and the taxi home. It makes for an expensive trip. There is one closer that has more limited access that I hope to try this week...keep you posted.

(sorry for no pictures)