I had no rehearsal today until 4:30, so my roommate Chris and I spent the day experiencing Chengdu. One thing on our to do list was getting a massage, since they are incredibly cheap here in China. After spending an action packed morning shopping at the local grocery store, we joined some fellow cast mates for what may be the best Kung Pow Chicken in the World. It was both richly flavored yet still subtle, studded with juicy tidbits of cucumber, tender chunks of chicken, and sweet crunchy peanuts. I stuffed myself silly at a slightly expensive 12 Yuan (less than $2).
Chris and I had booked our massage appointments for 2:00, so we headed back to the hotel after lunch. After changing into shorts and t-shirts, we headed to the spa section of the hotel. Upon arriving, we were greeted by the man in charge of the spa, who introduced us to our provocatively dressed "massage therapists". He led us to the back rooms, then sauntered over close to Chris, saying "You want?" while closing his index finger and thumb of his left hand into a circle while repeatedly thrusting into it with the index finger of his right hand. Unfortunately, the massages we received were not particularly good. Our masseuses seemed to have more experience offering other sorts of relaxation techniques.
After a brief afternoon rehearsal, we got our gym membership cards. Chris and I headed over to the facility, where we received a quick tour. It is somewhat small, and is too meagerly equipped for anyone interested in any serious weight training. However, I think I will feel great continuing to go there. Other than the personal trainers on staff, I was by far the largest, strongest user of the equipment. Apparently the Chinese don't have the same passion for sculpted muscle that Americans do.
I spent the remained of my evening exploring downtown Chengdu by myself. I spent most of the time returning people's shouted "Hello!"s and passing discount shoe stores. However, parts of the city were quite gorgeous. The center of the town was especially so, lit up with a multitude of color changing lights and enclosed by intricate moving fountains shooting water 20 feet into the air.
I also delved deeper into town than I had before, witnessing my first Chinese street performer. He was sitting on a bridge wearing a faux leather jacket and a cheap earring, singing what I imagine to be love ballads while accompanying himself on a gratingly out of tune guitar. I watched him for a little bit, then asked him if I could play. We spent the next 30 minutes or so trading songs back and forth. It was so fun I didn't even make him share the tip money.Being a rock star is reward in itself.
