Throughout the Magic's trip to China, Magic center Adonal Foyle will share his thoughts about the trip.
I came here (Shanghai) this summer with (the NBA's) Basketball Without Borders program to counsel young kids. That was pretty amazing because we had the opportunity to travel around and visit some of the sights and weren't on as set a schedule.
Every time you come here there is more and more construction and there's more and more building and more and more skyscrapers. You can't help but admire the economic boom that is taking place here, especially when you think of the economic downturn in Florida and the housing market. It's not something that quite connects but it is pretty extraordinary, the economic boom and growth that this place is experiencing.
It's (also) an interesting blend of modernization (growth) with traditionalism (people riding bicycles, scooters in streets, some small shops, people practicing tai chi). It's pretty incredible. There is an incredible juxtaposition between the two. Somehow they have been able to experience modernization and yet still kept a pretty tight lid on the culture and still hold on to their cultural experiences, too. It's a pretty amazing place. Some people say you can't have modernization and traditionalism, but Shanghai is a city that epitomizes both.
(After 18 hours of travel and 12-hour time difference) We don't know really what day it is. We had 18 hours on flight and watched every movie there is, and you read and you sleep and you think about what else is there to talk about and you are still in the plane. I don't think anyone can get used to that. I'm still sore, and my joints are frozen. I think we (as a team) got a lot closer because we had no one else -- but each other.
I look forward to continuing checking in during our adventure.