SMU Dragon Boat & More 2015

Someone drove around two teams of Dragon Boat participants from China a couple of weeks ago. While I was not the official photographer for Dragon Boat (meaning I didn't get paid and had limited access) I was however in attendance. The following slideshows are what I captured.

Day One: Campus tour and practice. These students are from two different schools, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (in red) and Shanghai Maritime (in blue & yellow). Practice was preformed in a light to moderate rain that didn't seem to slow either team down one bit. TCM was fun to watch and had the first few passes. Then Maritime stared up and blew my mind. This team was clearly going to be the ringer in the upcoming races.

Day Two: Dragon Boat Festival! No photos of the races (wasn't allowed access to the dock) so I focused on photos of my friends who were performing and some other performances. If you think they look fun then you should attend next year, it was a blast. The dances performed by SMU students were my favorite but in all fairness most of those on stage are personal friends so my judgement is a little skewed. TCM had martial arts demonstrations by three champions and music that were fantastic. I couldn't help getting a few shots of the International Students lining up for their next run too.

Day Three: Trip to the Capitol, Capital Medical Center, Tumwater Falls, Capital Mall and Walmart with TCM. I have the most fun on these type of days getting to know the students a little better. They were curious about our government and had a lot of questions about my personal feelings on the matter. I'd like to say I left them with a balanced idea of where we are as a nation. The hospital tour was in depth and I learned a lot walking around the different departments. The students were surprised that the hospital took the time and money to wall paper and decorate the birthing suites. 

A good few days with some great teachers, coaches and students. Can't wait till next year!