Tennis

Thinking about tennis camp this week, I came up with an analogy. Tennis, in a way, is like chess. At first, you learn about the strokes and technique and how the chess pieces move, and it seems like that's the main part of the game in both cases. Then, strategy plays into it. You need to figure out when to move where, what your opponent's next move is likely to be, and how to be ready for anything coming your way. You need to be on top of your game from the very beginning, because a few double faults or a poor opening could determine your performance for the rest of your match or game. Tennis seems to be more of a physical sport, but as I gain more experience, I realize that the mental aspect is just as important. Strategy is a huge element in tennis, and at tennis camp this week I'm trying to improve my positioning and strategic tactics.

I'll write more soon,
Cora

Travels in Austria... Belated entries with pictures!!

I just posted some more of my diary entries from when I was in Austria in spring on my blog at http://corastravels.blogspot.com. Check it out!

China

I left China only a week ago, but it seems as if the whole trip happened months - maybe even years - ago. The pictures I took, the souvenirs I purchased, and the diary entries I wrote serve merely as memories of a world that seems so distant now. The food, the people, the customs and traditions ... everything was so different. I'm not always operating on a busy schedule, which I enjoy tremendously: I love the feeling of waking up in the morning without a wake-up call and not having to worry about having to pack up my suitcase and move hotels every other day. There's a lot that I miss about China, like speaking Chinese, but a whole lot that I won't miss, like the smog and pollution and people smoking everywhere and bumpy train and plane rides during which I had trouble sleeping. China was a great experience, but I'm really glad I'm back home with my family and friends, relaxing to the best of my ability until school starts again.