So, today I tried out the roller rink here on campus. It is an outdoor rink with a very rough surface compared to what I am used to at Florham Park. Its made of these concrete slabs, probably a square meter each, that have flat pebbles in them. Most of the seams between the slabs aren't bad, however there are three that are noticeable and will probably cause me to fall eventually. It is also a very small rink. Two power strokes and I am across the rink, and it isn't because I have gotten stronger. The surface is very hard on my wheels too. In an hour that floor was able to wear away more of the ridges on my wheels than months of skating in NJ did. I also couldn't do a spin because my wheels keep catching in the floor.
Even though the Chinese consider staring quite rude, they obsessively stare at foreigners. Needless to say this meant I had a significant number of people watching me try not to make a fool of myself. Since it is very warm here, the best time to skate is first thing in the morning. I think tomorrow I will go even earlier and see if I can attract less of a crowd.
On the other hand, it is a rink that I can walk to. I don't think there are specific hours that you are allowed to use it. There was only one other person on it this morning. It should increase my strength since I have to work harder and if I can ever manage a spin on that surface, then it will be a piece of cake once I get home.
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