In 2013 my Chinese horoscope literally advised me not to take up rock climbing, saying that I should keep my feet on solid ground this year and watch out for objects falling on my head... CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!
While I have climbed a few times before, it has been almost 10 years (a decade!!) since I've done anything even remotely serious with it. I decided to go back when I found out a good friend from college, who I climbed with back in the day, is now in Shanghai -- shout out to Charlie Liu!
 |
| A great space, with challenging routes even for more experienced climbers! |
All of this goes along with my desire to buy less while spending more time gaining new experiences, having fun with friends and enjoying new ways to spend my time, hence the desire to join them on their adventures!
It says a lot about our world of conspicuous consumption that one of my first thoughts upon entering the little climbing world of Yanwu was "Oh crap, I'm going to have to buy climbing shoes..."
As if buying the shoes would make me a better climber, or help me fit in more, or make me somehow more committed to the activity due to the cost incurred -- all the things we think when we decide to take up a new hobby and go out to buy all the "necessary" equipment. Oh well, I have already decided that if I am still climbing a year from now, then I can get the damn shoes!
The place was fun, the routes were great and the staff was super attentive and helpful to a beginner. At just 55 RMB for the entrance fee and rental shoes, along with one-on-one instruction from a dude called "Gecko," I really hope to make it back for more fun!
 |
| Buff bodies at Yanwu! |
No comments:
Post a Comment