COLUMBIA, Mo. – In late May, Mizzou Volleyball made its long trek to Beijing, China, for an unforgettable 13-day trip. While overseas, the Tigers competed against top Chinese competition during the week and visited historic landmarks on the weekends.
Throughout the offseason, MUTigers.com will meet with each of the Tiger players who made the memorable trip. Each individual will focus on one part of the team's trip and recall what that moment meant to them.
Up next is junior Courtney Eckenrode and her recollection of visiting the historic Giant Panda House. The following description was written by Eckenrode.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
On the first day of the trip, we got to visit the Giant Panda House and see tons of panda bears in their habitat. We were all super excited to get to see these adorable creatures that we normally only ever get to see pictures of. They were bigger than I expected and much fluffier in person! There were adult pandas, as well as a baby panda that I wanted to go pick up and give a big bear hug to because it was just so cute.
Although it was raining a little bit during this visit (hence the ponchos in the pictures), we still had such a great time seeing the pandas amongst the busy crowds of people. The pandas were also out and about in their habitats despite the rain. They were munching on their bamboo and climbing and playing with all of their toys. It was so fun to get to see such a rare and exotic animal.
We were all smiles on this adventure in our first day in China. Some of us got panda souvenirs. I learned that I love to eat bamboo shoots (thank you Carly Kan), and we all got to experience this together for the first time. We had a great time seeing the pandas and I wish I could've taken one home but they're a little too big for my suitcase unfortunately.
Visit MUTigers.com for the latest information on all things Mizzou Volleyball. You can also find the Tigers on social media by liking us on Facebook (Missouri Volleyball) and following us on Twitter and Instagram (@MizzouVB).