The Ball 2002

The Ball bounces from Xian through Tiananmen Square to the Chinese coast and onwards to Korea.

One of us stays with The Ball at all times as we prepare to leave for Beijing.

Yes, we very nearly lost The Ball in Xian. Our worst nightmare narrowly avoided.

As we move onwards into China proper, we wonder what kind of defensive tactics the terracotta warriors will use to try and stop us getting through.

After many attempts to play a game of football with the monks, we arrange to play at a secret location in the grasslands.

At the Tibetan middle school, where we hope to play with some monks, but find that there are problems with that.

We had no idea what to expect from Gonpo’s advert.

Chris goes to see our Tibetan manager Gonpo, who is trying to organise a game for us.

Our second day at the monastery produces our first game.

First impressions as The Ball arrives at the famous Tibetan monastery.