Understandably, the Kentucky volleyball team hasn’t been its sharpest on the court so far during a cultural exchange trip to China.On Monday, the Wildcats took a big step in the right direction. Before a lengthy afternoon of traveling, UK took on the Jiangsu Junior Team on Monday morning. Led by Kayla Tronick and Emily Franklin, the Cats found the form that has established them among the nation’s elite in Craig Skinner’s tenure as head coach.”I thought my performance was good but not great,” Emily Franklin wrote. “There are things I need to improve on and that will take time while adjusting to the different style of play. Overall, I felt like I did give it to my team!”UK is adjusting to a new pregame ritual while in China that features meditation, as well as the lighter balls used there. After the match and lunch, it was off to Baoding, a smaller city of about two million people, via bullet train and bus. In transit for the better part of the afternoon, the Cats didn’t have time for much more than a short walk around a bright downtown area and dinner.The team did, however, take time to write their thoughts about their time in China so far for a blog dedicated to their trip. Here are a few thoughts from the student-athletes themselves:Shelby WorkmanSo far this China trip for me has been interesting in a good way. I have learned so much and a lot of the questions I had about China I have been able to answer myself just by observing the cities and the people around me. The sightseeing has been incredible. There is so much more in our world that we do not know about and I am enjoying the opportunity we have right now to experience it. Besides the food (which is not horrible, just different) my time in China has been a blast.Jackie NapperI have been surprised by the differences in our lifestyles compared to those living here. Not necessarily the lifestyles but the differences in the environment, the food, everything really. I was shocked by the way people drive idiotically through the streets and the food has been a huge challenge for me because I have not been able to eat much at all. I really enjoyed visiting the temple, but I would also like to visit other places that are interesting but not necessarily dealing with their religion.Sara SchwarzwalderChina has been interesting so far.  I am really enjoying seeing the city and the culture.  I am disappointed in the food and wish that it were more appealing to me. However, I really am having a good time learning and observing the Chinese way of life and seeing the things that we were taught in class firsthand.  So far I have had a great time bargaining for souvenirs and trying the exotic foods! I would like to learn more about the history of the temples that we visit. I wish there was more English at the temple so that I could understand more of what I am seeing.