Just another tourist just another fan

Now that the games are over, we had some time to get around. Went to see the men play against Spain. Unfortunately they came up short.

Next Dan and I went to the Yuyuen Gardens. The area is surrounded by shopping and old style Chinese buildings. We found the gardens which ended up being a mix of koi ponds temples and incredible rock formations. It was beautiful.

Later in the day we went to the pool to watch swimming. Saw the US win a couple medals including Phelps winning gold in the 100 fly.

Went out for some drinks to complete the productive day.

Photo 1: outside the gardens

Photo 2: a view inside

Photo 3: Phelps on his way to gold in the 100 fly

Photo 4: a cold one in the bund district.

Check out and on the plane back to LA tomorrow.

Thumbs up Shanghai. It's been real.

Not today

We played Australia for 5th today and it wasn't meant to be. We went up and played well. Australia fought back and we just didn't have enough to hold them off. We ended up losing which is tough for this team. Hopefully they learn from this set back and grow as a team.

We are the best in the world. And we will show that soon enough.

Photo 1: the team. The future.

Thumbs up for the future. It's as bright as ever.

Close...

Today was the rematch of the mens gold medal match from Beijing. This was for top 4 and assuming Serbia would make top 4 and they had already qualified for London the other three would also qualify. That would be huge for our guys. Game started out really good. The guys don't always start well but they were right in it the whole time. Eventually they fell short but to lose by one to Hungary is no small thing.

Photo 1: Ryan Bailey on the jumbo-tron after putting the US up 7-6.

Photo 2: final score just short but well played

Photo 3: another stash of food in one if the girls' rooms. They could open up shop and sell all this stuff.

Photo 4: new book I just started. Lent to me by Betsy. I read the first chapter and already like the way this guy writes.

So we play Canada tomorrow at 12:10pm. Should be good. Hopefully the team can bounce back in a big way.

Thumbs up. Proud of the mens team today.

Not today

Tough day for the team. We lost in the quarterfinals to Russia. We played a great first half but Russia made a run in the third we just couldn't stop.

So top four in no order will be: Russia, Greece, Italy and China. 5-8 will be between: USA, Netherlands, Australia and Canada. We match up with Canada next. It's a preview of Pan Ams. Again we find ourselves in need of bouncing back.

Not a thumbs up day. Maybe tomorrow.

Misc China

Good tourist day in Shanghai. Had a video session then some of the girls and coaches went to the fabric district. I got a suit and a couple dress shirts made custom. All for around $110. Not bad at all.

Then to the pool to film. Nothing too interesting. Had a chance to talk to VB after the Australia game. They beat Hungary and seemed pretty in control.

After I left the pool, I had missed the last shuttle back to the hotel by about 2 mins so I walked to the main street to catch a cab and saw a taxi get tagged by a bus.

Other than that, not much to report. Oh Amanda Beard is in room 1510.

Photo 1: typical scene in the girls rooms. Stocking up on food for the long tournament.

Photo 2: another late night view of the polo venue

Photo 3: bus v taxi. Winner: bus

So the girls play Russia on Monday. Training tomorrow. Getting down to it now.

Thumbs up!!

Another day in Shanghai

Day was pretty normal in our routine. We had practice then a break after lunch. Some of us went over to the garment district. We met up with the mens team coaches there where everyone was trying to get some suits and clothes made. It was also Adam's birthday today and the girls celebrated that at our evening practice. The mens team won their game against South Africa 20-3 or something like that. So a good day all around.

Photo 1: unofficial outfitters of USA water polo, Amy.

Photo 2: the girls celebrating Adam's birthday before practice.

Just another day in China. Still loving the experience.

Thumbs up everybody.

Day of Video

I filmed 6 of the 8 games today. Sat and watched the Cuba v South Africa game and read a book through the Australia v Uzbekistan game which was a great call by me. Cuba tied S. Africa and Australia killed Uzbekistan. Filmed all the other games and they were pretty good. They ended late and I missed the last shuttle back to the hotel so I took a cab which was kind of an adventure. Nothing crazy but the driver took a different way back so I freaked out just a bit but it all worked out.

The girls had a relatively easy game today with a 14-4 win. It was 4-3 after one but not close after that.

Photo 1: swimmers at the swim stadium warming up. They start Sunday.

Photo 2: jumbo-tron shot before the game

Photo 3: another jumbo-tron shot of the team getting fired up for Kazakhstan.

Good to be back at the hotel. Home away from home.

Thumbs up! Safe cab rides are a wonderful thing.

Men's Game and Celebrity Sightings

The team to the afternoon off of practice to go watch and support the men's team in their game vs Italy. It was a close game and they started much better this time. Still came up a little short. It was frustrating at times to watch but still great to see the guys play and play hard. Refs obviously didn't help but that's always the case. We can play better and I'm sure that'll happen as the tournament goes on. We also saw Spain play Montenegro and Ivan Perez is still balling it up. Cool to see him playing. Doesn't swim so well but he is a strong mf.

Once we got back to the hotel we saw a little bit of a crowd in the lobby and we were guessing maybe that Kobe was staying at the hotel since he's running a camp here in Shanghai just up the street but I think the crowd was for the swimmers that are also staying here. All the USA teams are at the hotel. That means Michael Phelps, Amanda Beard etc.

Photo 1: men's team lined up before the game

Photo 2: the coaches went out and got suits so they were looking pretty dapper

Photo 3: guys before the start of the game getting fired up

Photo 4: paparazzi shot of Natalie Coughlin and Amanda Beard. Phelps was around but these two are a lot more attractive.

Anyhow, down day for the guys but the girls have Kazakhstan tomorrow. Hope they can continue to play hard and keep rolling.

Thumbs up for celebrity sightings.

Bounce back

Second day of the women's competition and I headed to the pool early. I spent most of the day at the pool and it was hot again but not as bad once you know it's coming. Saw Australia beat up on New Zealand. I had a chance to talk to Rowie real quick after their game and gave her the package Charlotte sent with me.

Our girls played Hungary in the second of three group games. After our tie with the Dutch we needed to win big over Hungary both for the confidence and rhythm of the team and also for advancement. The team came out with awesome energy and intensity. It was close early but we just kept pounding away and eventually won 16-7. The Netherlands is going to have to win by 10+ to win the group. It was great to see the team play like that. Rest day and then Kazakhstan to close out group play.

Photo 1: actually taken yesterday but figured I'd share it.

Photo 2: had a chance to poke my head into the swim arena to check out some synchro.

Photo 3: another view of the swim center from between the arches of the polo arena.

Thumbs up!! Way to bounce back ladies.

Into the City

It was nice to have an "off day" between games for the girls to rest some and regroup from a slow start. We did a quick video session and then to the university for practice. It was really hot and humid. Lunch and a little rest time before afternoon practice. We played at a different pool in the city which was cool to be able to drive in and see the skyline.

Photo 1: team picture with some of the workers. This was at the university pool after morning practice. They love their pictures here.

Photo 2: some of Shanghai from the bus ride into the city

Photo 3: Chinese shoveled tribute to the Beatles

Photo 4: a view of the new practice pool. The guy being interviewed is the China coach. He is originally Spanish and he's a celebrity at this event.

Early night tonight. The girls have Hungary tomorrow. Huge game. I'll be at the pool early to film some of the other games. Do work.

Thumbs up Shanghai.

Game Day

It came faster than I expected but not too soon. First game was against the Netherlands. We tied 7-7 in a game that we probably should have won by 3 or 4 goals.

Photo 1: USA and NED lined up before the game.

Photo 2: intros for the girls

Photo 3: more introductions

Photo 4: all the venues for worlds in one shot from left to right - polo, diving and swimming

We can still win the group and that all depends on Hungary. We need to beat them by more than the Netherlands does. Hungary Tuesday.

Thumbs up!! We'll get them in the next round.

2 days.

World Championships start in two days. Well a day and a half. First game is the Netherlands which is huge. It's a rematch of the gold medal game from Beijing. Had a two hour practice preparing for the upcoming games and a quick video session back at the hotel. Really nice room just like everything else in the hotel (see photo).

Spent some time figuring out the video taping and tagging software. Ready to get to work.

Thumbs up. Almost game time.

Rain

We are starting to get into more of a routine with meals and practices. Today we played at a local university since the mens teams were using the pools at the competition site. The picture is of the pool which was outdoors. It was a little bit of a surprise but actually the humidity mixed with heat was more of an adjustment.

In our evening session we scrimmaged the Chinese team. Was a little sloppy but it was good to shake some of the rust. Got a chance to practice video and tagging which was good.

As we were leaving it started to rain. Glad it didn't rain earlier. Hopefully this will help bring the temp down a little. Most likely it'll just bump the humidity up. Two hour practice tomorrow back at the competition pool.

Thumbs up from rainy Shanghai.

Pools for Worlds

We drove over to the pool today for practice. Here are some of the pictures I tool along the way.

Picture 1: Swimming Competition Pool

Picture 2: Polo Competition Pool

Picture 3: inside the competition pool.

The scoreboard is incredible and everything looks so new and clean. I can't wait for the games to start.

This really is the best of both worlds for me. Beautiful pools inside beautiful buildings.

Thumbs up from Shanghai.

Captions

Along with Facebook, Blogger is also blocked so I am trying to get around that by emailing my posts in. Hope they go through okay. These captions go with last post's pictures.
Picture 1: On the plane at LAX.

Picture 2: 13hrs later we arrived in Shanghai. I had a whole row to myself which was awesome. Watched 4 movies and some Family Guy.

Picture 3: Customs with the team. I felt special when we were greeted at the gate by World Championships staff with signs for the US Delegation. I'm not sure if it was because I'm Asian but I got my own sign.

Picture 4: This is the lobby of the hotel. It is really nice... Well it's nice once you get through the metal detectors.

Picture 5: View of the room. Really nice. I've been told this is not normal as far as accommodations go.

Starting to figure this thing out. Photos and text together in the next one.

Thumbs up!! Shanghai.

LAX -> Shanghai

And it starts again.

I'm back at LAX for leg 2. 13hr flight to Shanghai (at least it's direct). Looking forward to the experience of world championships. More from China once I get there. Until then thumbs up from LAX... again.

Home. And it feels great.

We got back last night took a while to get through customs. One constant in my recent travels, the immigration, international baggage claim and customs areas of every airport we were at was easily the least attractive, hottest, smelliest and generally worst place to stand in line after line of any area in the airport.

It does feel good to be back even if it is LA summer hot here. Not ideal for someone recovering from getting sick but a good nights sleep in my own bed with the windows open and the cool Claremont night air was amazing.

Thumbs up for California and cool night air.

Budapest at its finest

The day started with practice at the pool on Margit Island. It is awesome to think that we are able to play in the same pool as some of the best that have ever played the game. Amazing experience. After we had lunch then straight to a bus guided sight seeing tour of the city. First stop was Heroes' Square (see first picture). Then drove passed the parliament building before concluding at the castle.

The team helping me out with a thumbs up in the square.

A view of the cathedral at the castle. Beautiful tile roof, picture doesn't do it justice.

Another view of the cathedral at the castle. I guess it was gutted and redone and they are still working on it.

View of the parliament building from the castle. Still fascinated by this building.

Last night here in Budapest. A little shopping some packing then off for the airport at 5:30am.

Thumbs up! First trip down. Next up... Thumbs up Shanghai.

Welcome to Budapest!

Jumped on the bus early this morning to drive into Budapest. We checked into the hotel then walked over to Margit Island to watch some polo. First game was Germany vs Greece. Second game was the hometown Hungarians vs the Russians. Picture below is the start of the second game Hungary is in the red. Greece and Hungary won. It was awesome to be around so many people who were there just to watch polo.

This is just a shot of the pool so you can get a feel for the atmosphere. And for Grant's head.

After the games we went to lunch at a pizza place but didn't have pizza. The kids were pretty bummed but it was still good. Next we did some walking in the rain to the shops for some tourist activities. After we went on a dinner cruise up and down the river. The views were incredible. Dinner was good and the band was okay. We had a chance to get the kids to dance and I think they had a good time. Here is a shot of the parliament building from the cruise. Such an amazing building.

This is some sort of national theater. I would like to see it up close. Looks like the museums we designed in our first studio of grad school.

Just a group shot of some of the coaches and parents rocking the enthusiastic thumbs up.

On that note... Thumbs up from Budapest. Two more days of the Hungary leg of my summer.