Thanks Beijing.

The tournament ended today. We finished with a win over Hungary for 3rd. Not the result we wanted but still it came with good growth and motivation to get back to work.

After the games we went to the local market for whatever you can imagine. Bought some shoes, gifts, etc. then stopped off so a couple of the girls could get their hair cut and nails done. The coaching staff occupied ourselves with foot massages conveniently run next door to the hair salon and run by the same people. Felt great, I could probably use one of those a week.

On the way to the market we drive by the CCTV buildings, so cool to see.

Night ended with a team trip to McDonald's to try to get some normal food after a week of Chinese hotel food. Thank heavens for French fries and mcnuggets.

Headed home in the morning. Back to the real world.

Thumbs up Beijing, it's been real.

Photo 1: best dressed medal winners
Photo 2: close up of the water cube medal
Photo 3: my new friends who sell shoes.
Photo 4: staff foot massages
Photo 5: CCTV on this fine evening.

Underway

We've started and had a rough shoot out loss to the hometown China team. Bounced back strong with a win over Russia tonight. Hungary tomorrow to finish out group play. Should be a good one.

Nothing big to speak of beyond the pool and games. I was able to get a swim in at the competition pool at the water cube. So to be able to share the water with the Olympians of our players and coaches not to mention the same pool that Phelps dominated the world and where the USA men's 4x100 relay inspired a generation, that's pretty cool. Sure makes you want to get back in shape.

Until next time, thumbs up Beijing.

Photo 1: love the signage here
Photo 2: another interesting building in the bird's nest/water cube area
Photo 3: night shot of the cube and nest
Photo 4: "Beijing Fog" obscuring the view of the bird's nest