We arrived in Barcelona on Monday and have been training with the Spanish team. They're a really good team with a different style and that's been a good shift for the team to see. The Dutch and Spanish couldn't be more different. So all in all it's been a really productive time leading up to worlds.
The cool thing about this tournament is that it's in a city that hosted an incredible Olympic Games. We have been training in the Olympic pool next to the stadium I remember watching during the opening ceremonies where the Olympic cauldron was lit by bow and flaming arrow. I had a speedo swimming sticker that I put on the family Volvo that said "No Pain, No Spain". This was one of the first Olympic Games I remember staying up to watch. Biondi vs Popov. And you can't forget the Dream Team. The original one and only Dream Team. Serious memories. The beginnings of my love of sport.
Them there's the rest of Barcelona. The art, architecture, food, people and so much more.
Hopefully I'll have all sorts of amazing pictures and updates for you coming up. Can't wait to see this beautiful city.... But business first.
Thumbs up Barça! Estamos aquí.
Photo 1: our home for the next three weeks.
Photo 2: the Olympic Pool - Piscines Picornell
Photo 3: the competition pool. Still getting signage and decorations up. Beautiful, you can feel the history.
Photo 4: BCN 2013. A quick shot during training.
Photo 5: improvements as we train. This guy was scaring the shit out of me with his drill and lack of general caution. Drill pointed right at his chest/throat trying to get through that metal railing. About 100 of those exact holes to drill. Cuidado hombre!
