Hungry, Full, Hungry, Full, Hungry, Full, Sleep.

Figured I'd elaborate a little on the food since so much of our trips revolve around food. Wake up then breakfast. Train then lunch. Nap. Wake up, train then dinner. Sleep.

We talked about the pool so here's the other 30% of our day.

Didn't get a picture of breakfast but it usually consists of a large assortment of breads (personally I like the croissants but I guess everyone else does also since they are hard to get your hands on), some cheeses, sliced meats, eggs (hard boiled and scrambled), juices, yogurt, fruit.... Pretty basic and nothing earth shattering, but still good.

Lunch today was sandwiches with choices of bread, Swiss cheese, Brie, meats like ham or prosciutto, small fried fish sticks, more juice. I guess that's really similar to breakfast but it was good none the less. The roll I picked out had a ton of flower on top which did nothing to affect the taste but it did get everywhere so due to inconvenience factor I give it a 6 out of 10. Otherwise, the food was good.

Dinner was sort of confusing tonight. There were taco shells out but no real clear taco making ingredients. Maybe the pasta sauce could have doubled as taco filling but that seemed a little strange. In the picture you can see ( clockwise from the top) empty space was salad, potato balls, chicken, broccoli, spaghetti and pasta sauce/taco filling, and that last thing is a date. Half of a monstrosity of a date. Again, good dinner. There was an asparagus soup which I didn't try. Usually there is some kind of soup du jour, my favorite has been the onion soup.

Dessert was great. Apple pastry, strawberry and chocolate stick with whipped cream. Can't go wrong there.

Just a taste of what we're sustaining with. Tomorrow we leave Zeist for Gouda (yeah, like the cheese).

Thumbs up for Dutch Cooking.

Photo 1: lunch
Photo 2: dinner
Photo 3: dessert
Photo 4: this is where we have our meals. I really like the building, a great combination of green orange and black interiors, decent wifi and outdoor seating. This picture was taken at 9:30pm. Sun stays up late, wakes up early.

KNZB Super Bad

Second full day here in Zeist. It really is a great place to be, away from it all. Great to focus with no distractions. That also means not a lot to do but luckily we're pretty busy all day.

Just a glimpse into a typical day. Today, wake up for team breakfast, next to the pool for morning training (today the team lifted then did a 5 quarter scrimmage with the Dutch), team lunch, rest time (mostly nap time), video session, back to the pool for 3 hrs of training. Finished around 9pm then to the hotel for a late team dinner. Down time before sleep and starting all over again tomorrow.

We finish dinner at 9pm but it stays light out well into the late evening. It gets really hard to judge time of day.

The food in general had been good. Tonight's dinner in particular was outstanding. Salmon, potatoes two ways, minestrone soup chocolate mousse for dessert. Not sure if it was because we had lunch at 12:30 and dinner at 9pm or the amount of training the girls are doing but everyone was very complimentary of the food tonight. That's a nice thing to have on these trips. Not to pick on China again, but this is much better than Beijing. Just saying.

Until tomorrow, thumbs up for KNZB Super BAD and gourmet Dutch Dinners.

Photo 1: the complex. Hotel to the right, meals straight ahead, pool to the left
Photo 2: stroll through the woods for the pool.
Photo 3: KNZB BAD Zeist
Photo 4: the pool. A little washed out because of the windows looking out on the forest.
Photo 5: between quarters of our scrimmage with the Dutch.

Zeist

First full day in Zeist where the Dutch team trains. We're here with the Dutch and Canada so it definitely feels like we're building up to worlds.

We are in a beautiful complex which is essentially in the woods. All the buildings for the hotel, meals and the pool are all in short walking distance.

The walk takes you through the trees of the complex and it's a great upgrade from the walk to the pool though Beijing (no offense China, but the pollution and general grime was too much).

We had two trainings today and between joining the team for dry land, weights and a very short swim (more to cool off than anything) I know I'll be sore tomorrow. That's a good thing.

The pool is nice but I'll save that for tomorrow.

For now, thumbs up from fresh air and woodland living.

Photo 1: Internet in the rooms isn't awesome, I often catch the girls in the hallway under the router hoping to get their daily updates about life back in California. (Wearing pants is apparently optional and a much lower priority than getting that ideal wifi signal.)
Photo 2: just a quick shot of the walk to the pool from the hotel.

I AMsterdam

Flew out to Holland for the first leg of our trip to World Championships. We are headed to Zeist to train with the Dutch team but we had a couple hours to kill in Amsterdam before heading out so we stopped and wandered the city for a bit. Was able to take the train into the city from the airport which was pretty easy.

Amsterdam is a beautiful city with old leaning buildings, bikes and other things you've no doubt seen in postcards. Grabbed a meal and some sights. Then off to Zeist.

The KNVB training center in Zeist is beautiful. It's in the woods with an incredible simple feel. Rooms don't smell amazing but everything has been great so far. Tomorrow training starts.

Thumbs up from Holland!

Photo 1: view of the river going through Amsterdam, beautiful homes and buildings.
Photo 2: some of the coaching staff taking in the city, some food and the sights.
Photo 3: shot of the Dutch KNVB house in Zeist before team dinner.
Photo 4: really pretty train station in Amsterdam.
Photo 5: old row homes on the water in Amsterdam. Leaning and falling over time. So cool.

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

Throw back Thursday.

We are in Beijing. It was a long trip but we got here safe and all's good. We're all struggling a little to fight off the jetlag but we made it through the first full day. Practice in the morning and we got to see the water cube. Such a cool venue, can't wait for the games to start.

Just a few shots of the last day:
Photo 1: a bunch of shots I stole from the girls.
Photo 2: inside the water cube
Photo 3: frogs. In the grocery store. Food, not pets.
Photo 4: just one variety of egg at the store
Photo 5: America's number 1 fan.

Golden

At some point more details. But for now all you need to know is we won!!

Go Team USA. It was a good night.

Thumbs up for GOLD!!

Calm....

Off day today. Light practice and stretcher for the team just sticking to routine. I had a couple hours in the day so I finished moving out of my digs at the Univ of East London. The subway ride was crowded but eventful. I ran into a group of Korean fans coming from the ExCeL center where they have been doing a variety of sports like fencing and maybe table tennis and other things. A coupe of them were decked out and I loved seeing them support their team like that. They interacted with subway riders and even had a photo session with one of the kids who was watching events with his dad.

Walked around the Olympic Park a little and took in some of the sights, the people and the whole thing. The basketball arena was lit up tonight and it looks great with the shadows and silhouettes of the structure inside. Honestly during the day it is pretty boring but I'm a fan of how it comes alive at night. It's almost two different buildings.

There have been a lot of inspiring performances by American athletes/teams and athletes from GB and around the world. Our beach volleyball team of Kerri Walsh and Misty May won their third straight gold medal, the OT win for the women's soccer team over Canada and each day more inspiring performances. The theme of these Olympic Games in London have been "Inspire a Generation". I know that has happened during these games but each performance inspires the current generation of Olympians to achieve greatness as well. Our team has the chance to both be inspired and also to inspire as we play for Gold tomorrow.

Send your good vibes to the team while they sleep. I have been truly blessed to be along for the ride with such an amazing team and even more, an amazing group of people.

Thumbs up for great opportunities.

Photo 1: crowded tube day at Canning Town tube stop
Photo 2: saying goodbye to my crib at the UEL
Photo 3: Korean Fans living it up
Photo 4: love the dedication. Love the Olympics.
Photo 5: The Olympic Basketball Arena.

W

Game day today. We took on Australia in the first semi of the tournament. Now it shouldn't be a surprise we played Australia. It seems like every major tournament involves us matching up with Australia at some point. They are a very strong team with great shooters, team speed, versatility and goalie play. Despite all that, we played a great game. Had a little adversity at the end there that gave Australia a chance to tie the game on a penalty with one second left in regulation. They hit it to send it into overtime. In the OT our girls came together in a big big way winning OT 2-0 for a 11-9 final and a huge win to send us into the gold medal game on Thursday! Seriously a team effort with incredible moments and characteristically strong team play. So proud of the big win, one more. We get a second shot at Spain after our tie in the group play. Incredible win.

Thumbs up for the "W".

Photo 1: Wenger taking one for the team. Whatever it takes. Just how it is.
Photo 2: the bench celebrates
Photo 3: team
Photo 4: out of order again but the starters enter the game just before the openin sprint.

Down to four

The team beat Italy last night and it was a solid win. Final was 9-6 but they scored a late goal that I won't count. So really we won by 4. Not bad considering the other three games were very close (even of they weren't all anticipated to be as close) and the Australia China game went into a shootout. So we're on to the semis and we play at 3:30 tomorrow (Aug 7). That's 7:30am pacific time. Hope you're okay with that.

Took a stroll through the Olympic park on our way to practice and it was packed. Tons of people just hanging out and there is a grassy area in front of a jumbo tron that has been packed with people. Everyone is braving the weather which isn't that bad but in spurts it'll pour rain then just stop. Great atmosphere. I wasn't sure how the volunteers were going to be as the games wore on. They were amazing to start with tons of life, energy, fun and friendly with an incredible attitude. To my surprise, that has maintained through this point in the games. I imagine it'll stay like that and that's amazing.

Big game tomorrow against Australia. Go USA!!

Thumbs up for the final 4.

Photo 1: the fans have been incredible. Love every one of those people
Photo 2: action shot
Photo 3: the team lined up for intros before the start of the quarterfinal game v Italy. I know the pictures are out of order but my blogger app decided that's the order they should go in and there's no way to change it. I know you guys don't care so much about that. But it bothers me. Enjoy!

McVillage

I just got back from lunch in the Olympic village and I broke down and got Chicken McNuggets and fries. It was awesome. Regardless of where you are, McDonald's is pretty much the same. That's comforting when you know what the sweet and sour sauce is going to taste like even if the packaging is slightly different. A little reminder of one of the most influential establishments to come out of our super-size-me capitalism, our love of quick food and more being better. The more amazing thing is how many of the athletes were also eating at McDonalds. Golden arches.

Last night We watched Jessica Ennis receive her gold medal in the heptathlon. She was understandably emotional, how could you not be with an entire stadium and country singing your national anthem along with you as you watch your flag being raised in front of your home town crowd. The best moment in sport.

Thumbs up! Well done Jess.

Photo 1: Jessica Ennis receiving her gold and being honored by her country and the world.
Photo 2: more pictures with friends, this is Liz who I went to college with, was coached by and coached as well. Incredible to see her.
Photo 3: the velodrome. One of my favorite buildings here in the Olympic park.

Group Played

We finished our group play last night against China. It was a close hard fought game and we came out with a 7-6 win. Because we tied Spain in points for group play tie breaker determined first and second in advancing to the quarterfinals. We beat Hungary by 1 and Spain won by 2 so we will advance second in our group and will play Italy in the quarter finals. The crowd support has been great and last night might have been the best yet. We met friends and family again after the game and it was a beautiful night in the Olympic Park.

On my way to meet up with the USA friends and families I bumped into one of my former players, Fabiana from Penn. She was a MBA student from Brasil. Incredible player and more importantly a great person and life-of-the-party fun (Brasilians know how to enjoy themselves). I hadn't seen her since she graduated in 2003. 9 years! I guess she's living and working in London. One of the highlights of my trip for sure.

Great Britain has had a rough go at the polo venue so far losing a close game, losing a blowout and losing a third game to Italy last night. Through it all they have played pretty well and their crowd support has been great. I've enjoyed being at their games and the fans are really out in force. Many of them have never seen water polo but want to be sure the teams feel the love. It's been a great experience.

Thumbs up for a great win. On to the Quarters.

Photo 1: USA!! Greatest fans in the world.
Photo 2: Team GB getting some love from the hometown fans
Photo 3: Fabiana!!
Photo 4: lights and sights of the Olympic Park after the game.