single supplement

We sprinted to the course for nothing. Our major concern was clearing customs and getting a taxi. Both done in a breeze but finding the course turned into an episode of the amazing race. It was 45 minutes of confusion as we broke into two taxis and were mislead a few times and then realised some other westerners were following our misguided taxi in their taxi as they wanted to get to the rowing course as well. We arrived with an hour to spare before the eight's started racing. We enjoyed a beer and watched the thunder and rain roll in right before the 5:20 start time. All that sprinting for nothing.

The highlight was walking by the mixed area where athletes could meet up with their family. I got to see Rachelle, Andie, Darcy and Jane. It was very surreal to see them as athletes and me as the spectator but great to see the people I am here to cheer on in person and receive a hug.

We arrived at our apartment late (11pm) and 'Bobby' met us at the subway stop and we walked the half block to our apartment. I am sleeping on the couch as the single (a cot) is not comfortable. My nickname on the trip has been 'single supplement' and this was definitely one of the instances where I was not happy to be flying solo as the other two bedrooms have big queen size beds. Other than that the place is big and on the 20th floor. Washer and tv but no towels so we are on the hunt for some this morning as I am rather ripe.

Bobby took us to the local police station this morning as we had to register there. They asked some interesting questions. We had to provide our religion and if we had a spouse we needed to tell them their full name and passport number. It was all very surreal.

No photos as we are in this scary gamer internet cafe that reeks and has about a hundred PCs that cost 3 RMB (50 cents) an hour but no access to a USB port.