Sunday, August 3, 2008

The Village

Hey everyone,

Team USA is a definite force here in China already as we hit the ground. Right off the plane we had people greeting us and media swarming everyone like you wouldn't believe. The Beijing airport is the largest building under one roof in the world, so it took us forever to get just to baggage claim. Once we got our luggage, we got on the bus and headed for the village. It was about a 45 minute drive, but we had a chance to see the city a little bit and some of the venues. Most notable, the birds nest(Where opening ceremonies and Track and Field take place) is one of the most amazing stadiums I have ever seen. The Chinese are ready for this and Beijing looks very nice.

It had just rained in the morning the day we arrived, so we had sun in the afternoon, and it wasn't crazy hot. The next day though was one of the hottest days(with humidity) I have experienced in a long time. TC and Byers wanted to hop from building to building and not go outside. Almost every building has AC and when you walk in it is very refreshing, but after a while you start feeling hot again. TC says, "Its fake air conditioning, it feels good then it goes away. They got fake AC!"

Our rooms are very nice. We have a suite with 3 bedrooms for 6 guys. Adam Wheeler and myself grabbed the big room with its own bathroom right off the bat. I don't know if the other guys even know we have our own bathroom. Definitely going to keep that a secret as long as possible. Don't want Byers using that thing in the morning, after he just ate McDonalds all day the day before. And yes, there is a McDonalds in the dining hall. And yes I will stay away until after I make weight and wrestle. But they do have the best coffee.

A lot of athletes are here already from all over the world, so you see their flags flying high on each one of their buildings. There is a great sense of pride, and world unity here with all the athletes. So much respect and people are very friendly. I went to Mass on Sunday morning in the worship center(They have a multicultural worship center with services for Buddhists, Christians, Roman Catholics and Muslims. As far as I saw. Pretty cool.) and was with people from all over the world. Very powerful.

Well I gotta go. Heading over for practice. Feeling very good now after some rest.(Not going to be good for Piasecki.)

Later

4 comments:

Riley said...

hey brad, so ur blog is great! i hope your having a good time and having fun meeting other people. The church thing sounded pretty cool. But its getting late and i have to get up early. Best of luck to you and the rest of the team. Kick some butt and il be pullin an all nighter lol...GOOD LUCK!

Brenda H. said...

Hey Brad!!!
Your blog is awesome! Tom K. told me about it this morning at Tucker's and Luke's golf tournament. It was great reading all about your adventures so far! We are all rooting for you and can't wait to watch you in action for Team USA!!!! What an achievement - we are all so proud of you and wish you nothing but the best in Bejing!!!!
Love and prayers,
Dave, Brenda, Carly, Luke & Kade Hegemann

Tammy said...

cHey Brad,
Just checking in to see how things are going. The village sounds like a great place. Can't wait to cheer you on. We are so proud of you. Keeping you in prayers and thoughts

Shawn C. said...

Hello Brad!!
Good luck in Bejing. I am sure your family is so proud. Good to read your blog and find all is well with you. Take care and have fun out there!