Diary From Qingdao
August 24, 2006
Team Leader Katie Kelly writes:
Yesterday was another challenging day for sailors at this regatta. The conditions are keeping everyone on their toes, but at the same time, it’s fun because there's something to learn each day. The forecast for today was better, and it rang true. There was a bit of catching up to do today, so it was a busy day of racing. Please visit the website to follow along with the daily results and on-the-water action. It may be slow, but it's still exciting! The outlook for the next two days is even more promising, so be sure to check it out.
Dalton and Zack were last off the dock today - 49ers had a late start today. To entertain themselves while ashore this morning, they bought a remote-controlled airplane. On their off days, or after racing, the team members are having a nice time exploring the city of Qingdao, specifically the shopping (a remote-controlled airplane sounds pretty fun when racing is cancelled!) A quick walk from the venue is the JUSCO, which is a giant multipurpose store. You can find everything in here. The first foray was to the grocery store part. I know some of you have read about this experience in some of the team reports, but it really is an adventure. As one team found out, don't go at dinner time. It is absolutely crazy at that hour, and impossible to get a cab. Luckily, we have David Pan, our U.S.-China liaison, with us, and he was able to go down to rescue them. In addition to the JUSCO, there is an H&Q (similar to a Home Depot) and a Decathlon (like a Dick's Sporting Goods). The common denominator here is the inexpensive price. Everyone loves a good bargain here.
A hot team item has been bikes. As you may know by now, the venue is quite large, and with the heat and humidity, it's nice to have a ride back and forth from one end to another. Luckily, the sailors leave their bikes at the container while sailing, so I have my run of them. Today, some of the sailors explored the markets. Once I go myself, I'll report back on it.
Tonight, US SAILING was invited to a very nice party hosted by the Chinese Yachting Association. I attended with John Lovell and Charlie Ogletree. It was a nice party and fun to have a glass of wine with the officials of this event, and to say thank you to our hosts.
In addition, our hotel hosted the Team to a lovely party. We are absolutely thrilled with our hotel selection for this event. Some of the other teams are staying here too. It is adjacent to the Yin Hai Yacht Club, and a short walk/bike/cab ride down to the venue. Not only does it have impeccable service, it also has outside space. There is plenty to keep us all entertained each night - from swimming, good food (no China Syndrome) and bowling. I have yet to go, but Brad Funk scored seven spares in a row last night. Not bad! We certainly have some new friends in China at our hotel here. Thank you to the wonderful staff for making us feel so at home when we are so far away from home. We look forward to returning next year.
The Team is also looking forward to Dean Brenner's arrival on the weekend. He will join us for the final week of the competition and will have a great opportunity to see all that we've been up to here in China.
