Yesterday was an off day for the team, so we spent much of the day on the deck of the Norwegian Cruise ship, Getaway. The ship is said to be one of the three biggest in the world. It will be my home away from home for my stay here in Rio.
You might wonder how a guy like me was able to throw something together like this. Through my story I have been fortunate enough to make some wonderful connections. USA Volleyball has granted me "friends and family" status and I also have been lucky having Linda Thompson handle making reservations and obtaining tickets for matches. I am forever in debt to the Thompsons for allowing me into their "family" for this incredible week!
As you can imagine, living on a cruise ship is a rough existence. Yesterday we sunned on the upper deck while watching tennis and track and field on a screen two stories high. A television this size can be distracting, something I can prove with my beet red shoulders and chest. Someone pass the sunscreen!
The Pool deck was equipped with this huge screen for watching the Games even when sunning.
As we returned to the Getaway for the night, Coach K, Jim Beohiem, and some of the team members were coming off the ship after dinner. The yacht in front of the Getaway belongs to Paul Allen and in front of that is one that is being leased by another Hollywood star. Matthew McCoughey is in town and has been at many of the swimming events. You never really know who you might run into here.
As much as the hobnobbing might impress, it pales in comparison to the vibe and energy of the people of Brazil.
This place seems to have a heartbeat of its own.
More from here later as the U.S. takes on China in the final match of pool play.