A Much Needed Win

After suffering a loss in our first game, if we did not win our second game, it meant packing up our bags and heading home early. On Saturday, we came out playing like we had everything to lose, and got a 1-0 win against Japan to keep us alive and fighting in the quest for gold. Tomorrow we play New Zealand in our final group game that will decide our fate.

Yesterday, we took a morning train from Qinhuangdao to Shenyang. Once again, we had about one minute to get on the train and then about one minute to get off the train. It was not quite the same adventure as the first train ride, but we still always joke about the people at the back of the car not getting off in time. We then bused to our nearby hotel and got settled in. A few of us decided that we wanted to be adventurous, so we went on an excursion find a Starbucks, since we have been deprived of one for the past several weeks. There were too many of us to fit in one cab, so we split in two groups and were on our way. Let’s just say it was quite an adventure. If you have ever driven in NYC, then you have a slight idea what it is like to drive here in China. The cabs just zip in and out of traffic (as does everybody else) like it is nothing. I think at one point we were a little concerned, but it was more for the people that are trying to cross the street on foot and bikes. In the end, we made it to Zhongjie Street, where we were told we could find a Starbucks. When we got dropped off, we met up with the other cab of people and then tried to figure out which direction to head in the busy shopping area. We tried to ask people where it was, but most did not speak English. Finally, someone told us to walk down the one street and go a long ways. After hearing that news, we began our trek. We probably walked for a good fifteen minutes, eagerly scanning for the well known Starbucks green and white sign. Every person we asked gave us a confused look or pointed in the direction we were going. Finally, off in the distance, Amy Rodriguez spotted the pot of gold. You probably have never seen six people so excited to see a Starbucks. After walking in the heat for such a long time, we were thoroughly elated to get in the air conditioning and order some refreshingly cold drinks. Our trip back to the hotel was a little shorter as we were able to catch a cab on one of the streets we crossed on our way to Starbucks. So, our little excursion to Starbucks turned into a little more of an adventure than we had planned, but it was fun and we were glad to get out of the hotel and wander around for a bit.

Later in the afternoon, several of us went to watch the men’s soccer game with Brazil facing off against New Zealand. The stadium here in Shenyang is awesome, and it was filled with many eager people, waiting to see Brazilian star Ronaldinho in action, and he did not disappoint. He plays with such ease and is magical with every touch of the ball. It was a very fun game to watch, even though the score was 4-0 Brazil when we left in the 75^th minute. So, yesterday was a pretty event filled day, and it ended with me getting my photo taken with Ronaldinho here at our hotel. All in all, it was not too bad of a day if you ask me.

We have training this afternoon in final preparation for our game tomorrow. My family is getting in to China today, so I am excited to get to see them and hang out a bit tomorrow when they get in to Shenyang. I cannot wait to hear about their travels (as they are not the most seasoned international travelers) and I am excited for them to have their first Olympic experience as well.