August 5, 2004

Day 3
Although we have received our credentials, there is still a lot that needs to be taken care of logistically. Welcoming speeches from the USOC, security, medical team, communications department, athlete reps and the chef de mission (liaison between the IOC and USOC). Also, we must navigate medical forms, trying on Opening and Closing awards ceremony outfits as well as a ton of casual gear, ring sizes, individual photos, alterations, shipping unnecessary items home (remember the weight restriction), and so on. After all is said and done, we have lunch, at 1:15pm. We quickly shove some food down our mouths because we have to change into sweats for a team photo @ 1:30(which by the way was taken outside, in 100 degree heat), then out of that and into soccer attire for training that starts at 2. Can you say WWWWHHHHHHEEEWWWW?!?!?!

It was a bit tough to get started, but the training was great. We got the travel out of our legs, had a nice session, laughed, competed. We then raced to the bus for a 5pm departure. If you are not there, the bus leaves anyway.

We get back, take showers, get a bit of treatment, and make the 10-minute walk to the cafeteria. On the menu for dinner: kid goat, tikka chicken, greek potato pies, pizza (probably at every meal), mixed beef/vegetable and noodles, rice, a salad bar (cheese, cheese and more cheese, please. The fresh feta is a crowd favorite.), fruit bar, breads of all shapes and tastes (the most unusual one I saw was green. I have never seen anything like it in my life.) I sat down with a group of players, then went to the IZ again. That is the meeting and people-watching place. Three more people got their hair done, Abby and Joy (highlights and cuts) and Aly (trim).

Lil got her traditional manicure/pedicure, red and blue polish on the fingers, red on the toes. Lil, Joy and I went to the dining hall (my second time) and then shopping. When all was said and done, it was 10:30 pm. Amazing how much you can do in one day. We made our way back to Centaurus, but stopped at the park to take a picture of a pool with lit fountains that created the Olympic rings. Actually, Lil made friends with a few Greek handball players, who are tall. One of them took the picture, seeing as I wasn't tall enough.

We met up with our trainer, Julie O'Connell, and doctor, Sandy Glassen. I said goodnight to Lil and Joy because we are in a different building, and quietly (well, not really, the doc isn't too light on her feet) entered the condo and made our way to our rooms. Tarp was still awake, thankfully. We chatted for a little bit and then turned the lights off. I am a bit off with the changing of the time zones, so I only sleep until 4 am. It is now 6:30am and my tummy is grumbling. I think I will go for breakfast. The team meets at 9 am and will go for training at 10:20 am.

I am going to start a "You know you are in Greece when...." list as well as a top ten list "reasons why you love the Olympics"....stay tuned.

Brandi