August 20, 2007
It’s a sticky, sunny day here in Chiba, Japan. Team USA begins its quest for swimming excellence tomorrow at the Japan Open. The pool is beautiful, the people are friendly, and our athletes are ready to race.

This National Team is a very exciting team to be a part of because most who are here representing the USA are up-and-comers on the swimming scene. We’ve got some veterans who have competed in the Olympics, and we’ve got a TON of rookies…it should be a lot of fun once we begin.

There is a huge mall very close to the hotel so the coaches and athletes have been spending some time shopping and cruising around. On my way to Starbucks the other day (imagine that) I noticed some things that were done a bit differently than they are done in the US. Here is a short list:

1. People are driving on the wrong side of the road. We all kind of know this fact, but it still hasn’t prevented me from almost getting smashed like frogger everytime I go outside. I’m starting to look both ways twice.
2. There are lots of head-nods going around. All Kenechewa’s (good afternoon) are accompanied by a bow. All Domo Arigato’s (thank you) are accompanied by a bow. This person to person exchange is done as a reflex if you live here, and seems like a very nice way to behave. For me, I’m not sure if should go with just the head, or keep the head steady and bow with the whole torso. It’s very confusing. As long as I don’t head-butt anybody I think I’ll be alright.
3. Bikes are everywhere, and nobody seems to care about locking them. People roll up to the local McDonalds, kick down their kick-stand, and head inside. Try that in Baltimore! Those bikes wouldn’t last 90 seconds.

I’ve included a photo I took while out and about yesterday. More photos will follow so I can show you what the pool looks like. Until next time….

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