October 7, 2007

Sunday was another successful day for SOTX athletes.  As the results for the day are just starting to roll in this evening, we do know that Jessica Clopp of Pollok won two gold medals in Gymnastics for Rhythmic Floor and Rhythmic Hoop and James Taylor won a silver medal in Equestrian.  The next three days will be action-packed, with the "medal rounds" of competition in full swing.  We'll post new results information as we receive it.

It is hard to believe that the first week is over and there are just four days left of the Games.  In speaking with the athletes and family members, we have been talking about how eye-opening this experience is in terms of the differences in culture and the liberties that we sometimes take for granted.  Reflecting on our first week in China thus far, the following is a varied listing of some differences that stand out so greatly to us:

- Riding in cars/taxis prepares you to be on an episode of Fear Factor.  Car horns are even more essential to drivers than the brakes.

- When shopping, never pay the first, third, or tenth offer they give you.  Start to just walk away and then you'll really get the good deals.

- Bikes are the preferred means of transportation... they all look very old and have baskets on the front (no Treks here!).

- Conversations in Chinese all sound like heated negotiations.

- You will not see trash on the streets (street sweepers are constantly working).

- The grocery stores play American pop music (and many people here are concerned about Brittany Spears).

- Napkins are not very popular.  If you receive a cocktail napkin - you're lucky.  Although many places provide you with a wet towel at the beginning of the meal to wipe your hands before eating.

- "Normal" breakfast choices consist of sushi, rice, lunchmeat, broccoli, etc.  And the baked beans next to the pancakes is a bit odd at 7:00 a.m.

- There are clothes drying off of every apartment balcony, electricity wire, street sign, etc.  Many times it is a mystery as to who the clothing hanging from the street light belongs to, but no one seems to take it.

- You can buy a Rolex, Coach bag, or designer shirt from countless people for a very, very good price if you just follow them around that corner and down the dark alley...

- You have to put your room key in a slot on the wall to turn the lights on in your hotel room.  Also, there is a "control panel" next to your bed that runs everything (different lights, tv, temperature, radio, etc.).

- Hot isn't really hot and cold isn't cold.  Everything comes lukewarm.

- In most cases, tips are not expected or even understood.  We're told that if you leave money on the table after your meal, waitstaff will think to forgot it. 

- When ordering food for four people, prepare to get enough to feed 14.