Monday, July 13, 2009

Shake, Paddle & Roll


Taipei, TW -- Monday, 13-July-2009

SHAKE - Most of the team arrived Sunday evening with the rest including Dr. Chen arriving Monday morning.  We're all here!!!    Time to SHAKE off the jet lag, after all today is a work day for both the Taiwanese and Team USA.  Breakfast buffet was served, the tailors arrived and every one stood for their fittings of their opening ceremony slacks and jackets.   The hotel lobby was abuzz, with passer-bys looking in the lobby windows. and hotel staff and guests watching.  Then it was time to head to our first practice together as a complete team.

PADDLE - We piled in our bus and were off to the Hsintien River in the BiTan Scenic Area.  Beautiful location!  There were was a cliffside dwelling and even an area where a diving board attached to the top of some rocks.  We were told that Dr. Chen used to swim here when he was a kid.  Along the side of the river opposite the cliffs, was a park with docks, swan boats, 'Hello Kitty' boats, and a lone dragon boat waiting for us along with a Chase boat and driver.   There is stirrings amongst the team for a head-to-head 'Hello Kitty' versus Swan boat race.  Hmmm ... who will be the victor?!?  

We practiced well considering the jet lag, heat and humidity.  The Oregonians did it again and brought the rain with us so it kept us cooler than we normally would have been.   When the first practice was complete, we piled back in the bus and went to a nearby Elementary school where Simon and Dr. Chen and arranged for us to commandeer their computer lab.  Yes, we caused quite a stir amongst the school children and with many stops for pictures we made it to the lab and watched the video from the morning session.  It was absolutely brilliant having the lab ... of course, a bunch of techie-savvy people led to everyone logging on, checking email, getting on the internet, etc.  Brought the network to a crawl until the teacher assisting us, politely kicked us all off.  After video it was back to the water to work on starts.

Evening in Taipei - Team Dinner.   Back on the bus and off to dinner with Dr. Chen.  But first a little stop to see some of Taipei.   The bus stopped in front of Taipei 101 which is currently the second tallest building in the world.  We excitedly poured off the bus and went to the top to see, literally, ALL of Taipei.   Awesome!!!  Here's a picture of me and my teammates from San Diego, Rob (aka Ike) & Cat.   It was a bit windy at the top.  Rumor is a typhoon is blowing in.  Then it was off to dinner for Mongolian BBQ  ... delicious and then some walking around to keep everyone awake past 9pm.  :)

ROLL -- 2:06 am ... EARTHQUAKE!!!  We were startled awake by a firmly rolling-style earthquake.  Rachel and I jumped to the doorway and rode out the free 30-second or more ride.  It was one of the longer-lasting ones I've experienced.   All is well here and so far no reports yet of casualties.  It turned out it was a 6.7 on the richter scale ... a valiant and successful effort in rolling us out of bed. 

Safe and sound in Taipei!!
Laurie - Team USA reporter at large

2 comments:

  1. So glad to hear everyone from the team is ok!

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  2. Laurie, really enjoying the updates.
    I want to know where the photographer was standing that took the photo ?
    Glad you survived the earthquake. What a welcome!
    Lura

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