Day 1 of races done

Day one of races is over. Team USA has mad a great showing so far and the PDX paddlers have been bringing it like nobodies business. Of all the other countires here I would have to say that the Iranians are by far the friendliest. I am helming for the Masters Mixed and Womens crews and we have done great so far. The women are gaining ground on the Hungarian women each race. The mixed crew has taken a third in every race giving the Germans a fight for second and leaving Canada in the dust. The mens team has gone of course in two of their three races and had a tough day. (just for the record it wasn't me on the back) I am the only female helm in the mixed division so I am enjoying kicking some arse in a skirt. tee-hee. Tomorrow we race a 500m and two 200m races and we are hoping that it cools down a bit. 6-9 races a day in 96 degree heat is a bit much for all of us.
We are fortunate to have a free concert outside of our rooms every night we have been here. Right across the river, a river not half as wide as the Willamette mind you, is the Hungarian Youth Festival. Think Lollapolooza in 3-4 different languages and you get the drift. Not to worry though, it only goes until 2am. Do you smell sarcasm?
A group of us ventured out to find a non-hotel dinner tonight. The hotel food is part of our package, but you can only eat so much soup, then salty starchiness, then soggy dessert-like substance even if it is free.