Clear air

So we actually saw the sun for the first time since we have been here, the course is actually really beautiful with the mountains in the background, there were thick clouds from humidity every other day we have been here (interesting article on the air and efforts to clear it - http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/beijing_olympics/story/0,27313,24100565-5016818,00.html). The humidity can be pretty intense and really sneaks up on you when you are working out - you don't really feel that hot, but as soon as you stop rowing you look down and are just completely drenched and soaked in sweat.

The Canadians and Italians have arrived at our hotel and will be staying with us thru the Olympics. They set up separate eating areas for us to give us our space, and we often exchange minor nods/pleasantries with those that we pass in the halls. But every now and then I pass someone who I know is in my event, and that I'll be racing in a few days (9 days until the heats start now). It's kind of a weird exchange - we go to nod or smile, then realize who it is we are eye to with. There's kind of an understood "I'll be seeing you in a few days" look exchanged briefly, and no one wants to be the one to break eye contact (as it might be taken as backing down). But we somehow manage to avoid a prolonged stare-down scenario as we keep on walking....