August 15 Day Off in Beijing

Today was a relaxing but fun day, seeing the Great Wall, the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven under clear, sunny skies. All were incredible and I'm glad I got to see them and get some pictures.
I also had a chance to meet up with Kristen Heaston, a US shot putter who is from my home town, and graduated from the same high school my son attends. Her father was the US men's water polo coach for the 1992 and 1996 Olympics and she was the first woman ever to compete in the ancient Olympic Stadium in Greece during the 2004 Olympics. It was great to visit with her and I'm planning to watch her compete tomorrow.
Tomorrow is the beginning of the last phase for all the synchro teams - the last couple of swim throughs in the Water Cube and then the Olympic competition at last - all the years of hard work and the opportunity to show the world what you're made of.
From Beijing,
Duke