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September 28, 2004

Quick Athens update...

It is late Tuesday afternoon in Athens. Jeanine and I are now checked into a nice hostel, the Sweeney's are on a beach somewhere and Lisa is getting ready for the closing ceremonies.

Yesterday was Lisa and Shawn's time trial and their final event of the games. They finished 7th, but only a few seconds out of 5th place. Overall, they were also 7th, but missed 6th by a painful 4 seconds. Even though they were so close, they seem pretty satisfied and happy with their results. There's no doubt they gave everything in the road race and TT.

After the TT we went out to the athletes village and checked out their accomodations.

ALISTAIR WAS VERY EXCITED WHEN LISA GAVE HIM HER COKE BOTTLE SWIPE WHICH HE USED TO GET A FREE COKE FROM EVERY VENDING MACHINE POSSIBLE...IT WAS COOL TO SEE THE VILLAGE AND MEET SOME OF LISA'S ROOMATES/TEAMMATES...

The village housing was pretty drab and not very exciting. The village has everything someone could ever want, but none of it (except the houses) is permanent. The security is pretty hardcore. Machine guns, metal detectors, mirrors to look under buses, 'disguised' Israeli housing, the whole bit.

FOLLOWING OUR VISIT IN THE VILLAGE WE HEADED BACK INTO THE CENTRE OF ATHENS FOR DINNER WITH THE FRIENDS/FAMILIES OF THE CANADIAN CYCLING CONTINGENT..IT WAS A FUN TIME, AND A FEW OF THE TEAM ALONG WITH ALISTAIR AND I WENT AND CHECKED OUT SOME ATHENS NIGHT LIFE AFTER DINNER.

It was Monday night so the place was only sorta busy. But when Jeanine and I left at 4am or so - the place was still going strong. Lisa and crew had to stick it out until the first metro (5am) to get back to the village. I am sure they are suffering today!

Tomorrow night we are off to the Greek island Kos, right off the coast of Turkey. Depending on how nice the beaches, food and accomodations are we will head off to Turkey after a couple of days or so. Sorry for no pictures. This internet cafe is hardcore and the computers are all locked away.

Posted by Alistair Howard at September 28, 2004 05:58 AM

Comments

Yeah Coke bottle swipe.

Is that a European thing?

Posted by: Dusty at September 28, 2004 12:33 PM

They gave Coke bottle swipes to all the athletes, giving them free access to all the vending machines (coke products and water).

Posted by: Alistair at September 29, 2004 01:50 AM

Is Elfonso having a good time?

Posted by: Sandra at September 29, 2004 01:50 AM