There’s only seven days left until the lighting of theOlympic torch at 8:08pm, on August 8, 2008.  Everyone is getting closer and closer to their prospectiveswims and our practices have been getting more and more specialized.  As a result, my training group has gonefrom four (Kim Vandenberg, Christine Magnuson, Emily Silver and me) to justme.  My friends during practice arenow Green Day, Britney Spears, The Killers and whoever else turns up on my H20audio’s shuffle while I practice. Fortunately Teri has been letting me swim with my iPod during my lonelypractices. 

Last night we had rookie skits, which is both a right ofpassage for every Olympic swimmer and one the highlights of the trip.  There are 25 “rookies” (those who havenot participated in an Olympic Games) that created a solid half hour ofentertainment for the entire team. Most of the time the skits involve making fun of present and pastOlympians and staff with the many inside jokes that occur during the longperiod of training camp.  Therewere five groups in total, and all five were unique and amusing.  Without giving much away, the 80’sdance aerobics skit, complete with 80’s hair, makeup and unitards, wasdifferent and hilarious.  I waspoised with my camera the entire time but was laughing so hard that it wasnearly impossible to keep my camera still for a decent picture.

It’s about lunchtime right now, which alongwith breakfast and dinner has been the best part of the day.  In keeping with my goal of trying allof this country’s delicacies, May brought me a celebratory moon cake to sharewith my teammates at lunch.  It’s aChinese pastry that’s filled with lotus paste and egg yolk.  I’m sure the dessert is tasty, but thepackaging is beautiful!  I’ll letyou all know how the dessert goes over with the team…