Tarpley’s Thoughts

We are back in Shanghai! Well, we haven’t been here since last september when we were here for the Women’s World Cup but we spent so much time here that this feels like a home base for us. I really like this city. There are lots of things to do and our hotel is basically right across the street from the stadium.

Driving to our hotel, I spotted a Starbucks and Coldstone within walking distance! I’m really excited to have two of my favorite things so close!

We had a great team victory over New Zealand last night. We won 4-0 and we played really well. Japan beat Norway so it turned out that we won our group! I have been really proud of our team responding to losing to norway and finding a way to rebound and still place first in our group.

We are settling into our new hotel. We have another day until we play our quarter final match against our northern neighbor, Canada. They are a great team and it is a battle every time we play them. I have a lot of respect for them and I’m sure it is going to be a hard fought match.

Go USA!!!

We arrived in Shenyang! I have never been to this city and I’m really excited to experience it. The last few days have gone really fast. We’ve played two games, watched the opening ceremonies as a team, and ventured out to see two men’s soccer games.

It has been really exciting to start the games. Unfortunately, we lost our first game to Norway. We were disappointed with the result, but we won our second game against Japan. Now, we have one more game in bracket play against New Zealand.

The opening ceremonies were a huge production. There were thousands of people, lights and fireworks! The Chinese did an unbelievable job. It was really exciting to watch. Although we couldn’t walk, it was still a special feeling seeing USA walk into the stadium. It is such a surreal feeling being at the Olympics. As a child, I dreamed of representing the United States and to be here is a dream come true!

Since out games are in satellite cities outside of Beijing, it is hard for us to see other events. We have been fortunate to have gone to two men’s soccer games since we’ve been here. It is always fun to go to other events to really get the whole feel for the Olympics. The first game we saw Italy vs. Honduras. It was a good game, but Italy came out on top. We also saw Brazil play New Zealand. I was so excited to see Brazil play! They have so many talented players and thet were really fun to watch.

I am really enjoying my Olympic experience.

Two exciting outings

We went and got foot massages as a team…. It was so relaxing and nice.  They spent 50 minutes working on our feet! I’ve never had anyone massage my feet for 50 minutes. I definitely could get used to it!

We also went to see the beginning of the Great Wall.  The portion of the wall that we visited is called the Dragon Head.  It was right on the water and you could go boating, walking, or riding in a little cart.  We found a popsicle stand which most of us indulged in.  I had a Dreamsicle which brought me back to my childhood days!  Also, have you ever heard of Blue Moon ice cream?  We got into a discussion today and lots of people didn’t know what it was…..is it a Midwest thing?  Blue Moon ice cream is the best!

As far as the weather goes, it was another hot and humid day.  Fortunately, it rained a little bit and the weather cooled off.  Only a few more days until it is gameday!

We are in Qinhuangdao right now which is the site of our first two matches.  Qinhuangdao is right on the water so there is a mild breeze.  Don’t get me wrong, it is still hot and humid, but sometimes there is a little warm breeze which is a nice treat.

We took a train from Beijing to Qinhuangdao and it was a very interesting experience.  We got a VIP lounge to hang out in while we were waiting for our train.  The lounge even had free internet!  The train ride was fairly uneventful until we were told we would have one minute to exit the train and then the doors would close.  So, when we arrived in Qinhuangdao we grabbed our stuff and exited the train in record time.  We all made it off the train in 59 seconds.  The train door was open for exactly 2 minutes before it was off to its next stop.  That is pretty impressive!

This city has really embraced the tournament.  Every time a team drives to any event they shut the streets down to the rest of the people.  Basically, we have a direct route to where we need to go. I get bus sick very easily so I am very thankful for the direct route.  China is doing a nice job hosting this tournament.