So we were woken up by the morning rush only to learn that we were competing in the prestigious Olympic event of fountain diving. Five minutes and eleven seconds was the world record set by Finland. We had to scrape up circular pipe cleaners (Olympic rings) off the floor of the fountain. And oh yeh we were blindfolded. We elected Julie Pants our leader when we found out it involved the fountain – assuming it would be some type of synchronized/choreographed event, but she ended up giving extremely accurate instructions for us to sweep up all the rings in record-shattering time. We also paraded our LSS ’08 flag that we painted yesterday with an immeasurable amount of pride (check out the challenge videos). Of course we had been training all our lives for that moment and we went on to win Chinese food and the privilege to watch the opening ceremony for the Beijing Olympics.
Day 19???
After our diving escapades we were allotted our power showers at the YMCA. And upon our return to the dorm we all fell back asleep.
Wendy’s provided us our usual feast and we began people watching on our patio, when a familiar face passed our way. It was really nice to see Go Big Brian coming back to give a shout out – he definitely cleared up our minds a bit, reassuring us that there were no hard feelings, while simultaneously alerting us of his local celebrity status. Much more at ease about yesterdays’ events and even more fired up about partying with the FCC class of ’08 when this is all over with.

The afternoon snowballed and we began playing ‘Beijing Idol’ after placing our order for comida chine. Then we really got into the spirit by dressing the part. Soon we were rocking sheets and robes and some interesting facial hair, trying to simulate something reasonably cultural? It was all in good humor and the closest some of us will come to role-play until marriage. We thought it best to post a disclaimer for our onlookers reminding them that it is good to celebrate diversity and learn about other cultures. We then proceeded to watch the opening ceremony. [Around here coach Pedone stopped by – thanks for your support, glad you find our antics as amusing as we do].
I loved it; the elaborate history lesson laced together by contrasts; dark and light, loud and soft. 2008 drummers, 2008 karate masters and over 15,000 performers altogether exemplifying Ancient Chinese ideals and then modern ones too. Confucian philosophies portrayed by the worlds largest LED screen; how harmony begins with inner peace and turns to outer peace. The oldest image of how mountains balance with water. And then more modern thoughts of how to preserve nature for upcoming generations. I had never sat down to watch an opening ceremony before and I was extremely impressed with all of the symbolism involved and all of the resources it must have taken to create such a show. I feel sorry for France for having such a tough act to follow in 2012. But the five of us – Jon, Alyssa, Adam, Julie and me sitting in the living room like a family felt pretty good. I understand how diverse we all are – but I love how that makes every conversation we have so versatile and dynamic. Someone always has an opposite opinion, yet we manage to keep the mood light. After this weekend, FCC will become ‘HelLSS’. Might as well enjoy what we can. “Here’s to tonight, tomorrows gonna come to soon.”
-.taz
p.s. huge shout out to Marissa – appreciate the love