So if anyone thinks we're not secure here in Brazil....check this out!

These guys stand outside our hotel all day and night.  As we are driving to the gym or any other venue, there are trucks with military lining the roadway as all transport for athletes/officials drive on specially made "express lanes" the regular traffic is not allowed to travel on.  Certainly helps with potential traffic jams as the roads are packed with cars, motorcycles, busses!

These lovely fellows are at the entrance to our basketball venue.  Not sure about you, but I would not want to mess with them!  

We're getting close to the end of the preliminary round of the basketball tournament with our Canadian team sitting tied for 2nd place in their pool.  They are performing well!  Two more days of round robin play and the quarter finals will begin.  

The Golf Venue is right across the street from us.  Pretty cool as we can simply walk across the street, show our Olympic credential, and join the gallery and walk as many holes as desired, watching the best in the world perform!  Sadly, now that we're getting to the medal rounds in a number of sports such as soccer, handball, it's becoming more difficult to get in without a ticket as the events are selling out!  If you haven't purchased a ticket prior to getting here, it's really hard to find any available as scalping is not practiced.  

Have a blast and soaking up this truly amazing experience!  

LOL....

I can't get over our outfits!!!!!

Good Day from Rio!  The competition is well under way and the games are more and more exciting!  I have to say, the Brazilian fans are absolutely amazing!  They are so very passionate for their teams, but also support and cheer for other teams who are playing as well!  So very incredible to be a part of!

Our Canadian women's team is playing well so far and will face their toughest challenge tomorrow against the USA.  I watched the US play yesterday; what an incredible squad!  They move the ball so well and know exactly where each other are on the court, or are going to be at every moment!  Completely impressive to watch!

I have Brasil vs. France today, which of course will be super exciting because the fans will bring down the house as they have been doing all tournament long!

I have yet to get in to watch other sports, however a few of my ref buddies have simply walked in without a ticket by showing our reffing credential - they saw Serena Williams lose in tennis and Michael Phelps win the 100m Gold Medal.  I'm envious!  But I WILL get to see something for sure before I leave!

Today was a success in two areas!  1.  I was able to get in to the "megastore" and get some shopping done!  Finally!!!!!!  2.  Canada Women beat Serbia in a very close game...well Canada was down substantially but came back to win!  Huge for them and puts them in a really good position for the next round.

The Olympics are in full swing and I must say, it still feels surreal to me.  Maybe I'll actually come to realize it's for real at some point, but I certainly don't want this ride to end!  The hustle and bustle of fans (and I must say the Brazilians support every sport, every team like no other country I have witnessed) including some serious die hards (see photo below...woman from Los Angeles).  Had to have my picture with her as her outfit was AWESOME!

The many volunteers who are working hard to put this event on and take care of everyone are doing an amazing job!  They are so helpful, kind, and in abundance to make sure everyone who is here attending sports as a fan, official, coach, etc are well taken care of.  It's really something....and the media tried to make it sound like they could not pull it off.  Well I have news for them; they have been outstanding from everything I have personally witnesses.

Tomorrow I am standby for the Brazil vs. Belarus game.  It will be loud and exciting.  Think I might need ear plugs for that one!  

Day off was relaxing!  Only downfall was I set up my day to purposefully to head to the "megastore" at the Olympic Park for souvenir shopping just prior to watching the Spain vs. Croatia men's game...but the wind was so bad earlier today it ripped holes in the roof of the store!  They closed it down for repairs and it is not open until tomorrow.  That said, I can make my way there as I have the last game of the day tomorrow - China vs. Senegal Women @ 7:45pm.

Many games were close today -in particular the Spain/Croatia men's game.  The game ending play with a 1 point difference was Spain with the ball (specifically Gasol who was hot all night) who in spite of being triple teamed, had a very nice open look at the basket.  As he released the ball, which looked like it was going in, one of the Croatia players came out of nowhere and literally "swatted" his shot out of the sky!  It was amazing!!!!!

Even more amazing was the dance the Olympic mascot did during one of the quarter breaks.....Made me laugh!

Enjoy!

Day off was relaxing!  Only downfall was I set up my day to purposefully to head to the "megastore" at the Olympic Park for souvenir shopping just prior to watching the Spain vs. Croatia men's game...but the wind was so bad earlier today it ripped holes in the roof of the store!  They closed it down for repairs and it is not open until tomorrow.  That said, I can make my way there as I have the last game of the day tomorrow - China vs. Senegal Women @ 7:45pm.

Many games were close today -in particular the Spain/Croatia men's game.  The game ending play with a 1 point difference was Spain with the ball (specifically Gasol who was hot all night) who in spite of being triple teamed, had a very nice open look at the basket.  As he released the ball, which looked like it was going in, one of the Croatia players came out of nowhere and literally "swatted" his shot out of the sky!  It was amazing!!!!!

Even more amazing was the dance the Olympic mascot did during one of the quarter breaks.....Made me laugh!

Enjoy!

Okay.....the moment you've been waiting for....the "uniform".....

It's the typical "flight attendant" uniform...complete with scarf and all!  I know, I know....you're all envious and wish you had one just like this!  Well you're in luck....for the right price I will sell you one...in fact I have 2 for the price of one!  

Had the battle of home Brazil vs. Australia today and it ended up being the battle we expected.  These  women play for keeps and take no prisoners...oh wait...there is an Olympic Gold Medal at stake!  Silly me!  I'm fortunate and have the day off tomorrow which means shopping and watching some men's hoops and possibly some other events.   Tried to send you a video here of the opening ceremonies...not sure if it downloaded but will publish and see if it works.  

That's all for now!!!!