Beach Volleyball!

(Philip Dalhausser of the U.S. returns a shot)
Monday I changed sports...to beach volleyball. Two people on a team. I helped photographer Natacha Pisarenko for the men's quarterfinals. USA, Brazil teams, plus Georgia, the Netherlands, and Austria. The venue was nice, crowded and music to pump up the fans. And, of course,...the famous dancing girls! The first two matches went quickly and we had time to eat lunch and browse at the silk market. By browse I mean you run for your life as merchants chase you down narrow rows of shops teaming with bags, jewelry, watches, and anything else you can think of.

(The volleyball dance team performs during a break)


(Georgian athlete celebrates from the stands after their win)

After lunch it was back to the venue for the evening matches....and rain! Our laptops were set up on a table with no roof so we covered everything with plastic and before the match started, the rain finally stopped. The Brazil team beat USA in the final match and gave us great reaction photos.

(Brazilian player dives for ball)

After everything finished the AP sent the worlds slowest driver to take me back to the hotel. Plus, he got lost...twice. A 45 minute drive took almost two hours. Good news though....back to rowing/canoe venue for flatwater racing the rest of the week.
(Team Brazil celebrates after defeating team USA)