Its Evening at the Radisson San Salvador....

Well we arrived (28 athletes and assorted coaches and parents) at the hotel here in San Salvador, around 3:00pm .  I thought it was the same time here as in Chicago but not at the present as they do not have daylight savings time.  So we are 1 hour ahead of home. Currently they are like Eastern time.  The Salvadorian Hosts were kind enough to pick our team up in their teams National Bus...however we were a few more than they expected I guess as there were not only not enough seats but our luggage barely fit on board.  The hotel was to be a 40 minute ride or so from the airport...but that did not figure in a over weighted not so new bus!! The poor driver was being passed up by everyone on the road and continuously downshifting to try and climb the inclines of the terrain.  We did however almost hit a cow in the road at one point...but made it safely after all!  After making sure all the athletes that needed to shed a few pounds did what they needed to do....the rest of us ate and now we are hanging in the room watching the Lakers/Magic game.  Early morning tomorrow, all the Junenille B athletes (this includes Max) get to practice weigh at 6:30am and official weigh in starts at 7:00am.  Then they can eat and get ready to head over to the venue around 9 and the tournament is scheduled to start at 10am.  We will be going over to the venue as a team anyone needing to cut before Saturdays weigh ins will do so at the venue.  

So far the local people I have come in contact with do not speak much english, nor I spanish....but they are very kind and warm.  They are trying very hard to make our stay here a nice one!  I also found out that this area is prone to Earthquakes....lovely!  Whats that they say about the "good ole USA" you don't know what you've got until it's gone.......

We do have an amazing group of young athletes here representing our country. It is alot to be proud of!  As USA JUDO CEO Jose' Rodriguez said as he addressed us this evening, when one of our players is out on the mat competing over the next few days they are representing our colors and our nation we are all one!  They have brought US flags for all of the athletes as they want them to be proud to sport our countries flag...hopefully on the podium many times over tomorrow!

Well off to watch a little of the game and then to bed as we will have an early start tomorrow!  Oh yeah...heard the venue is not air conditioned!!! FUN!