August 7 – Got to the Olympic Village finally.  We had a 14 hour flight from Washington DC to Beijing.  That was after we had a night game the night before against Canada.  We beat them in 7 innings and then I started the 8th inning and struck the first guy out and then broke the next guy’s bat as he grounded out to short.  Casey Weathers got the final out.  The 8th inning didn’t count but we were just getting some work in.  Then that next morning at 4:30 and bused 5 hours to D.C.  It wasn’t that bad, really.  We watched a couple of movies and dozed in and out for the the whole trip.
 
Once aboard the plane I planned on sleeping but couldn’t get comfortable.  Instead I watched episodes of “The Office,” and read a lot.  I was sitting next to Brandon Knight and it was good to talk to him and get to know him.  We talked a lot about grips and pitching but we also found out we knew some of the same guys as well.  He had played with a couple former ‘Huskers and was asking me about them.  The guys he was asking about were ones that had left before I got to Nebraska.  It’s just good to finally start to know some of our teammates on a different level.
  
After 14 hours we landed in Beijing and started our process of getting checked in.  Of course we went through customs and what not but it was pretty easy due to the lines that were for Olympic athletes.  Once we got our baggage we were escorted to our bus and headed out to the Village.  Everything and everyone has been very accommodating and helpful.  The Village is a very nice place and there are tons of athletes.  I am excited to try and meet some of them.  Maybe give my German speaking skills a little work.  Then again probably not.

  
Tonight we have a practice game against China and then that’s all I know of.  I am looking forward to Opening Ceremonies tomorrow night.  We can see all of the buildings from the Village and they are spectacular.  China has done a great job of preparing for the games.

-Brian