So fencing officially wrapped up on Sunday night. You know even after working that many consecutive long days I am a little bummed that it is over. It was amazing to see the sport up close and personal. I think that one of the most amazing things for me was the chance we got to be so close to the athletes. There were not usually hoards of journalists crowding the mixed zone and as far as some countries were concerned I was getting one-on-one interview time. It was amazing to actually make some connections with these people. I mean, they are just people. I had a long talk with Mariel Zagunis and when we ran into her last night she actually remembered me and said hi. Where else would I have gotten an experience like that.

So we all ran into Michael Phelps last night. I must say it was a pretty interesting experience. He wasn't as tall as I was expecting him to be but his hands and feet are so large its pretty intimidatinig (I guess 8 golds are as well but he didn't have those on). It is unbelievable to think of myself here with some of the world's most prominent people. Standing in the same place as them. It is truly an unbelievable experience.

With just a week left to go in this trip I can honestly say that I am a little sad to be leaving. I have really enjoyed the people I have met, the friendships I have made and the new world I have been able to explore. One more week, so I might as well make the best of it.