Men's Volleyball and Women's Softball

This is what they flashed on the screen at the men's volleyball game that encouraged the crowd to do the "Mexican Wave." I'd never heard of it being call the Mexican Wave before, but the Chinese all knew what it was. The crowds at the game were so spirited and really into the match.

This was Germany vs. Serbia. It was an outstanding display of strength and athleticism. Here the German's put up a 3-man block that stuffed the Serbian attack.

Germany was the being cheered on by the Chinese. I guess they like to cheer for the underdogs. They kept on chanting for Germany even when the German crowd wasn't and in some cases they lead the cheers. It was a really good match. It was so entertaining. Serbia ended up winning 3-1. The last game was only decided by 2 pts. It was so close.

Topiary of volleyball player.

This was this little girl's first softball game (she's here to watch USA Women's Soccer). This is the crowd's reaction to the monster home run by Crystl Bustos.

Team USA acknowledging the crowd's support during this overtime win.

Here you go Judy. Ginkgo trees outside of softball stadium.

Introducing Team USA and Team Japan.

One of Crystl Bustos' fans. Crystl was instrumental in hitting a 3 run homer in extra inning to sent the team into the Gold Medal Game. We were in pins and needles the entire game. I met Crystl's cousin in the USA store and he gave me tickets to a game.

Crowd and team after a home run.

This was from the first Japan vs. USA game. The ladies scored 4 times in the first inning. The first batter hit a home run.

As we walked to the China vs. Canada, we saw Team USA warming up. They are right next to us. We wished them good luck.

This boy was one of many groups of Chinese children at the game.

Our original seats were in the bleachers. We stayed here for awhile and moved next to our friends who were in the shade. It was a hot and clear day.

It was a great day to see a ball game.

Jumbo screens like this one were at every venue telling people to cheer. I loved the enthusiasm of the fans. It was nice to know that the everyday person in China could afford to see most of the events. The tickets were about $10-20 USD.

The perimeter of the softball stadium were lined with these very clever softball planters.

Little Japanese girl with her mother in the USA vs. Japan game.

Melissa in front of the softball stadium entrance.

Team USA warming up for their game with Japan. There are two warm-up fields next to stadium.

Softball Sculpture

This was a beef noodle restaurant we went to after the game. It was special for us because it was the first restaurant that only locals ate in and the first one that didn't have any English menus or English speakers. The people were all staring at us. I don't think that they get very many foreigners here.