Paralympic Observations

[wbrueckman@aol.com (WBrueckman)]

Just returned home to the U.S. late last night (30-hour trip..ugh!) and wanted
to take a moment to post a quick thank-you to everyone who was so helpful and
kind to us when we were there.  I think I rode just about every different type
of equipment on the suburban rail system that was available.  Overall, I was
impressed that the interiors were universally clean and an obvious effort had
been made to reduce the amount of graffitti.  The waits at various stations
were never long and always there were staff available to keep things running
smoothly and to answer questions from non-Australian tourists like myself.  The
bright yellow polo shirts that were worn by many staff members were
particularly nice and attractive. Usually I was lucky enough to get very easy
across-the-platform transfers since I usually changed at Central for Parramatta
where I was staying.

We did not have particularly good luck at our competitions at the equestrian
venue but my wife gave it her best shot.  At least I have a picture of the
electronic scoreboard showing her in 2nd place before she got bumped out of the
medals.  I will be happy to have her home next week since I found out when I
was there that the U.S. team was obliged to have an armed policeman with them
wherever they went and they were not permitted to wear anything identifying
them as an American when they were off the venue;  the only team that had this
requirement. So something is amiss in the world I'm sure and I'll sleep better
when she gets back.

Thanks to one and all for everyone's help.

Bill Brueckmann
Summerfield, North Carolina