Team USA's Chris Barnes blogs about his experience in Bangkok
Man, what a day! The coaches came in with a strategy and it really paid off. By putting 3 distinctly different styles together (TJ and Hoff to hook it, WRW and I straighter and PA and Rhino on the left), they calculated that at least one of us would qualify for the finals. It paid off with PA and Rhino leading and then coming through in the best doubles match I have seen. Tomas Leandersson is probably the most decorated bowler in World Tenpin Bowling Federation history with 48 medals (45 competing, 3 coaching) in total. The Swedes had won the last 4 gold in doubles and 5 out of the last 6. Great way to start for Team USA and looking forward to bowling with TJ and WRWJR (I am sure there are more initials somewhere!) in the trios. Long pattern tomorrow and then short on Monday.Interesting side notes - Tommy assures me that Pizza Hut is not bad and that the medium pizza (menu says serves 2-3) actually serves one (and he misses Fuddruckers terribly). $1 equals about 30-33 baht. Exchange rate is actually good for us (how bad must their economy be!!??). Meals cost around $5-8. The 20 minute cab ride cost 100 baht (3 dollars). A good 2 hour Thai massage cost about $20 although some pain threshold is required.... and no that does not include a "happy ending"! :) Most in theater movies are available here (pirated) and electronics tend to be cheaper as well. Custom made suits can be had for around $150-200 US depending on quality. One gold so far ... a lot more fun than the last time around already!!!
