J187 – 6/22/2006

Yesterday’s camp was set up in a river bed and the level of the water was rising rapidly (especially where Stephanie was located.  She was afraid she would have to evacuate during the night). François, Tom and Max were sheltered in the dormitory of a small village 5 km from there. So, this first night our group was split in two. During the night there were heavy showers: the rainy season has begun on the Paris-Tokyo.  Our laundry won’t dry because of the humidity.

Unfazed, Serge continued his route against wind and tide Our new team is getting used to the situation but it will take them a few more nights before they will be adjusted to the daytime and nighttime schedules.  This hasn’t kept them from taking care of the feedings like real pros.

Today we had the visit of Mr. Kimura, Director of Mizuno China, who came to help prepare our arrival in Shanghai, a huge metropolis of 16 million inhabitants.

Mr. Feng accompanied Serge on the entire stage, still delighted to share part of the race with him.  Communications aren’t easy: Serge speaks no Mandarin and Feng speaks neither English nor French.  Luckily, foot racing is a universal language.
 
It is still raining cats and dogs this evening and we were able to find a hotel in Danfeng. Serge appreciated his hot shower and comfortable bed.  He appreciated less his meal in the restaurant, which was too noisy for his taste (a traditional show took place while we were eating).  Serge is a camp lover because it enables him to save time and we have everything within reach.  In 45 minutes he can take his shower, read his e-mails, have his dinner and be ready for bed. Camping also promotes the conviviality you find when you live in a group.

This evening Serge has diarrhea and is sweating.  Friday morning, the symptoms haven’t disappeared.  Serge is worried……watch this space.