Tokyo 2020: my view from the boatpark
The first thing to say is just how incredibly welcoming the Japanese were from the moment we stepped off the airplane, to the moment we left the hotel to the final time to the airport (where I had no fewer than 12 coming just to wave me off!). I would estimate I said hello over 100 times a day, as each and every volunteer greeted me. To say nothing of the “host families” from local villages who adopted teams, showering us with presents and making our lives so much easier. Every day on the road to Enoshima Island (think like the road to Portland to the 2012 Olympic venue) locals were lined up waving flags and wishing all the competitors good luck. Since it was difficult for many to make the opening ceremony, they even made their own ceremony just for the sailors with hundreds performing dances on our route to the venue.
Upon arrival we were literally greeted off the
