Jasper Liu: Off-the-Water European Racing and Training Trip

From June 9 through July 4, I was away from home, traveling as a part of the USRowing team that went to World Cup II, a week-long training camp, and Henley Royal Regatta. The racing and results have been well documented, but I also like to take some time away from the rowing while on these trips. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to travel to these places, and I love to explore new places and get a feel for each city. I've found that the best way to do that is by walking around with my camera. Berlin My team and I flew into Berlin, Germany, a few days before taking a bus to Poznan, Poland, for World Cup II. A rule of thumb for adjusting to the time change is one day per hour of difference. Coming from Texas, we wanted seven days to adjust before racing. We shook out our legs by walking, doing a bike tour, and working out at the Berliner Ruder Club. Photos: Berlin 1 through 7 Poznan In Poznan, we were focused on the racing. There was some opportunity to take a tram into the city from our team hotel, but I mostly saved that until after racing. When I did, though, I met up with my family, who had come to watch the racing, and we walked through the old city and square. The most difficult part about Poznan was the entirely unfamiliar language – there were lots of hand gestures and google translate involved. Photos: Poznan 1-2 Italy After wrapping up racing at World Cup II, we had a long travel day – bus back to Berlin, flight to Milan, and then bus to our next camp in Erba, Italy. Finally arriving at the hotel at 9:30 p.m., we were treated to fresh pasta and a sit-down dinner – something that would be repeated every night! On our only afternoon off, most of the team, including myself, took the vans to Como, 30 minutes away. I spent the day exploring the tiny streets and tasting the pizza, gelato, and tiramisu. Photos: Italy 1-4 Henley and London For the last leg of the trip, the USRowing team packed up and headed to Henley-on-Thames, England, for the Henley Royal Regatta. It was an incredible spectacle and seeing the whole scene in person for the first time put a huge smile on my face. After spending three weeks on a set schedule and surrounded by other people, though, I jumped at a chance to explore on my own. After getting knocked out of the regatta, I took a train to London just to walk around for a while and take photos. Following crowds, I ended up in the middle of over a million people celebrating Pride in London. It was a massive event, and the freedom of expression there was a stark contrast to the dress code and caviar bar at Henley. On the train back from London that night, I felt like I had explored quite enough. I was ready to head back home.