Manchester "United"

Apply the 'key' word on multiple levels...

This city is UNITED in it's celebration of Christmas...

The U.S.A. Swimming Team was UNITED in it's quest to win the 4th 'Duel in the Pool'...

I flew UNITED to get here...

And of course, this town in SOOOO UNITED in it's soccer MADNESS, it's ridiculous...

It was a great trip- a very 'spur-of-the-moment' opportunity- and i'm incredibly glad i got to come here for multiple reasons...first, in my quest for 'world domination', i had never experienced this town, so to be exposed to everything Manchester has to offer was more than worth it.

Second, i'd be lying if i said i didn't love covering swimming. It's my first sport, and one of my life's passions. So, even though it does not happen very much anymore, whenever i get a chance to talk to the US, and world's best, it's a great treat.

Finally, growing up in the Midwest, i know all about 'weather', and more specifically, "White Christmas'". To go from 70+ degrees in SoCal, to freezing temps here, and all that that entails, has been a blast from the past, and brought back some amazing memories.

I spent my final night here doing my own version of a lifeguarding tradition known as the "Bicycle Bar Hop". Of course i did not have a bike, and they are called 'pubs' here, but you get the drift. If you're a connoiseur of the libations, you have to love the names of some of the pubs in this area...

'The Roasted Pig and Bar"- complete with stretched out 'Wilbur'

"The Slug and Lettuce"- my personal favorite

"Ape and Apple"- a subliminal critique on our 'fall from grace'???

"The Tiger Lounge" (timely- hmmm, what do you think goes on there?!)

"Grinch"- perfect for the Holidays (especially for those that can't handle the DRINK)

"Cloud 23"- do you think it's 2.55 x better than "Cloud 9"???

"Panacea"- the drinks MUST be strong

"The Moon Under Water"- with all the 2012 hype...maybe they are on to something!

If you are a fan of swimming, make sure to check out Michael Phelps, Aaron Peirsol, Dana Vollmer, and the rest of the US team in action, and in dominating fashion, on Dec 27th, 2-4Pm EST. It will be well worth it.

Happy Holidays everybody.