At the next challenge, the McLeods were the only team to choose paddling a boat on the Danube River instead of scoring a goal against a Hungarian water polo player.

“We had no idea that the national team was so terrible,” said Hera. “They didn’t block one shot. If I would have known that, I would’ve said, `Dad, put a Speedo on. We’re playing water polo.'”

Gus called the decision not to don skimpy swim gear “one of the best things not to happen on national television.”

Dear Gus, I love you. Enjoy that next beer. Dear Hera, you are gorgeous. You both rock.

If I had to choose traveling companions for a long trip from amongst the various teams that have comprised editions thus far of The Amazing Race, I’d be hard pressed to decide. But this team would come pretty close to the top of the list. They’re not the most colorful or funny or attractive or successful TAR duo, but they are interesting and they have thought-provoking things to say about the places they travel.

Also their laid-back, suck-it-up-and-deal demeanor would make them much more pleasant fellow travelers than certain other teams I could mention.

I was happy this week that Lori and Bolo not only survived, but kicked ass and persevered. Kind of scary watching them gulp down the blood, which was served in quite nifty snifters. Not sure why they set out so many glasses; maybe they thought more than one team would drop by for a quick one, realize what that actually entailed, and decide to go back and do the Detour instead of the Fast Forward.

Best line of the night, hands down: Kris on the rail buggy: “Oooh, it’s so vibraty.”