Recap, Episode 11: Ho Chi Minh City to Danang to Seattle
HOME STRETCH After winning the eleventh leg of THE AMAZING RACE, Teri & Ian departed the Pit Stop at the edge of the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, at 5:19am. On their current standing, Teri remarked, "I think that being number one is the most wonderful position to be in. We take it one step at a time, one clue at a time. Hopefully at the end, we finish on top." The pair learned that they needed to travel 400 miles by train to the city of Hue in central Vietnam and find the Imperial Palace, a 100-acre complex that was home to Vietnam's royal family until 1945. On the sprawling grounds, they would find their next route marker. Just as Teri & Ian reached the train station, Flo & Zach left the Pit Stop in second place at 5:58am. Commenting on Flo's state of mind, Zach remarked, "Flo is very fragile these days, so I basically proceed with caution." Flo said, "The race is taking its toll on me right now. My body is begging for sleep and for food." Walking to the ferry, Zach tried to encourage her, saying, "The home stretch for us. Maintain the focus. This is where we excel." Flo replied, "This is the beginning of the end for me." Flo responded to the reinforcement in the cab, saying, "I wish we'd gotten eliminated." Departing in last place, brothers Ken & Gerard left the Pit Stop at 6:13am. On their chances of winning, Gerard remarked, "I think Ken and I have an advantage in this race in the Final Three because we're brothers, and brothers can put up with a whole lot. It's nice to have that love for one another. We treat one another with respect and kindness, and it's served us well." FLO QUITS? Flo's mood darkened as she and Zach joined Teri & Ian at the train station, where both Teams waited for the ticketing window to open. Ian informed the pair from New York that the trip to Hue would be a 24-hour train ride. Flo broke down, crying, "I'm not getting on this train." Zach tried to comfort her, saying that they didn't know for certain how long the trip would be. After confirming the 24-hour ride on the schedule board, Flo immediately said, "I'm not doing this. I'm not, because it's torture. Twenty-four hours in a non air-conditioned train? Are you out of your mind?" After again telling Zach she wanted out, she lay down on the station benches to take a nap. It wasn't her day: Loud music immediately began playing. Ken & Gerard joined Teri & Ian, and Teri informed the brothers that Flo, asleep elsewhere, may have "just bailed out." At 7:00am, the two Teams bought their tickets, first class sleepers, while Zach tended to the sleeping Flo. Back at the ticket counter a few minutes later, Zach discovered that all of the sleepers had been sold. He managed to procure first class seating, which had air conditioning. He hoped that this would be enough of an incentive for Flo to board the train. On the situation, Zach said, "I knew that she actually wanted to quit. It's such a terrible feeling to think that we could come all this way and quit." While still very unhappy, Flo did board the train with the other Teams and settled in for the full day ride. The long journey through the rural areas of Vietnam allowed Ken & Gerard and Teri & Ian to appreciate the beauty of the country and its people. Gerard commented, "I'm a financial advisor. I'm always thinking for how we're planning for twenty years out, but the Vietnamese live in the day, which seems like a rough way of life, but everyone's friendly and smiling and laughing and having a good time. They must be doing something right." Teri said, "When I've thought of Vietnam in the past, I've thought about only war. Now, when I think back on it, I think back on a wonderful society, a place that's really growing and coming into their own." Unfortunately, with only seats instead of sleepers, Flo did not have the same experience as the others. On her experience, she said, "This was a horrible night, horrible. I feel like I got hit by a truck." Teams finally arrived in Hue and departed the train. Because of Flo's emotional state, the pair decided to take the race slowly, one step at a time. Ironically, this approach didn't stop them from taking the lead in the first taxi out of the station. On the way to the Imperial Palace, Ken & Gerard passed Flo & Zach, with Ian & Teri in last place. Walking towards the palace grounds, Flo told Zach she was feeling ill, but also managed to ask if he was taking them in the right direction. Ken & Gerard, Team Oh Brother, found the clue first in a pavilion. The brothers discovered they had to travel 65 miles to the tiny village of Nam O Da Nang and find the next route marker beside the town bridge. Soon after, both Teri & Ian and Flo & Zach found the clue. Watching Teri & Ian run from the palace grounds prompted Flo to remark, "I don't know why you guys persist on running. There's no point. I hope you get real tired out." Ian retorted, "Already tired out." Teri added, "Can't be anymore tired out, Flo." Flo simply responded, "Good." MELTDOWN On their current lead, Gerard said, "I feel upbeat." The brothers arrived in Nam O Da Nang first and found a Detour. In this Detour, Teams had to choose between Basket Boats or Basket Bikes. For Basket Boats, each Team member must get across the river in a traditional basket boat to the route marker on the other side. For Basket Bikes, each Team member must select a bicycle laden with dozens of locally made shrimp baskets and travel one mile down the street to the next route marker. Ken & Gerard opted for the bikes and began their awkward ride down the road. Ken had few problems keeping his bike moving, while Gerard struggled to maintain his balance. Teri & Ian soon followed and also chose the bikes. Teri immediately encountered difficulties in keeping the bike balanced. With her helmet askew, she shouted for Ian to help her. Both Teams eventually "hired" help by offering to pay locals to run alongside the bikes and help hold them up while the Teams rode. At one point, Teri had to get off her bike and push it along with the help of locals keeping it upright. Ken & Gerard reached the route marker first, learning that they needed to travel 20 miles to the town of Hoi An, find the Boat Guay, choose a sampan, and travel to the middle of river for their next clue. Meanwhile, Flo & Zach opted for the basket boats. Zach realized the difficulties in paddling a circular, bowl-shaped boat, saying, "This could be tricky." Zach tried to teach a frustrated Flo how to paddle the boat. Eventually, the pair began floating towards the island. Soon, though, they discovered they were paddling towards the wrong island and needed to backtrack. Flo reacted angrily, declaring, "I want out of this game! I want out!" They went back to the shore, where Flo stormed off. Zach asked if they could talk, and Flo declined the offer. Zach tried to convince Flo not to quit the race, asking her to try the bike Detour instead. He reasoned that, since this was not an elimination leg, they could still take their time and finish this leg and continue on, rather than throw in the towel. Flo consented to this, but freaked out again when faced with the prospect of riding a basket-laden bicycle. Flo began crying, and claimed that she was unable to even push the bike. She shouted, "Do you want me to get hurt?" Seeing no other solution, Zach asked if she wanted to try the boats again. She replied, "I want out. I'm finished with this. I want to go home." With Flo sobbing, Zach attempted to find a solution to keep his Team together. Like the Teams doing the basket bikes, he found his help in the form of currency and two locals, who for pay helped them paddle across the river to the clue. Though still dispirited, Flo acknowledged Zach's supreme effort: "Thank God I have this man helping me." While Flo & Zach struggled through the Detour, Teri & Ian passed Ken & Gerard in their taxi. A few minutes later, the brothers faced a familiar problem when their taxi got a flat tire. With time at a premium, Ken & Gerard helped the driver fix the flat as quickly as possible. Back in the cab, a relieved Gerard said, "That was fast." FISHING FOR A CLUE Arriving in Hoi An in first place, Teri & Ian glided across the river in their sampan to the route marker, a Roadblock. One Team member had to choose a traditional Vietnamese fishing platform and use the wooden winch to raise a net out of the water. Once the net was raised, they or their partner could grab the clue dangling underneath. Ian quickly raised the net and Teri grabbed the clue. Opening the clue, the married parents learned they would have to travel 15 miles to China Beach, once a rest and relaxation area for American soldiers during the Vietnam War and now the Pit Stop for the twelfth leg of THE AMAZING RACE. As Teri & Ian headed back to shore, Ken & Gerard began their ride to the Roadblock. Both Teams wondered what had become of Flo & Zach. After a quick cab ride and a jog on China Beach, Teri & Ian stepped onto the Pit Stop mat in first place. For their win, Teri & Ian were rewarded with a seven-night Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska. On his wife, Ian commented, "She's all I ever wanted. She is the love of my life." Soon after, Ken & Gerard made their way to the Pit Stop, arriving in second place. A NEW DAY Once nestled in a sampan, Flo's mood began to change as she enjoyed the peaceful scenery. She even managed a smile for Zach, who said, "I'm happy to see it." As the sun began setting, Flo grabbed their clue and the pair raced to China Beach. On her sudden upturn, Flo commented, "I'm feeling completely rejuvenated. I'm so happy to read the clue that says, 'Head to your Pit Stop.'" On the tiki-lit shoreline at night, the pair survived their troubling day by checking into the Pit Stop in third place. On their chances, Zach said, "Despite all that happened today and the craziness of almost quitting the race, I feel really confident that we could win this race." Flo said, "I came here to win this race, or at least finish it. If I break down again, I may break down, but I will never threaten to quit again." ALOHA After another first place finish, Teri & Ian departed the Pit Stop at China Beach at 5:35am. Ian told Teri, "Let's make a hell of a run for it today." The pair learned they had to make their way across the city of Danang to a buddha at the Guange Mihn Temple, where they would find their next clue. Leaving in second place at 5:52am, brothers Ken & Gerard prepared themselves for a big finish. On his relationship with his brother, Gerard commented, "We have worked very well together. I have no doubt that we can win this AMAZING RACE." Arriving at the temple first, Teri & Ian received exciting news in their next clue. They would be flying 6500 miles to Honolulu, Hawaii to receive a blessing from the Big Kahuna. First, they would have to take a 17-hour train ride to Hanoi to fly out of Noi Bai Airport. The airport requires that all persons entering the airport must have a ticket, so Teams needed to purchase them from a travel agency first. Ian remarked, "We're ecstatic about going back to the States, going home to see our family. The race is on for the USA!" Teri & Ian next made a stop at a travel agency in Danang to purchase a flight to Hawaii. Ken & Gerard soon joined the couple, as they all tried to find the earliest flight. Trying to be direct and blunt with the agents, Ian began to annoy the brothers, who felt he wasn't helping the situation. Ken tried to tell Ian that he was intimidating the agents. Ken suggested that they all work together to make it easier. They managed to buy tickets for the following day from Hanoi to Hawaii via Japan. In the cab to the train station the brothers joked, "Oh my God, I think we have an alliance with Teri & Ian. How did that happen?" As the others secured their flights, Flo & Zach departed the Pit Stop in last place at 8:02am. Flo said, "I already feel better knowing that this is the last leg. I can go back to functioning at 100 percent." She jumped up and down excitedly when she learned they were heading to Hawaii. Her excitement turned to disappointment at the travel agency, where the pair discovered that no economy seats remained on the same flight as the other Teams. Believing the worst, Flo told Zach, "If we don't get on this flight, I want you to get a flight to JFK . I'm not joking at this point." Knowing they needed tickets to enter the airport, Zach decided to buy business class seats on the booked flight, hoping they could exchange them for economy seats later. Zach knew the only time that they may actually fly in business class is if the airline gave them a complimentary upgrade from economy seats; because he was purchasing business-class seats, the tickets would ultimately be useless unless he and Flo could exchange them for economy seats before getting on that flight. All three Teams departed on the 11:00am train to Hanoi. Aware of the potentially dire ticket situation, Flo said, "We're nowhere." After brainstorming for ideas, Zach decided to ask someone to borrow their cell phone to call travel agencies in Hanoi from the train. While trying to keep this problem secret from the other Teams, Zach called an agent who found two economy class tickets on the flight, and who was willing to send someone to meet them at 4:00am the next morning to exchange the business class seats. The pair had an even greater windfall when they realized their flight arrived before the other Teams in Honolulu. Once in Hanoi, Teri & Ian and Ken & Gerard took cabs to the airport. Flo & Zach took a short detour to a hotel where they met the man who had the tickets. Flo simply giggled, telling Zack, "Good job. At this point, I think we're destined to win." They arrived at the airport and joined the others. Flo & Zach remained tight-lipped about their great flight. A suspicious Ken & Gerard took matters into their own hands by talking to a Japan Airlines official who got them on the earlier flight as well. This left Teri & Ian arriving in Honolulu in last place, their flight departing at 7:45am. After touching down at Narita Airport in Toyko, Japan, Teri & Ian became aware of the earlier 6:30am flight that the others booked. After discovering that the flight was full, Teri remarked, "That's what we get for not being smart enough." The pair received a huge break as the rain fell in Toyko, delaying flights. Ken & Gerard and Flo & Zach's flight left at 7:55am, while Teri & Ian's left at 8:10am. THE BIG KAHUNA Arriving in Honolulu at 7:55am, Flo & Zach and Ken & Gerard raced to their marked cars at the airport. Zach said, "It feels amazing to be back in the U.S." Flo responded, "Let's push it, Zach. Let's not be like 'Driving Miss Daisy' here." Zach then passed Ken & Gerard on the expressway. Gerard said, "Let him lead. One wrong turn and you're out of the lead." The Teams had to drive twenty miles along the Oahu North Shore to the secluded Kaiwana Point, where a traditional Hawaiian priest, called a kahuna, would give them a blessing and their next clue. Arriving in Honolulu at 8:10am, Teri & Ian knew they were in last place, but caught up to the other Teams waiting for the kahuna. At 10:00am, the kahuna led a ceremony where the three Teams received a blessing and their next clue. They now needed to travel over 100 miles by plane to the island of Kauai. After landing, they would have to drive a marked car 25 miles to a ranch gate and follow the race arrows to the route marker box. THE BIG JUMP After the short flight to Kauai, Teri & Ian took the lead driving to the ranch, but Ken & Gerard arrived first, having asked a local for directions. After suiting up in a harness, the brothers opened the clue to find their last Detour, a choice between Quick Drop and Slow Walk. Teams choosing Quick Drop would have to take a 160-foot tandem drop to the Wailua Falls below. After the drop, they would have to swim to shore and follow the flags to the clue waiting behind the falls. While the drop could be frightening, this choice would save time. Teams choosing Slow Walk would have to walk a marked trail down to the falls and follow the flags to the clue. This option wouldn't be frightening, but would take considerably longer. Although nervous, Ken & Gerard chose the Quick Drop. Gerard calmed his brother, saying, "We're gonna be fine, Ken. We're absolutely nuts, but we're going to be fine." The brothers took the plunge with their arms around each other and landed safely in the water. After swimming ashore and walking along the marked trail, Ken & Gerard found their next clue. They discovered they were heading to their last destination: Seattle, Washington. Once in Seattle, they would have to find Kerry Park, overlooking downtown, and their next clue. Following suit, Flo also agreed to the Quick Drop, remarking, "It's the last Detour of the race. I'm going to go out with something a little risky." Flo grabbed onto Zach for dear life as the pair got ready to jump. Zach said to Flo, "I'm so proud of you." Having gotten lost, Teri & Ian arrived at the Detour in last place. Having a fear of heights, Ian wasn't thrilled with the idea of jumping 160 feet, but agreed to try to help his Team. After the jump, Teri told Ian how proud she was of him. At the airport, Flo & Zach and Ken & Gerard booked flights to Seattle, arriving at 8:57am. Not seeing Teri & Ian at the airport, the others hoped this would become a two-Team final. The married couple managed to get to the airport in time and booked the same flight as the others. On her chances of winning, Teri said, "I know that I have something left for that last run for the gold. I'm sure that all these other Teams do too, but mine is just a little bit better." Zach said, "We're young. We're fast. We're healthy. We're going to destroy these Teams." Gerard commented, "I think we have a very good chance of winning. We have to keep up the energy, keep up the stamina. If we do that, we're going to take it." RACE TO THE FINISH After landing in Seattle, Teams raced to get taxis, with Ken & Gerard taking the lead. Flo & Zach arrived seconds ahead of the brothers at the Kerry Park route marker as both Teams opened their next clue. They had to abandon their taxis and go by foot through the streets of downtown Seattle to find the International Fountain and their next clue. With an early lead on foot, Zach knew they were headed towards the Space Needle. Teri & Ian trailed behind Ken & Gerard in third place. As they neared the Space Needle, Flo & Zach realized that they overshot the fountain and headed back towards it. By this time, both Ken & Gerard and Teri & Ian found the route marker and their next clue, which instructed them to make their way to the west side of Seattle and find Lincoln Park. Flo screamed at Zach, "Teri & Ian were already there. I'm really going to get mad. Stop giving me the wrong directions if you're not sure." Zach's mistake proved inconsequential as all Teams had difficulties finding a taxi. In the cab to Lincoln Park, Flo continued to yell at Zach over directions. The pair arrived at the park in first place and encountered their final Roadblock. One Team member had to choose a totem pole with various animal faces. Each animal face corresponded to a task from a previous leg of the Race that involved that particular animal. The person needed to spin the faces to place them in the same chronological order they appeared in the race. That order was donkey, dolphin, horse, goat and manatee. When in the right order, the mouth at the bottom of the totem pole would open to reveal the next clue. Zach quickly went to work solving the totem pole puzzle. Soon Ian joined Zach and the pair dueled it out for first place. Zach finished first, ran back through the woods with the clue and joined Flo. The pair raced to a cab and headed to the finish line at Gas Works Park. Ian then finished the Roadblock, believing they were now in last place. They realized they were in second place when they met Ken & Gerard entering Lincoln Park. THE WINNERS! In the cab to the park, Flo told Zach, "I think Ken & Gerard are already there. Second place is fine with me." Zach replied, "I still think there's a chance." She also apologized to Zach, saying, "You're a really great friend. I'm sorry I yelled at you." Teri & Ian and Ken & Gerard also complemented each other in their respective cabs for a race well run. Host Phil Keoghan and the nine eliminated Teams waited anxiously in Gas Works Park for the first Team to appear over the hill. That Team was Flo & Zach. As the friends from New York ran towards the final mat, Zach asked Flo, "Do you see Ken and 'G'?" Flo responded that she didn't, and figured the brothers were hiding. They crossed the Finish Line, and soon discovered that they had just won THE AMAZING RACE. Phil made it official, saying, "Four continents, thirteen countries, forty one thousand miles. Flo & Zach, you are the official winners of THE AMAZING RACE and have won the one million dollar prize." The ecstatic pair screamed and hugged in shocked disbelief, stunned by their triumphant win. Arriving in second place, Teri & Ian met Phil, and congratulated the winners. On her experience, Teri remarked, "In running the race, I don't believe there's anything I would change. I did some things I never thought I would do that seemed to be frightening in the beginning, but were too much fun in the end." Ian added, "It was an unbelievable experience. Although I was pretty rough on Teri at times, we've accepted each other for what we are. No matter what the outcome, we went the distance and we're proud of that." On their third place finish, Ken said, "I was just so thrilled to come into that finish line and see all those other Teams cheering for us. I sort of forgot that we didn't win the million dollars. We made it to the final three and that's heaven. It's not a million dollars, but it put me on the moon." Gerard commented, "Even though I was disappointed in not winning, I still felt real good. Also, my relationship with Ken has really improved and I think that's something we'll carry for the rest of our lives." In winning, Zach said, "I think one thing I've come away from this race with is stronger belief in being positive. I really feel that no matter how bad things look, if you stay positive, it can help in the end." Flo said, "I knew a woman had to win this race. I just didn't think it would be me." On their relationship, Zach said, "Flo and I are going to be great friends. The romance thing didn't work out and I think we're both fine with that." Flo added, "Zach is wonderful. He has miraculously been able to keep it together and keep me together. Had he not done as much as he did, I would not be here right now." SATISFIED IN SEATTLE: FLO & ZACH WIN THE AMAZING RACE! After thousands of miles, and circling the globe, the final 3 Teams, brothers Ken & Gerard, married parents Teri & Ian and friends Flo & Zach raced with every ounce of energy they could muster from Vietnam across the Pacific Ocean to the Finish Line in the United States. A desperate car race through Seattle, Washington, and a sprint through Gas Works Park found the Teams giving it their all in a bid for first place. In the end, Flo & Zach were able to overcome all the difficulties they had faced in the past, and worked together to pull out an incredible first place finish and the million-dollar prize. http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race3/show/episode12/ar3story01.shtml