Where am I??? What time is it?? What day is it??? Why did ATV cancel Atlantic Grand Prix Wrestling??? All questions that need answers but I am not sure I can give them right now. To say the least, it was a fully eventful day. Sit back and enjoy because this could be a long post. The posts may also be a little spotty as internet access is sparse at best here. There is an internet centre set up with about 15-20 computers for the 7500 athletes that will be here. As I sit here typing this it is roughly 3pm on Thursday in Cape Breton. I have been up since 7AM Wednesday with 1.5 hours of sleep on the flight from Paris to Serbia thrown in there. Exhausted isn ‘t the word.
So here goes. My Wednesday began at 7AM. I got cleaned up, finished packing and then went to get Kelsey for our drive to Halifax. It was a pretty smooth drive and we made it to the airport around 1pm for our 3:15mpm flight. Uneventful flight to Montreal but we faced a 4 hour wait for our next flight. That went by boringly slow and then we boarded the flight to Paris. The first thing I will say is that after flying Air China last year and then Air France this year, why the heck to we have to buy the crap Air Canada is selling us. The service, comfort and food kicked Air Canada’s ass. So off we go on a 6 hour and 50 minute flight. Mostly French people and French flight attendants (who by the way also kicked the ass of Air Canada!!) who were very nice although they could have asked me if I wanted motor oil in my tea and I wouldn’t have known the difference. The meal was a barley and pastrami salad with Salmon as the main course and chocolate banana cake for dessert. Not bad. I tried to time my sleep so I would be adjusted for Serbia. Just getting my eyes closed when the Sisters of Charity Ladies Auxiliary decide to hold a meeting right behind me. There were 5 older women and they decided to try and out shout each other in their discussion. Needless to say the sleep was thrown off and I never got to sleep on the Paris flight. I did get to see Paris and the Eiffel Tower from the air which was pretty cool.
When we got off the plane we had to scramble to our next gate and we eventually made the plane only to sit on the tarmac for an hour with a delay in finding a passenger. Got in the air with a few bumps during the flight and eventually landed in Belgrade 2 hours and 15 min. later. Very smooth process getting through customs and then onto a bus. Guys with guns basically surround the bus and guide us on then escort us in a police car. The terrain is different. It kind of reminded me of flying into Saskatchewan.
So we land at the athletes village. Impressive to say the least. Huge buildings and cafes and high security. Guns visible and soldiers with dogs on the perimeter. We got settled into our residence and it is impressive except for the bad internet access. We headed off to the meal hall for our first meal and it wasn’t bad. Some stuff that resembled things from home. The hall can hold a few thousand at a time which is impressive in itself. We finished the meal and had to go to a flag raising ceremony with the people from our building present. Australia and Great Britain were there with us and it was very nice. Red carpet, traditional costumes and music. Nice to watch our flag be raised though. Gave me chills.
Following the ceremony we toured the village a little and then got the news that one of our coaches and 3 of our players missed a flight in Munich and we are not sure if they will make it tonight or not. Coach Marquis and I sat at a little café and planned practices based on four scenarios. 1 hour with 8 players, 1 hour with 11 players, 2 with 8 or 2 with 11. Later we found out we get an hour to practice tomorrow so 2 scenarios are out.
While we were sitting in the café a really nice thing happened that you just don’t see everyday. I could hear singing from somewhere behind me. Along came the South African team singing as loud as possible while dancing to their music. It was very nice. Then we got fired up with the sounds of the Guns and Roses tribute band. There is a huge stage setup here with free concerts for the athletes each night.
So now I must get off to sleep. I am sure I forgot something from today but I can’t remember my name right now. Tomorrow starts with a 6:30 breakfast with departure for the gym at 8:10 for a 9AM practice. Let’s get started.
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