The sound of pounding Black Sea surf filters through my glass door as the rain comes down in sheets. Arrival in Sochi was easy. Accreditation was quick, luggage arrived safely and transportation was waiting. Security was pretty low key. No guns were visible. The Cossacks, who lived in this area before the Russians took the place over in the 1820's are providing some local color for new arrivals. Swarthy guys in gray Greatcoats with big fur hats made their presence known. They were in contrast to the blonde haired, chiseled jawed Russian militiamen who stood by in the arrivals area as well. It was, well, sort of festive. Dozens of Natalias, Lyudmillas and Anastasias were hanging around sporting their flowery Sochi volunteer garb. It feels like the Olympics . . . well. . . . sort of.
My Umami burger from the Bradley Terminal is sill repeating 13 hours later. But what a joy it was to jam down a squishy chili burger as a "last meal" before I drop into the abyss. Flying in, The RusskieLand theme park was lit beautifully. No worry that the hastily paved new roads already have NYC potholes to navigate. My favorite "no" symbol, the French finger wag isn't part of the culture. Nyet seems to be two arms crossed at the wrist with a good loud and polite . . ."нет, пожалуйста" (No Please).
The place has changed immensely since I was here a year ago. The roads are paved and the Ring is brightly lit with a rainbow of colors. Where did all the mud go?
I was a bit melancholy boarding the flight as this will be the first NBC Olympics for me without Dick Ebersol. I have been missing his passion and guidance in the lead up to the Games.
Strangely enough, I sat next to an Ebersol on the flight to Moscow . . . Dick's son Willie. It was strangely surreal because Willie has many of the facial expressions and mannerisms of his dad. We had a terrific time . . . albeit 12 1/2 hours. He has a lot of Dick inside him.
So now it's 2:30 am and I'm ready to start the day! This is not a good thing. The bed is comfortable and I think I'm the first occupant of this room since the hotel was finished a few weeks ago. We are isolated in a far corner of the Olympic Ring with unoccupied condos lurking across the street. Although it's dark I can see a pretty nice beach from my balcony. A four foot set of rollers is crashing against the promenade. A beach resort at the Winter Games? Really?
Luckily I have the weekend to sort myself out. The real meetings start Monday.
My Umami burger from the Bradley Terminal is sill repeating 13 hours later. But what a joy it was to jam down a squishy chili burger as a "last meal" before I drop into the abyss. Flying in, The RusskieLand theme park was lit beautifully. No worry that the hastily paved new roads already have NYC potholes to navigate. My favorite "no" symbol, the French finger wag isn't part of the culture. Nyet seems to be two arms crossed at the wrist with a good loud and polite . . ."нет, пожалуйста" (No Please).
The place has changed immensely since I was here a year ago. The roads are paved and the Ring is brightly lit with a rainbow of colors. Where did all the mud go?
I was a bit melancholy boarding the flight as this will be the first NBC Olympics for me without Dick Ebersol. I have been missing his passion and guidance in the lead up to the Games.
Strangely enough, I sat next to an Ebersol on the flight to Moscow . . . Dick's son Willie. It was strangely surreal because Willie has many of the facial expressions and mannerisms of his dad. We had a terrific time . . . albeit 12 1/2 hours. He has a lot of Dick inside him.
So now it's 2:30 am and I'm ready to start the day! This is not a good thing. The bed is comfortable and I think I'm the first occupant of this room since the hotel was finished a few weeks ago. We are isolated in a far corner of the Olympic Ring with unoccupied condos lurking across the street. Although it's dark I can see a pretty nice beach from my balcony. A four foot set of rollers is crashing against the promenade. A beach resort at the Winter Games? Really?
Luckily I have the weekend to sort myself out. The real meetings start Monday.
Impressions are so much fun to read....please keep coming!
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