Mike, Mitch, Destry, Erin, and I are traveled to Sochi to cheer on our athletes. We went to hockey, curling, skiing moguls, cross country skiing, speed skating, ski jumping, and my favorite the medal ceremony as we got front row tickets for being star fans at the mogul event. And we got to see two of our athletes receive medals including a gold medal which meant we got to hear our National Anthem (made me tear up!) Each event was amazing and getting to cheer on Team USA was a highlight. There wasn't many Americans present. We met some of the Americans who had kids representing our country - we always tried to assist them with travel and getting around. And we met some other families like us just in Sochi to cheer on Team USA. Great times! We were getting interviewed (7 times) and being asked to take pictures with Russians. Many people say Russians don't like Americans but our experience was they loved us. Always wanted pictures with our large USA flags and asked for our small flags. When we were at the Today Show, we were asked for more pictures then Matt Lauer! We loved being loved :)
I know there was lots of discussions around the safety and readiness of Russia but we really were fortunate. The security was high - police and soldiers everywhere. We went through security at least 5 times a day. But we didn't mind... Well except Mike who tried to bring a large suitcase on the train. That is not allowed and Russian security took him and Destry away. We didn't know at the time but we found them and they just had to walk to the cruise ship. So all was well... Did I mention we stayed on a cruise ship? What a great idea cause hotels were not available and not ready so a cruise ship was perfect. Well for Erin, Destry, and I as somehow they gave away the room for Mike and Mitch. They had stay with the media at one of the hotels you saw on the news with no sheets or pillows. But eventfully they got on a cruise ship.
So logistics were at times hard- patience needed in Russia especially with little English and not everything was ready - things got better as the week went on as they got more signs up and able to assist people. But we had a rule to ask at least 3 people before we did something to ensure we were going the right way. Especially when we were up in the mountain cluster where travel included a train, bus, gondola, and chair lift to get to events. But the mountain cluster is a beautiful setting! And only place that served beer - did I mention Russia banned beer in stadiums before the Olympics? Wow curling without beer is not so fun...but we had fun as nothing is as amazing as the Olympics. Can't wait for the next one - yep we are always planning on PC Korea 2018.
What a great trip with great friends and Americans. Wish our athletes the best! And happy that the spirit of the Games is prevailing. Go Team USA!
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