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World Speed Championships 2008 - Gijon, Spain - daily updates
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 v042 |
World Speed Championships 2008 - Gijon, Spain - daily updates |
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Posts: 1100 (18/08/2008 10:38:19) Big V |
Last Edited By: Dial 311 23/08/2008 09:38:55.
Edited 1 time.
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v042 |
World Speed Championships 2008 - Gijon, Spain PHOTOS | ||
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Posts: 1101 (31/08/2008 12:38:57) Big V |
http://www.mundopatin.com...os_australia/imagenes.htm
Hi All Just thought i would send this to you,some nice pics here Cheers Johnny |
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v042 |
Greetings from Gijon - 3Saturday, 30 August, 2008 12:45 PM | ||
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Posts: 1102 (31/08/2008 12:41:37) Big V |
Hi Everyone
We were up early this morning as the training was at 9am. Thankfully Cameron was able to get cold milk for his cereal. Training this morning went well. Once again everyone seemed happy with the track. We returned from training and everyone had a rest and then we went out for lunch. We had the biggest sandwiches that I have every seen, some could not finish them. We returned to the hotel in time to get organised for the afternoon training session, once again most were happy with how they went. We have just returned to the Hotel, we have arranged for a SPORTS Masseuse to come to the Hotel as a couple of the skaters wanted a massage, the other are resting. Tonight we are going to have dinner at a local Italian Restaurant with some of Shaun Thompson's friends. Today is the 3rd anniversary of Shaun's passing. I have had a meeting with the Hotel Management to try and arrange for meals at the Hotel during the Competition; they have been really accommodating and are going to supply what we have requested. That will make life much easier during the racing. On the rest days we will go to local eateries for lunch and dinner just to add some variety. That is all for now...... 1. Which senior skater has so far forgotten his helmet and skin suit? Take care regards Pauline |
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v042 |
Greetings from Gijon - 4 | ||
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Posts: 1103 (01/09/2008 09:32:19) Big V |
Hi Everyone,
> >Hope you are all well. Everyone here is good. > >As I said we had arranged to have a masseuse come to the Hotel, she >was really good and everyone was happy with her massage skills. >Angie liked her pointed shoes!!!!!!! > >We had dinner at a great Italian Restaurant the food was really good. > >After dinner went to a small bar opposite the restaurant and had a >drink to toast Shaun. It was really nice to be with Desly and >Shaun's friends for the evening. > >I would like to say that Bars in Spain are not like the Bars at home >they are designed for families. So I am not leading the Team astray. > >We walked to the local Taxi rank to catch cabs back to the Hotel. >The last Taxi and the one that I was in was driven by the grumpiest >Taxi Driver I have ever come across; and that was just driving to >the Hotel; you should have seen her when I asked for a receipt. It >actually took her longer to write the very, very detailed receipt >than it did to get to the Hotel. It was so funny we were on the >sidewalk outside the Hotel and people walking past were looking at >us as we were all laughing so much. >We then went into the cafe at the Hotel for Coffee and Hot Chocolate >before everyone went to bed. > >Sunday 31st August. > >We were able to sleep till 7.30 as the breakfast was not served >until 8am today. > >This morning training session saw most of the skaters testing >wheels. There have been lot's of very positive comments from various >people regarding the new skin suit. > >After training we went to the beach for a recovery session. I had >the job of looking after the bags, which was great as it allowed me >to sit for a while and look at the Ocean and all of the buildings >surrounding the beach. Gijon is a mix of very old and new >architecture. There is a very old church right on the beach it is >beautiful, when the tide comes in the water come right up to the >foundations. Opposite the church there is a section of town that has >many multi story apartment blocks. They range in colour from beige >through to brown, blue and deep pink. > >Once the skaters had walked around in the salt water for about 15 >minutes we made our way back to the Hotel via Taxi's for showers before lunch. > >For lunch today we went back to the cafe we have eaten at for the >last couple of lunches. Cameron & mick kept us entertained with a >coin sliding game while we were waiting for our lunch to be cooked. > >After lunch we came back to the hotel. Some of the skaters have gone >for a nap, while others have gone to the third floor lounge to play >some computer games. > >We are heading back to the track for training at 4pm. > >Question time: > >Which senior went to lunch with socks down his Jeans? > >Take care >Regards >Pauline > |
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v042 |
Greetings from Gijon - 5 | ||
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Posts: 1104 (02/09/2008 11:03:30) Big V |
Hi Everyone,
Hope you are`all well. We now have our official passes, they came in a helmet bag and the skaters were also given a commemorative badge and some information on the city of Gijon. After training we came back to the Hotel and decided that everyone was too tired to go out to Tea. So we had `Pizza Delivered and we all sat and watch videos. We then went down to the Salon and had some Hot Chocolate before going to bed. Monday 1st September After breakfast we had Team Meeting. To save timer at the track Brad spoke to all the skaters and advised them what they would be doing in the training session. he also asked everyone to decided on what wheels they were going to use. Cameron had a problem with his frame so we spoke to the Powerslide people to see if they could replace the frame; we are `going to see them tonight again as their stock had`not arrived. The official buses started today, it took us twice as long to get to the track, so we are going to have to make some adjustments as to when we will be leaving the hotel. The training went really well. We returned to the Hotel and then went to lunch. On the way back from lunch we went to the supermarket for everyone to buy some snacks and for me to stockup on cereal for those who eat it for breakfast. Before the rumours start about me stealing a bottle of whisky I will tell you the REAL story. When I was going through the check out a rather inebriated local lady pushed in front and purchased a bottle of whisky. When we got back to the Hotel not only did I have my shopping but also her bottle of whisky. Rest assured the seal is still in tact and it is in a very safe place. The Seniors thought it was a very noble gesture on my part to save the lady from Alcoholic Poisoning. Everyone had a rest this afternoon, before we went to the Laundry to have our clothes washed and dried, they charge by the Kilo so we just put them all in one bag, they will be ready tomorrow. We are `washing the skin suits at the Hotel. Tonight we are going to have tea about 6.30pm then head to the track for some training, we are `then going to watch the American & French Team trials. That's all for now Regards Pauline |
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v042 |
Sad News from Gijon | ||
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Posts: 1105 (03/09/2008 10:16:48) Big V |
Hi Everyone,
What a Day...It started really well...then just went downhill from there... we were at training this morning and Danny had a very bad fall on the track, he fell over an Argentinian Skater. He was transported to the Hospital by ambulance, the hospital staff we great, unfortunately they could only confirm what we already knew..his collar bone was broken. Like his brother before him, he was stoic in his disappointment and has been extremely positive. This afternoon a few of the skaters went to the Road to try out the surface, they were all really happy. We had tea at the Hotel which was nice, everyone is now just relaxing and preparing for tomorrow when we will return to the Road venue for some training. I am confident tomorrow will be a much better day. Take care Regards Pauline |
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v042 |
Greetings from Gijon - 6 | ||
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Posts: 1106 (04/09/2008 14:26:26) Big V |
Hi Everyone,
We awoke this morning to rain, consequently no one has trained, the track was closed and it was too wet to train on the road. The skaters spent most of the day getting ready for tomorrow. We had a game of Football in the hall way, it was going really well until one of the Team Management kicked the ball and hit the picture on the wall, unfortunately the picture fell and the glass smashed. I am not going to say which member of the Management it was as it may incriminate me. We caught Taxis to the Opening Ceremony as the official bus would have us at the track about 2 hours before the start of the ceremony. This was a good move as it started about 30 minutes late anyway. What can I say about the Opening, the March past was great and once again our Koalas were a big hit. They had some traditional Austerian Dancing and Bagpipes which are played throughout the region. There was then a skit which I could not decided whether it was a take off of "Chariots of Fire" or the "Chainsaw Massacre" Movies. We left immediately after the Opening and had dinner at the Hotel. we then went across the road for some Hot Chocolate, whilst it was nice I think it was just melted Chocolate. The skaters are now in bed. I would like to thank everyone for the best wishes all of which have been passed onto the Skaters. Thanks also for the e-mail that have been sent to Danny, we are currently trying to find out if there is any way that he can have his shoulder pined or plated as he is in considerable pain. Take care Regards Pauline |
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Posts: 1108 (06/09/2008 10:41:16) Big V |
>Hi Everyone,
> >Sorry for the lack of communication over the last couple of days, >however, I have now found an Internet Computer at the track, so >hopefully will be able to give you a littler more communication over >the next couple of days. > >All the hard work and dedications of the skaters is now being put to >the test. The field ranges from extremely good competition by all >the well know names and some new skaters coming through, down to the >developing countries which are skating for the first time. > >Wednesday 4th September > >The racing was very good, there were quite a few crashes including a >really bad one which involved Samantha Michaels from NZ. She >sustained a broken collar bone and a shattered wrist. > >We have a number of Ozzie Supporters in our ranks now with the >arrival of Matt Canning, Karen Lochland, Mark Greig and Bernie >Dousie, we also have 7 time World Champion Sophie Muir and her >partner Chris. (Margaret she looks great and is really happy.) so >all in all Australia is being supported really well here in Spain. > >As you are all no doubt aware Daniel Greig fell in the 300m T/T, it >was very sad to see this happen when he was skating so well. One >minutes the Australian Skaters and supporters where cheering really >loudly then in a split second it just went quite. We were all very >relieved when he stood up. > >After training we had tea and as it was Danny's Birthday we had a >Birthday Cake, all the other countries in the room sang happy >birthday and the South African Team gave him a birthday present >which was a very nice gesture. > >Most people had a fairly early night, however, Sophie had given me a >Red Bull drink..I know they are supposed to give you wings but all >it gave me was insomnia...suffice to say that my room is really tidy >and my paperwork is up to date. > >Thursday 6th September > >Breakfast was at 7.00am and we then went to the bus to take us to the track. > >Once again racing was really good..rough in places but overall good >quality, thankfully not so many falls. Angie, Brooke and Cameron >all made the finals in their respective distances so here's hoping!!!!!!!! > >Everyone was lucky enough to be able to come back to the Hotel over >the lunch break. We are now getting ready to return to the track. >So that Cameron and Brooke can rest a little longer between their >heats and finals we are going to the track in stages. > >More information soon...if the computer is still in the same place >at the track. > >Regards >Pauline |
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Posts: 1109 (06/09/2008 10:43:31) Big V |
Hi Everyone,
Just a quick update. We arrived back at the track at 5.30pm it is now 7.45pm and already Angie and Cameron have been involved in falls on the track. Thankfully neither of them are badly hurt. Angie has a few scrapes and banged her elbow really hard. Cameron lost a little skin off his back and his knee. We are now waiting for Brooke to race her final. Once again our Aussie supporters are back at the track to cheer the skaters. Take care Regards Pauline |
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Posts: 1111 (07/09/2008 00:31:41) Big V |
Hi Everyone,
5th September. Brooke skated well in her final and crossed the line in 5th place. Unfortunately she was disqualified by the Referee, the officiating like last year leaves a lot to be desired. Karen Lochland was great and cooked up a pot of pasta and brought it to the track in takeaway container, it was enjoyed by everyone and certainly helped us warm up a little. I cannot believe how cold it is here. After the skating we went back to the Hotel for Tea, Sophie and Chris became honorary members of the team and travelled in our Bus and then had a meal at the Hotel with us. Whilst the meals have been fine, they are very repetitive, so much so that one of the Senior Men could not eat Tea so he went to the McDonald's just down the road for a hamburger. after tea we went to the same McDonald's for a McFlurry. Needless to say I am hopping that we do not have chicken again tonight as I think it would cause a riot. I have arranged for us not to have meals on the rest days, just to have a bit of variety and also allow us a little more flexability in our schedule for the day. Everyone was in bed by about 11.30 6th September Another really cold day in Sunny Spain, the good thing is that it is dry and the Sun is trying to come out. Hopefully it was warm up a little. Unfortunately we have had no one make their way through to this evening finals. We are heading back to the Hotel for lunch soon and will return this evening to watch the finals. Take care regards Pauline |
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Posts: 1112 (07/09/2008 12:15:59) Big V |
Hi Everyone,
Hope you are all well. Well we arrived back at the hotel and once again the meal was the same, I spoke to the South African and Chilean Team Manager's and we all agreed that we could Not face another meal of Chicken. We spoke to the Hotel Management and they have agreed to vary the menu. As I had not booked meals for the rest day, I have arranged to have tonight's meal of chicken tomorrow night and we are going to a restaurant tonight and will have lunch out tomorrows, so hopefully by then they would have organised the new menu. We all had a bit of a rest before heading to the local shopping mall on the way to the track to watch the final races of the Track Worlds. It was nice to arrive at the track and see the Aussie supporters in the stand. Tomorrow we are going to the Road Track for the team to try out some wheels. In the afternoon we are heading out form a couple of hours sightseeing. Take care Regards Pauline |
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Posts: 1114 (08/09/2008 12:41:21) Big V |
Hi Everyone,
> >Firstly thank you to everyone who has sent best wishes to the Team, >I have passed these onto the Team and they have appreciated your >thoughts. Unfortunately I have not been able to access a printer so >have had to pass them on verbally. > >I also hope that all the Father`s reading this update had a really >good Father's Day. > >When we left the track last night we went to a restaurant called >"Wok Buffet" it was great, you put all the raw food you want on a >plate and take it to the chef and he cooks it there in front of you, >they also had steak, you can also select the sauce that you want it >cooked in. You are able to go back as many times as you like; we >spent about 2 1/2 hours there. They also had Ice-Cream and cake. >Everyone really enjoyed it. > >We then caught Taxis back to the Hotel where I was hoping for an >early night. However this was not to be. Eventually about 1.30am >everything went quiet. > >The day did not go as planned, we had a late breakfast and then >headed to the track for the skaters to try wheels etc. unfortunately >some of the workmen arrived earlier than they should and they closed >the track at about 1.30pm instead of 3pm as advertised. Consequently >not everyone had finished what they had planned to do. We went to >an Italian Restaurant directly opposite the track for lunch with the >plan of returning to the track when it re-opened at 4. It was nice >to sit and enjoy our meal in the air conditioning (we actually >needed it today). After an extended lunch and some coffee and tea >we headed back to the track at 4. > >Our sight seeing will have to be done on the rest day prior to the Marathon. > >The track has been built around the Equestrian Centre that was built >for the Barcelona Olympics, so the facilities look good. The stands >seem to be shaded most of the time. They have really prettied it up >with flowers and a great deal of signage and flags. > >After training we returned to the hotel for showers and a rest >before dinner at 8pm. Thankfully it was not chicken. Most of the >team were happy with tonight's meal. I have spoken to the office >and tomorrow we have pasta for both lunch and dinner so that should >keep everyone happy. > >After dinner we had a Team Meeting and then went to the Hotel cafe >for a hot chocolate and everyone has now gone to bed. > >Johnny has said that some people are having trouble getting results. >In my future updates where possible I will let you know who is >racing what distances and approximate times, and send the placings >of the Aussie skaters. > >Racing for 8th September. >approx 9.30am Daniel Greig is doing the 200m Heats. >approx 10.15am Andy Finster is doing the 200m Heats. >approx 12noon Mick Byrne and Cameron Downes in the 20K Elimination Heats > >We start back at 4pm with the 200 meter Finals, this will be >followed at approx 6pm with Brooke in the 10K Points and Angie in >the 20K Eliminations and then the 20K Senior men's Elimination at approx 7.30pm > >As we are expecting hot weather tomorrow, the skaters are coming to >the track by Taxi as close to their start time as possible. > > >Trivia....... > >Half way through the Team Meeting which Senior Lady said we are a >team member short, where is Cameron?........and where was >Cameron...sitting next to her! > >Which Junior Boy wants people to talk to him before his race as he >doesn't really want to talk to himself. > >That's all for now >Regards >Pauline |
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Posts: 1115 (08/09/2008 20:21:25) Big V |
Hi Everyone,
Months of planning can come unstuck through a simple thing like a flat battery. The skaters all arrived at 8.00am for warm up, unfortunately the Organising Committee did not arrived until 8.35am and when they set up the bean they discovered that it had a flat battery. I think the main problem is that the Organising Committee are actually an outside Events Company and do not have any understand of skating. It was 9.45am before the first skater got off the start line. I would like to say that the volunteers are doing a great job and nothing is too much problem for them. The skaters are staying at the Hotel till about 90 minutes prior to their race. More information as it comes to hand. Take care Regards Pauline |
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Posts: 1116 (08/09/2008 23:07:41) Big V |
Hi Everyone,
The Junior Boys have just finished and Daniel has made it through to the final with the fastest qualifying time. AUS DANIEL CREIG 17,325 COL SEBASTIAN ARCE 17,450 COL PEDRO CAUSIL 17,560 VEN ENRIQUE FLORES 17,682 KOR TBC 17,774 FRA PIERRE LAURENT 17,779 ITA MICHAEL LOCCI 18,051 SPA ABEL MARTÍNEZ 18,148 USA KEVIN QUANDT 18,211 CHI OCTAVIO ROJAS 18,216 KOR JIN SU CHOI 18,224 CHN HAOTAI WU 18,224 USA KEITH CARROL 18,242 GER MAX KREINER 18,333 DEN NICOLEI KJELDSEM 18,392 ITA ANDREA ANGELETTI 18,421 BEL JORE V. BERGUE 18,508 HUN ZOLTAN FEHER 18,520 SPA RAUL VERGARA 18,553 regards Pauline |
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Posts: 1117 (09/09/2008 00:16:38) Big V |
Hi Everyone,
Andy has just done his time trial in a time of 18,309, unfortunately he will not make the final. We have just been advised that the 20K for the Senior Men will now be a straight final. So Mick and Cameron will both start in the final. We are heading back to the hotel for lunch and give everyone a chancve to have a rest and then we will head back to the track. Regards Pauline |
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Posts: 1118 (09/09/2008 09:14:20) Big V |
Hi Everyone,
Daniel did it again and won GOLD in the 200m Time Trial. It was so exciting and to have his Dad here watching made it very special. hearing the National Anthem played at the presentation ceremony is just so emotional. It was also great to have our regular Aussie supporters here to help celebrate his win. I am also please to say that not only is Daniel quick on the track he is also quick when it comes to producing a sample for the Drug Testers. Regards Pauline |
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Posts: 1120 (10/09/2008 12:48:21) Big V |
>Hi Everyone,
> >8th September > >After the racing we went back to the hotel for >lunch, we had spaghetti and tomato sauce >followed by Steak and Chips, Danny could not >understand how they could eat such big meals. > >As the programme had started late in the >morning, it finished late so consequently there >was no time after lunch to rest. Mick, Angie and >Cameron stayed at the hotel and will come to >the track about 5.30pm. The rest of the team >returned to the track just after lunch had finished. > >The CIC called a Team Managers meeting advising >us that 2 members of the IOC will be attending >the racing tomorrow and asked that we make sure >all the skaters behave, they also advised that >they were having a meeting with officials. >Hopefully this will make for some clean racing and fair judging. > >Daniels time trail was so nerve racking, but as >you know he produced the good and backed up last years win. > >After the racing we returned to the Hotel for >tea. It was really great to form the Guard of >Honour and chant Aussie, Aussie, Aussie for >Daniel, it really gives the whole team a boost >when someone does well in a race and Daniel could not have done any better. > >The other countries in the Hotel also gave >Daniel a round of applause and everyone wanted to see the medal. > >After tea we had a Team Meeting and then >arranged Hot Chocolate and Apple Cake to >celebrate, we went all out and had it delivered by room service. > >Everyone then had a relatively early >night..Midnight during a World Championship is relatively early. > >9th September > >This morning, Brad brought Daniel down to the >track early so he could warm up for his 500´s, >he made it through the heats but unfortunately did not make it to the Finals. > >Brooke and Angie stayed at the hotel to rest up >for their race later this evening. While the >rest of the Team came down to the track. > >Brooke, Angie, Mick and Cameron all raced the >finals. It was a shame that it started to rain >minutes prior to the Senior Lady's race which >delayed the start for about 20 minutes. Even >when they started the race one of the corners was still damp. > >Once again our loyal band of supporters were >there to cheer on the skaters. We hung the flag >over the railings so everyone would know where we were > >We returned to the hotel for tea, then went to McDonald's for an ice cream. > >The Team Management from South Africa are >professional photographers and were kind enough >to take some photos of the team. >(Johnny........Wendy and Patrick said you can collect them personally) > >After our professional photo shoot, we had a >quick team meeting, the only skating the Team >has tomorrow is Andy in the 500 and the Senior Men in the relay. > >Everyone has now gone to bed. > >Take care |
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Posts: 1122 (10/09/2008 21:55:06) Big V |
>Hi Everyone,
> >Hope you are all well. > >Yesterday we had some new x-rays done of Danny shoulder, >unfortunately it was not healing properly and I have just returned >to the Hotel from the hospital where Danny has been admitted for >surgery later this afternoon. The Doctor doing the operation is a >world class sports surgeon and comes highly recommended. I will let >you know more later. > >I am going to contact the Insurance Company to see if I can get >Danny upgraded to business class on his flights home...As a >responsible Team Manager I am more than happy to be upgrade as well, >it is the least I can do to make sure he has a comfortable flight. > >Brooke had an interesting lift journey this morning on her way to >breakfast, she tried at three different floor`s to get out of the >lift but the door would not open, she went back to the 7th floor and >thankfully it opened so she decided to us the other lift. > >This morning we have Andy in the 500m and the Senior men's relay. > >I will send more information soon. > >I understand that many of you are getting frustrated with the lack >of information on the official site, believe me I know how you all >feel the organisation of theses championships is appalling, I think >the main problem is that the Organising Committee is actually an >events company, the security people are Nightclub Bouncers and they >just do not understand skaters. > >regards >Pauline |
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Posts: 1123 (11/09/2008 09:35:49) Big V |
Hi Everyone,
Hope you are all well. We are finally experiencing Spanish weather, it has been very warm. Unfortunately we have no one racing any of the finals tonight. Unfortunately Cameron had a fall during the relay, he is fine he lost a little skin, but considering some of the injuries sustained by skaters over the last couple of days he was extremely lucky. We returned to the Hotel after the mornings skating for lunch. Angie and I went to the supermarket which is at the bus stop. We found some Maxibonn Ice-Cream's so after lunch we had ice cream. We also found some of the custard that the Hotel served last week, so we will have that after tea tonight. We are back at the track, we caught Taxis to the hospital to visit Danny on the way here. he has a private room which is just as well as he had 9 people visiting at the same time. He said he had slept most of the day, his operation has been moved for 8th in line to 4th so that is good. After tea Andy and I are going back to the hospital to see how he is. After the racing tonight Tonight we are going to the Wok Buffet for tea. We are being joined by our loyal supporters who have been cheering us all week, so it should be a really fun night. We are ALL sleeping in tomorrow morning then after breakfast we are going to check out the Marathon Track. More soon Regards Pauline |
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Posts: 1124 (12/09/2008 09:20:18) Big V |
>Hi Everyone,
> >We had a great tea at the Wok Buffet, it was nice to have our >supporters join us. After everyone had eaten their full, we went to >a Local Bar, only to see how they pour the Sidara which is a local >drink. They hold the bottle as high as they can in one hand and in >the other they hold the glass as low as they can and pour. It is >really good to see, Mick and I checked out the area behind the bar >and they hardly spill a drop which is amazing considering they do >not look where they are pouring. > >After leaving the bar Brad took the rest of the team to the hotel >while Andy and I went to the hospital to visit Danny. Danny was in >recovery when we arrived and approx 1 1/2 hours later was wheeled >into the room. He did not look well at all. We stayed till about >1.30am just to make sure he was OK. Thankfully the "Hot" Nurse (Not >my words) could speak a little English which made me feel much >better about leaving. > >Andy and I decided that we would walk back to the Hotel, however >just up the street from the hospital we pass a rather seedy looking >bar, it made me rather uncomfortable so we decided that a Taxi would >be a better option, we went into the next cafe and ordered a coke, >lemon and Taxi in that order. We got back to the hotel at about 2am. > >We awoke this morning to rain, rain, rain. Hopefully it will clear >up for tomorrow. We had breakfast at about 10am. Andy and I went >back to the hospital to check on Danny, he looked much better, but >just wanted to sleep so we left him to do just that. > >We are heading to the Marathon track at about 12, then we will have >lunch on the beach and then take a taxi to see some of the local sights. > >More later >Regards >Pauline |
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Posts: 1125 (13/09/2008 11:38:30) Big V |
>Hi Everyone,
> >10th September > >It was really good not to have to set the alarm. Everyone was up >and had breakfast by about 10am. Andy and I went to see Danny, he >was still a little tired so we did not stay long. (Danny made the >paper, they have him stating on the hospital bed...he was smiling so >that was good - have not translated the article yet) > >We caught Taxi's to the turn around section at the far end of the >Marathon track then walked the length of the track. We contacted >Bernie Dousie who is staying in an apartment along the Marathon >Track, we are going ti use that as our base during the day. > >After checking out the apartment we went to an Italian Restaurant, >it was decorated really well with different pastas in jars and old >black and white photos of famous Italian actors. We all ordered >Pizzas and they were the biggest pizzas that we had ever seen, they >were delicious and everyone really enjoyed their lunch. > >We then caught taxi's back to the hotel, we had about 1/2 rest and >then went to the La Casselle Point, it was an old military fortress. >There is a very large monument that was given to the people of Gijon >and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. It was really windy. We then >walked around the old section of town, it was so windy that the >water from the fountain in the old square was being sprayed across >the footpath. > >We went into one of the traditional cake shops and bought some >cakes, we took them back to the hotel some of us had Hot Chocolate >with the cakes and the other had coffee. > >Andy & I went to visit Danny who seemed much better. When we >returned to the Hotel we went out to the Pasta Place for dinner it >was very enjoyable. > >We then returned to the hotel for an early night. > >11th September. > >We woke this morning to rain, which pleased most of the team. > >Brook, Daniel Brad & I headed to the track early to allow us to set >up at Bernie's Apartment. > >The Junior Ladies started first and raced for about half of the >distance in drizzle. By the time the Junior Men started it had >stopped raining and the road had started to dry out. > >Once the Junior men had finished we walked back to the Hotel for >lunch, we had pasta delivered to the hotel and then we left again >for the track for the senior marathons. > >After the Marathons we returned to the hotel where we had Pizza >delivered before heading off to the awards ceremony and dinner. > >The ceremony was held at the University and it is a castle that has >been convenient, it was magnificent, we had to walk through wrought >iron gates that must have been 10m high. It is situated on a hill >that over looks Gijon, it had the most beautiful clock tower that >literally towered over the building. The awards ceremony was >conducted in a theatre of the University and lasted about an hour. > >Danny arrived at the Awards presentation just prior to us leaving >for the Dinner, it was good to see him looking so well. > >We were bussed to a local Sidera Distillery for the dinner, it was >really old and had Barrels that went from the floor to the ceiling, >which would be at least 5m high. The food was traditional Austrium >food which consisted of savoury pastries, fritters and salad. They >also cooked spare ribs in a large round metal container, the ribs >were on swords, it looked really good to see them cooking, or >perhaps it was really good to be warm. There was also some small >cakes. They had also arranged for the skaters to go to a local >night club on the beach. > >Danny wanted to come back to the Hotel, so Brad agreed to supervise >the Juniors at the night club. > >We are being collected from the Hotel at 9.40am. > >It is hard to believe that this trip is over, it has gone really >fast. The skaters have all given 100% and I think they have all >enjopyed the trip. > >Some trivia: > >Which 1st year Senior thought his ice cream tasted funny...he had >dished up sorbet. > >Which Junior boys has made friends with a very pretty American Team Member. > >Take care >Regards >Pauline |
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