PAULINE'S Worlds 2007 Travel Log

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v042	PAULINE'S Worlds 2007 Travel Log	Lead	[-]
Posts: 1128 (04/08/2007 15:15:18) Big V More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hi Everyone, For those of you who do not know me, my name is Pauline Robertson I am the Team Manager for the 2007 Australian Team travelling to Colombia for the World Championships. I have either been given you e-mail address by a member of the Team or I think that you would be interested in receiving updates from Colombia. The updates that I send are aimed mainly at parents, supporters and friends who could not be at Worlds, it deals with the day to day antics and happenings of the team rather than racing commentary. The following addresses are of sites written which will cover the tactical aspect and daily results of the racing. www.bont.com www.cali2007rollersport.com www.patincarrera.com/cali2007 www.teamdes.com Should you wish to contact or send a message to one of the skaters or the Team please feel free to e-mail me and I will ensure that your message is passed on. regards Pauline
v042	Re: Worlds 2007 Travel Log	#1	[-]
Posts: 1128 (10/08/2007 11:37:23) Big V More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hi Everyone, Well the trip has just started. I am at Sydney airport and I have just spoken to Jon Evans who has advised that everyone is booked in and ready to go. Stephen is at Brisbane and other than a small problem with one ticket everyone there is ready to go. I heard from Daniel and the operation went well, hopefully we will see him in Colombia sometime next week, all going well. Colombia here we come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Take care Regards Pauline
v042	Re: Worlds 2007 Travel Log	#2	[-]
Posts: 1128 (12/08/2007 02:43:55) Big V More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hi All I just heard from Pauline . Australian team and luggage all arrived safely in Cali. All are tucked up in bed now (2am) More from Pauline tomorrow when she has net access. Cheers Johnny
PaulineR	Greetings from Cali	#3	[-]
Posts: 57 (12/08/2007 08:28:36) More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hi Everyone, Yesterday was a very long day, we did not have any time between connecting flights to eat or shop. We have arrived safe and well as did our luggage. The people have been great. We were escorted out of the customs hall without having to ques or even having a bag checked. The trip from the Airport to the >Hotel was interesting, we were given a police escort and went through red lights, they even stopped the traffic at the intersections. The rooms at the hotel are very large and there is plenty of room, The showers are nearly as large as the rooms. When we arrived at approx 12.30am the Hotel staff made us toasted sandwiches and chips so everyone went to bed on a full stomach and from what most said this morning they has a good sleep. The breakfast was great, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, croissants and various types of Colombian Bread. There was also cornflakes for those who wanted them. The freshly squeeze the fruit juice. All in all I am very pleased with our accommodation and more importantly so are the skaters. The only problem we had was with my room and Jon Evans room we had no Hot Water, I am moving rooms this morning and hopefully so is Jon. We are heading to the track at 10.30am with our Interpreter Gonzalo, he is a young engineering students who speaks fluent English so I do not think we will have any problems. I am writing this from an Internet Cafe a few door down from the hotel. My phone also works, if you need to call please remember the time difference and also the fact that we both get charged for the call and it is very expensive. I will bring the team down here later today and they can email and phone from here if they wish. Take care and remember I can be contacted by e0mail. Take care Regards Pauline
PaulineR	Re: Greetings from Cali	#4	[-]
Posts: 57 (12/08/2007 08:30:40) More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hi Everyone, We had a team meeting first thing this morning where we gave out the Shirts and shorts, they looked really good this morning going to the track with their yellow shirts, blue shorts and straw hats. Jon Evans will be taking some Team photos tomorrow so we will post them as soon as we can. We went to the track this morning, only Edward had a skate, everyone else was just too jet lagged. The track and Road circuit looked good, they are still finishing the Grandstand and other facilities, I am sure that by the 17th everything will be up and running. On the way back to the hotel from the track we called into a large Shopping centre where we went to the Supermarket, a number of us had problems with getting money from the ATM, as it was only those with a Commonwealth Bank Key card, I think that the bank computer might have been having some maintenance, it will work as I had used the machine at the airport no problem. We will try again tomorrow. Corey arrived at the Hotel whuile we were at the track. We had lunch at the hotel, most of the skaters seemed to like it, I am having a meeting tomorrow to work out a Menu the hotel are going out of their way to help with what ever they can. Before we arrived they decorated the 3rd Floor (we are the only occupants on that floor) they have a large welcome sign and decorated it with red, white and blue balloons. One skaters asked why they had used those colours, we had to explain it was the colours of the Australian Flag. They also had a large flag made for the dining room, the only problem they missed a couple of stars, but it was a nice thought. Most of the team have just gone to the tiny Internet Cafe (4 computers) all of which run on Windows 95, so I am sure that most of you will be receiving emails soon. Take care Regards Pauline
v042	Re: Greetings from Cali	#5	[-]
Posts: 1128 (13/08/2007 11:21:04) Big V More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hi Everyone, Everyone here is fine, last night at dinner the Hotel organised a traditionally Colombia Salsa band to entertain us, it was very enjoyable especially after the Australian Team were given a Salsa lesson, needless to say some were better than others. This morning we were to have a road training session, however, when the Team arrived Stephen asked the Americans if they minded us doing the session on track with them. Most enjoyed the training and were happy with the track. Mick took some video of the session and tonight after tea we will go through the training session. After lunch today we did a bit of sight seeing, the bus took us too various tourist spots around Cali so there was not much walking involved. We finished off at the oldest church in Cali and we all enjoyed a Oberos which is a 2 large round wafers spread with Caramel , cream and strawberry syrup. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed them We are going back to the track tonight for a 6.30pm training session. Thank you to all of those who have sent good wishes to the Team. Take care regards Pauline elthamskate
v042	Re: Greetings from Cali	#6	[-]
Posts: 1128 (14/08/2007 08:29:38) Big V More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hi Everyone It is hard to believe that we have only been here for 48 hours it already seems like it has been a week. Training went well last night, once again everyone was happy with the track. After tea we sat and told some jokes and then just sat and spoke about all of you (So if your ears were burning don't worry it was only us: and I did not believe half of what was said) Karen and Alex used their spa bath to was the Team Shirts, it worked really well. So the Team will have at lest one clean shirt. We have just had breakfast and have a free hour to just relax before going to the track for training. Once again thank you all for your good wishes. Regards Pauline
v042	Re: Greetings from Cali	#7	[-]
Posts: 1128 (14/08/2007 08:31:19) Big V More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hi Everyone, Mick has just given me his Worlds Blog spot Address. It is cadomotus.blogspot.com. This is a daily report on the training of the Australian team, he lists the times done and any other relevant information that pertains to the teams training. Take care Regards Pauline
Ju1ius Caesar	Re: Greetings from Cali	#8	[-]
Posts: 307 (15/08/2007 05:20:18) Nihil est super me More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	<post moved to different thread>
v042	Re: Greetings from Cali	#9	[-]
Posts: 1128 (15/08/2007 14:25:58) Big V More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hi Everyone, Latest Up date for Monday 13th.... We had a very busy day, we organised a Physio & Masseuse for some of the skaters, mainly maintenance and recovery work. After a good training session in the morning, we came back to the hotel for lunch. The food has been great. After lunch some of the skaters did some light exercising in the pool. After that we went to a local Shopping Mall, some of the skaters tried some of the traditional Colombian snacks, some weird and colourful food. A couple of us stuck to more traditional things like chocolate coated marshmallows...(They came highly recommended by one of the guards that travel with us) Unfortunately some of the skin suits did not fit quite right so we are having them altered, they will be ready Thursday. This evening the training was on the road, things are starting to get really frantic at the track, I will be amazed if they finished what still has to be done, certainly would not be finished if it was being done in Australia. The Occupational Health and Safety Commission would have a field day with some of the conditions and work practises. Having a rickety scaffolding mounted on milk crates would not pass, neither would being dragged up a building with a rope around your waist. After training we went straight back to the hotel for Dinner. We surprised Angie and Mick with a cake to celebrate their engagement (Yes I know they got engaged a couple of months ago, but they had not had a cake). Yowie also joined us for dinner. We thought our plane trip was long, his was twice as long as he missed one flight and had to fly from Australia to NZ then to South America where he had 3 internal flights. Tuesday 14th We made the News Paper, there is a small photo of some of the skaters in the newspaper,unfortunately we are not quite sure what was written, all good I am sure. Edward & Brooke were interviewed for another newspaper, they also took a photo of the whole team Stephen was interviewed for a local radio station and Andy will be appearing on Colombian TV tonight. The weather has been great, not nearly as hot as we were expecting, but I suppose there is still time for it to heat up. The track looks really good with a backdrop of mountains, this morning was the first time we could not see them as they were shrouded in mist. After the morning training session we went to visit the sporting complex of Luz Marie Tressta, Luz Marie is a former Colombia World Champions who is still very active in the sport. The complex consists of a pool, road circuit, track and a large wooded floor. It also has a gym and a shop. It is unbelievable. A few of the skaters bought some really nice skin suits and various other skating paraphernalia. One of the things that is really fascinating is the various street performers that are at most of the traffic Lights, they are so talented. Training went really really this evening most of the skaters were really happy with the track, the only problem at the moment is the lack of people selling wheels, we are hopping that there. Just as we had finished training it started to rain, extremely luck for us, not so lucky for Colombia who were to train after us.... Tonight we went to the Coralle Hamburger Restaurant, the Burgers had come highly recommended by Corey who arrived a few weeks before us. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meal. A COUPLE OF INTERESTING FACTS - SEE IF YOU KNOW WHO I AM TALKING ABOUT: 1. Which mother and sister bought obscene T-Shirts thinking they were advertising an Australian Company in Spanish????????? 2. Which senior lady (recently engaged) when speaking about corsets which are widely worn here, said they would be good for mothers and people who had recently had babies?????????????????????????? 3. Which Victorian Senior Man told anyone that wanted to listen that he was normally so stupid????????????? 4. Which Victorian Junior Man (not Daniel or Jason) demolished a tree as we left the restaurant???????????? Take care Regards Pauline
v042	Re: Greetings from Cali	#10	[-]
Posts: 1128 (16/08/2007 13:36:58) Big V More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hi All RE- The earthquake in Peru The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii issued a tsunami warning for Peru, Chile, Ecuador and Colombia. Please dont panic as it is over 300km away and would have to cross the mountains to get to us Regards Pauline
v042	Re: Greetings from Cali	#11	[-]
Posts: 1128 (17/08/2007 09:48:13) Big V More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hi Everyone, Further to the previous e-mail, the Tsunami warning has now been lifted, the actual wave was only 34cm at its highest point. I have just received the disappointing news that Daniel Thomson has made the decision not to travel to worlds. I am sure that like the team you will be disappointed for Daniel. Update for Wednesday 15th. When we arrived at the track it had been raining quiet heavily before we arrived, the track was extremely wet, however, we decided to wait to see if it dried out and within 20 minutes the skaters were on the track training. After training we returned to the hotel where the skaters had a recovery session in the pool, this was followed by lunch. After lunch everyone had a rest. Gonzalo our interpreter then took us to"Hill of the Cross" for us to buy some souvenirs. It was a very small area that had approx 30 small stalls filled with traditional Colombian ornaments, and toys. We then went back to the hotel. I had requested Pizza, as the Hotel does not have an oven where they can cook Pizza, they purchased it from Domino's. I cannot speak highly enough of the help and friendliness of the management & staff. They in turn are very pleased with the behaviour and friendliness of the Team, they have many sporting and school teams staying at the hotel and the Manager have said that they have never had such a polite well behaved group of young people. (Don't know what they think of Stephen, Jon, Karen and my behaviour as we are not exactly young) We have 2 Police Officers staying on our floor, one is getting married the day after we leave; last night they had a pre wedding party on our floor, there was a mariachi band and they made us some drinks (non alcoholic - much to the disgust of a couple of Seniors). We all tried on the large sombreros and were very surprised at the weight of them. We also had a manicurist visit the hotel and the girls in the Team had a bonding session, and all had a manicure and pedicure. Brooke thought it was great. Speaking of Brooke, we got her to order some drink by phone, we waited and waited then one of the men came to deliver something to the room and she asked him about the drinks that had not arrived, 5 minutes later not only the ones that had been ordered over the phone but also the second lot he thought we wanted arrived, thankfully they are only about 50cents each as we ended up with enough drink for the whole team. Thursday 16th. Matthew Canning arrived late last night and joined us for breakfast. Mathew is an old Elthan skater who now lives in Canada. We are training at 11.30am this morning. Edward (with some outside help) has decided that he needs a hair cut, so after training Karen is going to get some scissors and cut his hair. Must go now as we are leaving for the track soon. Take care Regards Pauline
v042	Re: Greetings from Cali	#12	[-]
Posts: 1128 (17/08/2007 13:32:31) Big V More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hi Everyone, Training went really well, thankfully there were wheels available for purchase. The skaters now all have at least the wheels they need for the track championships. After training the skaters had a pool recovery session, then Lunch. After lunch they watched some videos of the training that had been done over the last few days. I went to the Registration meeting and when I returned we went for a walk around the small shops at the Hotel. Tonight we went to a Food Hall for Tea where we enjoyed Hamburgers and Ice-Cream. Everyone is now back at the hotel and enjoying some quiet time or playing Pool in the games room. Tomorrow morning we have training at 8.30am and then the Opening Ceremony at 5pm. Take care. More information soon. Regards Pauline
v042	Re: PAULINE"S Worlds 2007 Travel Log	#13	[-]
Posts: 1128 (19/08/2007 09:37:13) Big V More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hi Everyone Once again the Aussies know how to keep people entertained, we had a 99cent Beach Ball that helped stave off the boredom of sitting in a large room for 1 hour. Some of the Teams really got involved so much so we ended up with a Rugby Scrum in the middle. (No Aussies were involved) The organisation Committee had said that we had to arrive at 3.30pm for a 5pm start, However, from past experience I decided that we could arrive at 4.45pm for a 5pm start, needless to say it was 6pm when they finally announced something was going to happen. Unfortunately by this time the rain was very threatening, we did the March Past and after 30 minutes of speeches the entertainment was just about to start when it started to rain, we decided that it was best to go back to the hotel and watch the Opening on TV as it was being broadcast live. Jon & Alex were fortunate to be given Track Passes, this was great as out of 50 Press photographers they were only issuing 12 for the inner track. This morning the competition started 45 minutes late, for no other reason than, they are not organised. The Junior Boys have just finished their 300m Time Trail Heat, Daniel Grieg has the fastest time recorded. One Colombian skaters had a slightly faster time, however as he skated on the Blue surface he was disqualified. (I must admit it did take a while for that to happen, I do not think they had any other choice as they had previously disqualified a skater from Chinese Taipei. Thanks again for the the best wishes, they have been passes onto the skaters, sorry I have not had time to acknowledge them individually. Michael Lorberg: Ilease and the rest of us send best wishes for a very Happy Birthday. Tome el cuidado las (take care) Consideraciones (Regards) Pauline
v042	Re: PAULINE"S Worlds 2007 Travel Log	#14	[-]
Posts: 1128 (20/08/2007 10:56:06) Big V More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hi Everyone, As you are no doubt aware DANIEL WON SILVER in the 300 Time Trial. We were all very excited about the win, it was a great feeling to be standing at the edge of the track watching. They advised that as it was so late they would wait till today to do the medal presentations, that will be nearly as exciting as the race itself. For the first time in a few years we were able to do the traditional Ozzie, Ozzie Guard of Honour. The skater who won the Gold was the Colombian skater that was disqualified and then very controversially reinstated. We tried extremely hard to ensure he did not skate, however they (?) changed the rules and applied them retrospectively. To say that I am disappointed in the officiating and general organisation of this Competition is an understatement. Because of this I am convinced that we as a sport are unlikely to make the Olympics. On a more positive note: We returned to the Hotel last night at approx 12.30 and our Dinner was waiting for us, a number of skaters were still hungry so Stephen went into the Kitchen to help (actually show them how to cook good chips). He decided to go the whole way when serving them and dressed in the waiters bow tie and waist coat. We all agree that he should stick to his current job. It is now Sunday morning and we are back at the track. The skaters are all well and looking forward to some more great racing. Take care more news soon. Regards Pauline
v042	Re: PAULINE"S Worlds 2007 Travel Log	#15	[-]
Posts: 1128 (20/08/2007 10:56:42) Big V More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hi Everyone, Just to let you know Daniel just received his Medal, it was a great thrill to see him on the podium. Heres hoping for a few more medals for the Team. Regards Pauline
v042	Re: PAULINE"S Worlds 2007 Travel Log	#16	[-]
Posts: 1128 (20/08/2007 13:00:31) Big V More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hi Everyone, The Eliminations have just finished and unfortunately no medals for Australia. Cameron had a fall, the medical staff have patched him up and he is fine. Unfortunately Mick also had a fall, the doctor has assured us that a couple of days icing his leg and some physio work will allow him to skate the Road. All in all not a successful night. After the 1000m races we will be heading back to the Hotel for Pizza and hopefully a relatively early night. Everyone is getting really tiered, the weather has heated up during the day and the Athletes tent is very hot. We have been advised that the exhaust fan is being replaced with air conditioning tomorrow, so we are hopeful this will help. Take care Regards Pauline
v042	Re: PAULINE"S Worlds 2007 Travel Log	#17	[-]
Posts: 1128 (21/08/2007 11:14:57) Big V More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hi Everyone, I am pleased to advise that both Mick & Cameron are fine after their falls last night. Getting to the track this morning was really quick as it is a Public Holiday in Colombia. Unfortunately no one made the finals of the 500's, we are now waiting for the relay's, Jason, James and Cameron are the only team we have submitted. The weather today is slightly cooler than yesterday, I think the cloud cover is helping. As I advised last night they are tyring to cool the Athletes tent, however nothing seems to work, I think the fact that they have big black panels on the roof of the tent does not help. Unfortunately none of the Australians made the 500m finals. The Junior boys really tried in the Relay Heats but were not successful. We went back to the Hotel for lunch, Karen & I washed the skin suits in the Spa so that they will be fresh for the Road competition. Most of the skaters went into the pool for a while. We watched the Finals of the 500 on the TV at the Hotel and then came to the track for the Relays. Some of the Team went to the Expo next to the track, it is an area set up with Skate Strands and various Colombian souvenirs. We are going to have tea at a Food Court at the local shopping centre. We are ALL looking forward to not having to get up early tomorrow. Take care Regards Pauline
v042	Re: PAULINE'S Worlds 2007 Travel Log	#18	[-]
Posts: 1128 (22/08/2007 08:46:42) Big V More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hi Everyone, The Juniors are certainly enjoying the attention of the locals, they are being followed and asked for their autographs everywhere they go. There are a number of photos of this on the Logan City web page. Our trip to the Food Hall was really successful, everyone bought what they wanted, some went for Steak and I mean a very LARGE steak, some chose Pasta and other had Hamburgers, some were brave enough to try some traditional Colombian Food. We then finished off with some having Ice-cream and other coffee. Karen & I are still waiting for our cup of Tea, they have no idea, I am convinced they make the Tea with milk. I even brought my own Tea bags but they just do not seem to get it right. We walked around the Shopping Centre for about 30 minutes before heading back to the Hotel. Everyone was really happy that today was a rest day, there were some hi-jinks in the camp eg: short sheeting of some beds, toothpaste on door handles, soap on tooth brushes, glad wrapped toilets, soap powder in the Shower head and a few other harmless pranks. Needless to say I keep my room key with me at all times and have advised the Hotel no one but me is to have access to my room. I have been told NO ONE is safe. The wedding party that i spoke about in a previous e-mail finally wound up last night with another party and they have decorated the floor with flowers that in Australia would have cost 1000s of dollars The Organising Committee came to the Hotel and gave the skaters a small bag of gifts. We are heading to the track at 11am for a Road session, we will then come back to the Hotel for lunch and work out what everyone wants to do this afternoon. Take care Regards Pauline
v042	Re: PAULINE'S Worlds 2007 Travel Log	#19	[-]
Posts: 1128 (22/08/2007 14:59:48) Big V More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hi Everyone, We had a good training session, the track was completely empty, the Brazilians had just finished their session and Mexico arrived just as we were leaving. Everyone tried the wheels that they had and by the end of the session most were comfortable with the wheels they had chosen. After the session we came back to the Hotel for lunch. Mathew Canning, who is an ex Eltham Skaters who now lives in Canada was celebrating his Birthday so we had some cake after lunch. The food has been really good and today was no exception. The fruit and freshly made fruit juice has been very popular with nearly everyone. The hi-jinks continued today with quite a few laughs by many people. They are certainly letting off some steam. After lunch we went to the supermarket to stock up on drinks and snacks for the next few days. Some then went to a local souvenir store, so hopefully some of you will be the recipients of some Colombian artifacts. Tonight we will be having an early night in readiness for some hard skating. Take care regards Pauline
v042	Re: PAULINE'S Worlds 2007 Travel Log	#20	[-]
Posts: 1128 (23/08/2007 09:45:39) Big V More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hi Everyone, Hope you are all well, everyone here is well rested and ready to skate. It was a bit chaotic last night, we had a couple of black outs, just before dinner the lights went out and the Hotel were going to order Pizza, then the lights came back on and they cooked dinner. Later in the night the lights went out again so everyone went to bed. I attended a presentation from the Organising committee for next year,s World Championships in Spain, hopefully they will be more organised than this years. We are at the track now waiting for the 200 Time Trails to start, Daniel has the fastest time with a 17.20 Pedro Causil (col) 17.23, Leonardo Bonata (Ita) 17.35. They tried to put Daniel on a warning as they claim they did not have him on the sheet. This has now been lifted as I asked them to show me the original piece of paper as I had personally seen her write when I nominated them this morning. They have now cancelled the 10K Heats for the senior men. It is just a joke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The only thing is that we will now be able to get back to the Hotel for everyone to have a rest before the skating tonight. I am pleased to say that the Athletes tent is now cooler. regards Pauline Just a short quiz to keep you guessing? Which junior skater from Queensland thought that Colombian Rice Bubbles were square? Which senior skater from Queensland left their numbers at the Hotel and had to go back in a Taxi with the interpreter? Hint is was not Ilease.......... Which senior man (recently engaged) went to the Supermarket and forgot what he was to buy, and then proceeded to buy the wrong stuff? Which skaters were mobbed (literally) at the supermarket for their autographs? Which skaters have to constantly charge their phones because they are taking photos of well proportioned ladies? We are convinced Cali is the capital of Plastic Surgery. Which Senior Man from Victoria left his skin suit at the Hotel. (No Jan it was not your son)?

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PAULINE'S Worlds 2007 Travel Log

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