It was nice to sleep in and get some extra shut-eye. Once we were all awake the family went to breakfast--which turned out to be a who's who of past and present U.S. figure skating excellence. How cool is that! Not to mention the delicious omelets. Yum!
It was great to see Daphne and Michelle. They were on their way to get their credentials. The IDC crew looks ready to go.
Later we ventured into the St. Paul skyway system to go over to the Xcel Energy Center. Walking through the twists and turns I got the feeling like I was a mouse in a maze chasing after cheese, but at least it was warm, and we did eventually make it to the arena after about 15 to 20 minutes. Now this was still a better option than a shorter walk outside in the -5 degree temperature.
We did run into a few of the pheasant hunters in the skyway. We did not see any pheasants around. These guys must be good!
The Xcel Center looks great. It was eye opening to see a big arena when we are more used to a simple ice surface and a few benches. The ice had the painted event logo and the U.S. Figure Skating Logo. It finally hit home that we are at the big event. After my stomach did a few flip-flops, I was able to enjoy checking everything out. The Xcel Center is very impressive. The event crew was busy putting up the kiss and cry area and the officials were completing the setup of the judging system. There was great positive energy in the air! The skaters in practice were busy flying around the ice and each other. Now that the skating has started, it really feels like a competition is underway.
We then had our first chance to use the shuttle bus between the arena and the hotel. The bus itself was fine - but what was incredibly SHOCKING was how cold it was just running from the building to the bus. The volunteers were VERY dedicated because they were actually standing in the cold to hold the door for us. I have a newfound respect for those who live in this arctic environment.
It was a long day, and we ended with a mission to make sure we fed the kids carbs! The coaches wanted them to eat a pasta meal - so, like good parents we got the kids pasta primavera with pheasant. No - just kidding it was chicken. Well - it tasted like chicken. Hmmmmmm.
Well, off to an early bed time. Tomorrow is the first day of competition and it is for the novice compulsories. I would like to wish all of the competitors the best of luck! You all looked great out there today in practice. Go out there and have fun!
It was great to see Daphne and Michelle. They were on their way to get their credentials. The IDC crew looks ready to go.
Later we ventured into the St. Paul skyway system to go over to the Xcel Energy Center. Walking through the twists and turns I got the feeling like I was a mouse in a maze chasing after cheese, but at least it was warm, and we did eventually make it to the arena after about 15 to 20 minutes. Now this was still a better option than a shorter walk outside in the -5 degree temperature.
We did run into a few of the pheasant hunters in the skyway. We did not see any pheasants around. These guys must be good!
The Xcel Center looks great. It was eye opening to see a big arena when we are more used to a simple ice surface and a few benches. The ice had the painted event logo and the U.S. Figure Skating Logo. It finally hit home that we are at the big event. After my stomach did a few flip-flops, I was able to enjoy checking everything out. The Xcel Center is very impressive. The event crew was busy putting up the kiss and cry area and the officials were completing the setup of the judging system. There was great positive energy in the air! The skaters in practice were busy flying around the ice and each other. Now that the skating has started, it really feels like a competition is underway.
We then had our first chance to use the shuttle bus between the arena and the hotel. The bus itself was fine - but what was incredibly SHOCKING was how cold it was just running from the building to the bus. The volunteers were VERY dedicated because they were actually standing in the cold to hold the door for us. I have a newfound respect for those who live in this arctic environment.
It was a long day, and we ended with a mission to make sure we fed the kids carbs! The coaches wanted them to eat a pasta meal - so, like good parents we got the kids pasta primavera with pheasant. No - just kidding it was chicken. Well - it tasted like chicken. Hmmmmmm.
Well, off to an early bed time. Tomorrow is the first day of competition and it is for the novice compulsories. I would like to wish all of the competitors the best of luck! You all looked great out there today in practice. Go out there and have fun!
1 Comments:
Hi Jim! Love the blog! I live a mile or so from the Xcel Center, and highly recommend McGovern's on 7th Street (maybe a block down from Xcel) for an Irish pub! Of course, St. Paul was founded by the Irish so there are Irish pubs everywhere. McGovern's has great food, as well!
If you were walking out the front door of Xcel on Kellogg, take a left on 7th and it will be on your right in a corner, old building a block or so down.
Best of luck to your child!!
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