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Lisa Hambley's WUG web blog
By Lisa Hambley // USOC Media Services // January 22, 2007
Day one: Our planned arrival to our coach's house was delayed due to weather. Fortunately, we had the foresight to figure in an extra two hours to arrive, check brooms and uniforms and discuss the travel agenda. After arriving at our coach's house our team went over carry-on items that were allowed and prohibited (Note: Deodorant must be less than 3.0 ounces in order to be a carry-on item and don't forget to put Chapstick and lotion in a Ziploc baggy). After organizing the luggage, checking for all passports and IDs we made copies of all of our identifying information and credit cards to be left with the coach's wife in the States (just in case anything happened abroad). We also made copies of our passport and placed them in a bag that was to be with us, but separate from our real passport. We packed one bag each, as well as another bag within that single bag. I have a difficult time packing light so this turned out to be quite a challenge. In our bags we also brought rice cakes, granola bars and Craisins to have during the fifth-end break. When we finally got out the door we were met by a driver so that we could relax as we traveled to the airport. (Arrival time three hours before estimated boarding time). When we got to the airport there was some confusion with check-in as we had been previously checked in as a group so we had to check our bags and receive our boarding passes at a designated area that we were unaware existed. After some confusion and a few tired ticket agents we were able to get our boarding passes and bring our bags to the security check point. (Note: Weigh your bag before you leave the house, one pound makes a 50 dollar difference).
After getting through baggage security it was off to the security checkpoint. What a joy to be a curler and have to explain that the metal bottoms of your shoes are not weapons! Advice to any curler traveling more than three hours; where sweats, or at least bring sweats to change into, because those seats are not fun to move around in after sitting on the runway for two hours roasting. Now the debate about sleeping when traveling internationally has always confused me - do you, don't you?! Who knows. Me, I slept on the plane for three hours and woke up at noon the time of Amsterdam.
Day two (I think?): We arrive in Amsterdam only to realize that our gate has been changed and there are not one, but six flights to Milan all within 20 minutes of each other. Let's just say we ran a lot, only to realize we hadn't changed our watches back far enough! After an invigorating dash to the far gates of the airport, we realized we had nothing to do but sit, which would have been great had we not been doing that for the past eight hours. (Note: Bring Purell or any hand sanitizer of choice if traveling internationally, the bathrooms are a little iffy). After boarding we all played cards and tried very interesting sandwiches on the airplane. I'm still not sure what exactly I ate that afternoon. All I know is, I wasn't allergic to it. Arriving into our destination was exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Our bodyguards and police escorts as well as a large bus met us. Italian roads are bumpy; so don't sit in the back if you get motion sickness. (Lesson learned the hard way.) The volunteers and officials who met us were amazing, they brought water and food that was "American" and they were very knowledgeable about the city that we were traveling through. Upon arriving at the Olympic Village sleep was the only thing on our minds. After arrangement of the bags, a quick bite to eat and a team meeting, we were ready to hit the sack.
More later...but for now ciao!
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