Friday, 21, January 2011(Bloomington, Minnesota, USA)
Awoke this morning at 06:35 in order to catch the bus at 07:30. Bandy Team USA will be meeting at the MSP airport at 08:00, and I plan to travel by bus to the Light Rail Train station. Last night has been one of the coldest days of the year, and the air temperature is -14 F. Similar temperatures await us in Kazan, but only for tomorrow, the rest of the week is forecast to be in the teens above zero with a chance of snow daily. I've decided NOT to bring my coffee filter with me, so there will be no tales of Neal's UP coffee for this trip. I hope that the hotel has good java, and my referee team mates, Kevin and Eric are not coffee drinkers.
Quick shower and shave, then my ritual cup of coffee with bowl muselix ... the cat gets the last tablespoon of flavored milk. Dressed in my suit coat and slacks, I put on my quilted FIB overcoat and pants and head out the door to the bus stop at 7:27. The air is crisp, and the bus almost passes me by as I approach the stop, just a few meters from the apartment house. Good timing, as I really don't want to spend much time waiting. I am at the LRT station by 07:46. The 7:50 LRT arrives, and I am in the Lindberg terminal at 7:59, where there are a few players already checking in at the group counter.
After check-in we are directed away from the hoards at the main security back down to the lower level, and to the skyway security, where there is basically no line. The skyway leads directly to the gate G-17. It looks quite cold on the flight line as our Boeing 757 pulls up to the gate and the workers are all bundled up. Uneventful flight arrives in Atlanta and temperature of 38 F.
Short layover at ATL before boarding our B-767 for Moscow (SVO). I stay awake for the meal of chicken, rice and vegetable before taking the sleep-aid with a Heineken. I'm able to get a little sleep before being awaken an hour and a half before landing, when breakfast is served (banana and an egg filled pastry). Strange custom in Russia upon landing, the cabin passengers break into applause. This happens each and every time, and for me is a little disconcerting.
Saturday, 22, January 2011 (Moscow, Russia)
All of the team luggage has arrived, except for one bag, and of course, it belongs to John H. Several of the bags did not arrive in 2008, and John's was one of them. I'm sure it'll start off his VM on the wrong foot. In 2008, it was my first VM, and our Team USA REF had just been invited back after several years away. The International Bandy Federation (FIB) wanted to see each of us work games with veteran referees before putting us on a game together. So John and I were scheduled to assist a game at the Luzniki outdoor rink with a Swedish Referee. Unfortunately, John's skates did not arrive, so I had to work the game with two Swedes. My game went very well, but unforturnately for John the tournament only got worse.
Upon our exiting luggage claim we were met by our Moscow tour guide/translator, who will make arrangements for our five hour lay over. We head for the Hippo Restaurant/Lounge for a meal. All three of us referees have the salmon, which is pretty good if a bit dry and boney. We've still got several hours, so we head for the gate, but are unable to check-in this early. The Finland bandy team and referees are also arriving, so we greet our Finbandy referee friends, and the Tournament Referee Director. Then we retire to the seating lounge and try to get some rest. The local time is 14:00, but back home it is 05:00. Jet lag is creeping in.
Third leg of this journey, and my backpack was thouroughly searched for the first time ... something looked awry to the security gal looking at the scan. We opened it up and looked through it all but never found what they may have been looking for ... sent it back thru the scanner, and now it's OK. We're all now waiting in the lower level, where a bus will take us out to the Tartarstan B-737 which awaits us out on the tarmak.
The Canadians' Swedish coaches have just arrived, to join Team USA and the Fins on the flight to Kazan. It looks cold out on the tarmak. We board in 15 minutes as dusk begins to settle under light snow. We board one of those airport taxiway buses that takes us to our plane which is sitting away from the main terminal, not far from a TU-154 which have been grounded by the Russian Civil Aviation Authorities. The flight is full, just like the load factors back home. Landed safely at KZN, after taking quite a nice cat nap in my window seat. Upon landing, this time there was no cheer from the passengers? maybe it is only done when the Russian Nationals return to their home country? We taxi past seven TU-154s sitting idle on the side of the taxiway, I wonder how soon they will be back in service, just glad we didn't have to fly one now. The veteran USA players still speak of their flight to Arkanglesk, where they flew with several of the other teams in a Russian military cargo plane with seats twelve across ... some vowed never to do that again. I have been very happy with the aircraft, even if the seat pitch (kneespace) is a little small, but then again, I have short legs.
Hotel Bulgar, Kazan
It has been now thirty hours since I left for the bus stop this morning (actually yesterday), and we are finally at the hotel. Just have to check in, and get the accreditation photos taken for our security passes for the tournament. Then we'll grab a bite to eat at the banquet room.
The food is quite good, some fish, potatoes w/ vegetables, and some beef stroganoff. Salad and bread are also available. Kevin, Eric and I decide that we'lll grab a quick bite to eat, then walk up to the main stadium where Team USA will be having a practice session. While we don't think we'll be refereeing an A-pool game at the stadium, it'll still be good to get a little excercise after the long flight. The temperature has now dropped to about -20 F, and there is a good wind blowing as we begin our walk from the hotel several hundred meters up to the stadium (it took 12 minutes). At this temperature the ice is rock hard. I am glad that the temperatures will rise back into the range that we are used to by the time we work our first game (Canada vs Hungaria on Monday 14:00 at the Rocket stadium, home to Dynamo Kazan). We spend only about ten minutes on the ice, for it is bloody cold on our faces. The players had commented about the ice, as I put my skates on in their locker room, hard, and chipping up ... one guy said the Swedes put some oil in the water to make it softer ... not sure about that, but this surface feels funny. Not only is it very hard, but it sounds hollow. I think they've got it flooded over a soccer pitch, and there is some sort of sheathing underlayment making the hollow sound.
Well, we didn't stay on the ice long, and began our trek back to the Bulgar hotel, right into the wind. Wish I had brought a scarf ... I had thought about it, for photo ops, but didn't have a current Minnesota Stars one, so bagged it ... maybe that was telling, as I later read about the USSF removing their sanctioning of the NASL, which is gutting. I hope that our team and the rest of the NASL can wrangle their shi# so we can support our local club.
Back at the hotel, I dress out of my multiple layers, and head to the lobby for 2 beers, 84 rubles ($2.70) , Internet: 100 MB, 107 r ($3.60). Not so surprised that the free wi-fi cost money, so I'll be jumping on and off here and then. Now finally to bed at 00:27 with wake up call at 08:15 for our first FIB referee meeting. Tomorrow are opening ceremonies at 14:00, and Russia vs USA at 15:00. Should be nice and warm by then 7 F (5 C).
Sunday, 23 January 2011
Awoke at 05:30, after only about five hours sleep, but decided that I'd might as well stay up and follow the USA vs Chile soccer friendly from Los Angeles (game ended 1-1). Got a little nap in before the 08:15 wake up call. Our ref crew met for breakfast at 09:00, then had FIB Referee Meeting at 10:00. At the meeting, we all introduced ourselves to the other International referees. Several of the crews were familiar from previous tournaments, but there are always some new faces. In addition, we discussed transportation to the stadiums, the first three days assignments, and game day protocol which included application of tournament sponsor logo on our helmets and new uniform jacket with another new sponsor. Finally, we were given a rules test.
We adjourned the meeting, and contemplated a trip to the central market, however, we did not have enough time to make the side trip before the opening ceremony at 14:00, followed by the Russia vs USA game at 15:00. Our crew made the short walk up the street to the stadium, where there was a large crowd gathered in line for tickets. We, of course, were able to walk right up and into the main entrance for participants and officials. There, we were escorted up to the VIP suite overlooking the rink. The room was decked out with a fine spread of appetizers, exotic fruits, and vodka. The temperatures had warmed up a little, but the wind was howling. The ceremony was simple with two players from each team skating out with their flag, and some welcoming speeches from the President of Tartarstan and the FIB. We went back into the VIP lounge to await the start of the first game, and warm up.
The game began well for the USA who were mighty underdogs versus the mighty Russian team who have their sights set upon winning the tournament and beating their arch rival, Sweden. The first minute went well, as the Russians gave up the ball after an error, most probably caused by the the ice conditions (ball appears to be quite bouncy in the bitter cold, and the surface is less than ideal). The USA team is able to defend as a group, and hold the Russians from scoring until the 15th minute. This I think is a very good achievement. The first half ends with the score 6-0. The game ends 17-0, as the US players really began to hang their heads toward the end of the game. USA player of the game was goal keeper, Eric Kraska, who played an amazing first half, making several great saves early in the match, and stopping several good scoring chances and corner shot situations. We spend part of each half watching the game from the warmth of the VIP lounge which has the game televised on High Definition monitors. While seeing the game with the full field perspective, it is really nice to see the game on the monitor with the very highly skilled production and camera work. The instant replays and slow motion work are incredible, for the real time speed of play is too fast at times.
We stay for the next game, Sweden versus Finland, which should be one of the better of the group stage matches (aside from RUS-SWE). We are not disappointed as the game is tied up at 5-5 in the final minutes by Finland who go on to upset the Swedes in penalty shots. A very big victory for the Fins. We decide to head back to the hotel, for it has been a long day at the stadium, and it is time for dinner.
After dinner, our referee team meet in my room for some discussion of the rules in preparation for our next days match. We enjoy some adult beverages and commeraderie before retiring at 23:00. Tomorrow will be a big day for us, as we have to travel the thirty minutes by microbus to the Rocket stadium, home of Dynamo Kazan, leaders of the Russian Bandy League. We have not seen this facility yet, so are a little unsure of what to expect, but I am sure that we will be treated to a first class facility as has been the case in all the World Championships.
Monday, 24 January 2011 (Kazan, Russia)
Wake up call at 08:15 this morning, then breakfast at banquet room. We relaxed at the hotel before meeting the transport to our game (Canada vs Hungaria) in the lobby at noon. Referee crew, Russian FIB supervisor, and our translator took the 30 minute drive to the Rocket Stadium, where we find some incredible referee dressing room facilites. The previous game (Belorussia vs Latvia) is just into the second half and the snow is falling at a pretty good rate. We go thru our pregame protocol, meeting with the teams/coaches, check our radio headsets then prepare to dress for the game , and our warmups.
The temperature today, 9 F is quite nice compared to yesterdays bloody cold and wind, however, the snow is beginning to fall at a pretty good rate. The game begins, and the Canadians are clearly the better team, scoring their first of thirteen goals in the first two minutes. As the snow keeps falling the bandy is not very fluid, as the players are unable to carry the ball very well, so they keep chipping the ball to keep out of the snow. Halftime comes mercifully, and they bring out a truck with a plow and brusher to clear the snow before sending out the Zamboni. What should be a fifteen minute half time, extends to thirty minutes. The final score is 13-3.
We encounter a major traffic jamb on the way home, which takes us almost an hour and a half. We decide to get out of our microbus and walking the last block due to an accident involving a city bus. We quickly change into warm gear and walk up to the A-group stadium to see Russia vs Finland. A great game with a major upset, as the Fins follow up last night's performance with an upset victory 4-3. This sets up a great tournament, and quite a change of pace from previous years.
After the match we walk over to the Korston shopping mall and hotel complex. We immediately find the USA players at the bar/bowling alley, enjoying themselves. Their game today found them scoring first, but only holding that lead for 47 seconds before losing by a score of 7-2. Finally back to the hotel for dinner at about 9:30. A beer with my ref team mates before hitting the hay tonight, for tomorrow we have another big day starting with a meeting to review the first games. Then we repeat the game day with another noon bus to the B-group stadium where we will officiate Belorussia vs Holland, then I will go directly to the A-pool stadium to be the fourth official for Russia vs Norway.
****
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Wake up call at 0700, breakfast then referee meeting for assessment of previous two days matches. After meeting we took taxi to the Central Market in search of Valenki (wool boots). Taxi cost 300 r. ($9.) We walked the market, several distint areas from fruits and vegetables, to meats and in back outside we found the woolen socks, mittens and the valenki. I negotiated with a couple of vendors using the calculator to purchase some hand made boots for 1400. r ($47.)
We decide to make a real quick reconaissance of the area, since we have less than an hour, so we high tail it down the main pedestrian avenue to the Kremlin area near the confluence of the Volga and Kazanka rivers. Snap a few photos then begin to hail a taxi back to the Bulgar hotel, Eric negotiates with the driver for 200. r ($6.66). At hotel lobby, we pick up our 'box' lunches, which consist of some juice box, yogurt, banana, breads, tomato w/ cucumber, olive and feta cheese, and a fish and potato entre. Very nice white fish with Tatar sauce (of course).
==========
Noon, and we're off again to Raketa (Rocket) stadium, home of the Kazan bandy team, where all the Group B games are played. The referee locker room is AMAZING, for it is almost excessively large, outfitted with padded seat with hangers for gear, a sofa chair and 'love seat', writing table adorned with cookies, hot/cold bottled water, two separate toilet rooms, six showers. It is all brand new, painted and well lit (larger than the visiting locker room at the Jimmy (St. Paul Central H.S.).
Our game features Belarus versus Holland. Probably the most lopsided fixture of the group. The game plays out as expected, and each team play in a very sporting manner, making our duty much easier. We are joined at the match by two of the elite Swedish referees who not only want to visit the Rocket Stadium, but also would like to watch our game (as referees). All goes well, and the ball kids are begging me for lollipops as I passed them out the day before. Unfortunately for them, no lollipops, instead today, I have chocolate, which goes over very well indeed.
After the game we all board the microbus back to the Bulgar hotel, but today we do not experience the 'cork' (traffic jamb). I am able to get back to the hotel just in time to transfer from our bus to the Finland referees transport to the Labor Reserves stadium where I will be the fourth official. The temperature is dropping rapidly, and we are now at about 3 F. I will be participating in the game by standing between the two team benches and documenting the game statistics, and keeping orderly team benches. I am able to wear quite a bit of extra layers, for if one of the referees is injured and unable to continue, then I can go to the dressing room, and remove a few layers and put on my skates and jacket. By the 30 minute mark, I can feel my nose and chin beginning to freeze. Not being active and having my corpuscles chasing eachother, it is getting quite cold. Half time finally arrives, and I am able to apply some Warm Skin (Tm) to my face and ears. The second half gets even colder, but my face feels much better. The game (Russia vs Norway) also ends as expected with a ten goal margin.
I return to the room and begin to unpack, Kevin and Eric arrive after dinner, and we enjoy a beverage before I go down for some dinner of some dry salmon, noodles, and a vegetable medly. I am able to meet with the FIB Referee Tournament Director and join him at the table. He indicates that the Holland coach gave us high marks for our game earlier in the day. Shortly thereafter, the Finland referee team joins us. We all eat fairly quickly as the time is 22:00. Tomorrow we have the 11:00 game, so it's an 09:00 for the bus back to Rocketa.
Today was a great day of bandy in the sunshine, and most touching as we observed a moment of silence before our match - paying our respect to the lives lost in the Moscow airport bombing from yesterday afternoon.
****
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Another early wake up call, for our referee duty today is Holland vs Canada with game time at 11:00. As we are going to the hotel lobby at 08:50, we are instructed that Eric will be required to fill in for Russia Referee Team 2, for one of the referees is ill. This throws quite a wrench into the day, for Eric must now be assistant for two ninety minute games, and I must take his assignment as fourth official for the evening game featuring Russia and Kazakhstan. Two nights in a row as the fourth official for a Team Russia match. I don't think tonight will be as cold, for it was only -9 C (16 F) this afternoon. I think I'm going to wear my new Russian valenki boots, and see what kind of reactions I get. I think it will be positive.
Kevin and I returned to the hotel on the microbus with our translator attache, Julia (her english name equivalent). She has been very helpful, and we must find some way to get her a gift for her volunteer service. Often the Team USA will collect money for their translators.
I take a nice hot tub after the game, this is a version of Neal's Pretty Good (NPG) hot tub, for the hotel bathrooms have enormous bathtubs. So I draw a hot bath, and take a soak, and wash a pair of wool socks and t-shirt.
Kevin and I get to the lunch buffet at 3:00, and I enjoy a nice warm bowl of borscht with a big dollop of sour cream. Borscht is a very traditional russian dish made from beets. As a boy, my father grew beets in the garden by the lake, and the beets tasted just like the peat earth that they were grown in. Nonetheless, we children were made to eat what was served, no questions or tantrums, which has been a very good thing for me as I am willing and able to try the wide variety of food that I have encountered in my travels over the years. I really feel sorry for those who are unwilling or unable to enjoy exotic cuisine.
Well, it's 07:00 at home, now, and I must meet my Swedish Referee team in the hotel lobby in 30 minutes to go to the stadium for tonights match (2 1/2 hours before the game). I am really looking forward to working in this crew of highly experienced professional bandy referees. I am sure that there will be many things that I will learn and be able to bring back to share with both my soccer and bandy referee colleagues.
Thursday, 27 January 2011
Wake up call at 07:00 after staying up a little late, and beginning to feel a little sick, with chest congestion and sore throat. I can hear my lungs wheezing as I lay in bed, and have a bit of pain, and caughing up a little phlem. At 04:00, I awake, and now feel quite a bit worse, so I drink a bottle of water and take (2) Ibuprofen tablets and return to bed. At 07:00, I take two more tablets
After our match this morning, a large group traveled by microbus to the Labor Reserves stadium to watch the very important match between Norway and USA. We get updates on the bus for the score, and arrive at stadiium just before half time. Gulnaz (Julia) has called ahead to Ksenia to make arrangements for me to see the doctor immediately upon our arrival. I get an immedeiate inspection where they listen to my lungs and take my temperature 38.2 C, which is quite high. I was given a tablet of some sort at the stadium by the doctor, and told to return to the hotel.
I really want to stay abnd watch the USA play, so I convince Julia and Ksenia, and we go up to the VIP lounge and eat our 'box' lunch (spagetti noodles with some small amount of red sauce, about half pound of breaded chicken, the tomato and cucumber salad (which has been everpresent), a package of sour cream (like yogurt cup, but just simple sour cream), banana, bread, bun and a pastry. I eat is all except the sour cream (I taste it), and most of the bread/pastry. The game ends at 15:30, and we are on our way down the stairs after seeing a final goal (second) by the USA in the 85th minute or so. So USA lands in the 6th and final place in the A-Pool, and will face Belorussia for the A6 vs B1 Promotion match. This has been a fixture for years, and Team USA will really need to play well in order to stay up (from what I saw on the bandy rink this week).
We must now grab my gear from the locker, and take microbus to the hotel for medical card, then into the propka (traffic jam) to cross the river to the hospital to see the doctor, and verify perscriptions. We arrive at the hotel, and I take five minutes to deposit my gear and make a quick change into jeans. Gulnaz (flower in Tatar) and Ksenia escort me via microbus to the hospital. Probka (cork) traffic jam makes transport take a long while. We arrive at hospital at about 16:35, wait about three minutes for the doctor, get the checkup, have the information translated to Julia, and I am out of there at 17:05 (amazing). We stop by a pharmacy on the way home, and the organizing committee administrator, Ksenia, pays the entire 1100. r ($37.) including a thermometer, which may be one of my souvineers of he trip, as it is in C.
Depart Bulgar Hotel about 16:00; arrive hospital at 16:35, 37.8 C (normal 36.6 C)at the hospital. Dr. diagnosis is bronchitis ... I am directed to stay in hotel, so no excursion to Kremlin for me. And I imagine that my tournament is over. I really hope that this does not spoil the prospect for Kevin and Eric to be assigned a game in the B-Pool Playoffs (2 v 3 and 4 v 5). I hope that the Referee administrator, in one of his last duties before retiring, will assign a Swedish assistant for them. I think so, but who knows.
I retire to my room upon returning from the one hour trip back to the hotel (fast, for rush hour, I'm told), and await the start of the Russia vs Sweden final group game. The tournament has been stood on it's head, as SWE v RUS will be semi-final #2, when they typically meet in the final. So tonights game will really be meaning less, and neither team will want to show their cards.
Catastroph ! I am searching the 99 chanels on the TV in my room, and can NOT find the game ... finally I wander down to the lobby and find it is not being shown (Ksenia had offered me to borrow her I-pad, but I respectfully declined) . I decide not to pay the 107 r ($3.70/ 100 MB) So I will now get some food so I can take my anti-biotic (2 hours after eating).
I AM REALLY BUMMED. Not only is my tournament over as far as referee duty, but I will be sequestered to the hotel room while all the others make the excursion tomorrow, which was to be an off day for Ref Team USA and the other A-Pool teams.
Prescriptions:
Clong: mix one drop with cup of waterper day, in evening, next day anytime, once per day. This is a fizzy tablet.
Inhailer: Berodual-N: one dose three times per day, Deep breath. Made in England
Zetroled: (antibiotic) one per day with 2 cups water 2 hours after eating.
****
Local internet rates
122/400 r. / month ($13. 33) for unlimited internet by wire, same cost for a cellular service.
***
10:00-1300 Korston, excursion with Team USA to Kremlin, walk to Korston Hotel with Julia to catch motorcoach.
15:00 Excursion to Raifa with referees, Meet at Bulgar lobby.
***
Throat lozenges: up to five per day
Antibiotics:
Expectorant:
*
Friday, 28 January 2011
Awake at 08:00 with a splitting headache. I had it all night, and woke up several times to cough up some phlem, and drink some water and tea. My temperature is still high at 99.5 (37.5 C). My eyes are totally bloodshot. I'd like to take some more ibuprophen, but am concerned about reaction with other meds, so I will just drop another fizzy tablet into a cup of water, and hope that helps. Then I'll think about getting something for breakfast.
I spend the rest of the day in bed, as my lungs really hurt as I cough. My splitting headache remains, so I continue to drink lots of fluids.
At times, I awake, and flip thru the Russian television chanels, and find myself drawn to some classic soviet black and white war dramas ... it is quite surealistic. In addition, the news about the Moscow airport bombing is complete with some detailed images of the destruction, and some gruesom images of the casualties. This would never fly in America, but it is the full information and story that is shown in almost the entire world.
Saturday, 29 January 2011
Awoke at 08:00 after eleven hours sleep, feeling much better. Temperature is down a bit to 37.5 C (99.5 F). Going to take a nice hot shower, then have breakfast. Kevin, Eric and I will then go to the Stadium Labor Reserves for the Qualification game between USA (A6) vs Belorus (B1). I am going to stay inside and watch from high above the rink. Eric was awarded the 4th Official position for Semi #1 between Russia and Sweden, and Kevin will be the 4th for Semi #2 featuring Finland and Kazahkstan. There was a meeting for the referees last night, but I was told not to attend, and rest. At this meeting the other games were reviewed, and our crew received a very good assessment, with no negative criticism. In fact, the supervisor, indicated that he thought that we were as well prepared as any of the other crews. This was very high praise indeed, and we can feel proud.
HISTORIC VICTORY: USA 5 - BELORUS 2
Team USA win the qualification game in a decisive manner. The players can be very proud. I am very happy to greet the players in the corridor to the locker room, and give them all a hearty congratulations. For Chris Middlebrook, I give him a hearty bear hug.
The semi finals remain. This tournament is indeed on it's head, for Sweden and Russia will not play in the final, they will need to settle it today.
Russia 3 - Sweden 2
Finland 5 - Kazakhstan 4 (golden goal)
Sunday 30 January 2011
The day of the Grand Final: Finland (A1) vs Russia (A2)
We take the available time, and my better health to go visit the Kremlin. First thoughts are to hire a taxi (about 200 r, $6.70), but we decide to take the public bus for 18 r ($0.60).
The bus drops us off on the north side of the Kremlin wall, adjacent to a beautiful small Church. It is Sunday morning and we hear choral music, and we wonder if we should venture inside. We decide to go inside, and are greeted by a magnificent orthodox interior.
After visiting the Church, we walk up to the Kremlin to visit the Al Sharif (spelling)Mosque. This Mosque is reportedly the largest in Europe, and is of the ornamental style. This Mosque was built for the celebration of Kazan's 1000 years as a city in 2005. The FIB VM was also held in Kazan that year as a part of the celebrations.
Peter and Paul Church is a short walk away from the Kremlin, and according to the guide for the guys tour the other day, the lower level was
Bus back to the Korston,
Shopping Market across from Stadium: chocolates, no horseradish vodka, coffee espresso maker ($27)
Back to hotel, late lunch then dash off to the Final. Stop pick up Ak Bars hockey jersey for KJ 900 r. > 1000 r. on game day.
Grand Final with Gulaz and Anastasia
Half-time ... depart at 87' to get by the security cordon / post-match dignitarys and presentation. Fireworks begin shorthly after departing stadium, then we watch the display from across the main road.
Return to hotel, prepare for the banquet, shower, shave, dress, exchange/trade.
Overcrowded mini-bus to banquet at yacht club at the river just below the Kazan Kremlin.
Dinner and entertainment. Tatar dancers, uniquely spiced steak dinner.
Depart banquet for hotel 00:00 (we leave early)
Make final arrangements of packing, and get to bed at 00:50, with wake up call scheduled for 03:30.
Awaken by phone/alarm call, clean up a little, then wrangle bags, keeping my extra duffel as yet not needed. Down in hotel lobby by 03:45 to meet Gulaz and the motorcoach to the Korston hotel to wrangle the players and equipment cargo truck.
Most players have used the typical tactic for early morning departure , and that is to stay up until departure, while others like myself, have been tea totalers this evening. Some players, one in particular has tied on an incredible drunk, and has to be steadied with each arm over the shoulder of his team mates, and wrangled out of the hotel lobby and onto the bus, where he is laid out on the last row.
The remaining players have been assembling and putting their massive gear bags into the back of a small cargo truck for transport to the airport. We are all assembled and heads are counted before we make our leave from the Korston for KZN airport at about 04:10. With zero traffic except some dump trucks hauling snow, we expect a short 20 minute drive.
As is the Team USA custom on the ride to the airport, team leader, Chris Halden, will say a few words, followed by a bit of humor. A crowd favorite has been the Chuck Norris jokes, which I believe he reads off his Blackberry. Another growing tradition, is Nick Hauer, telling his Moose joke.
We arrive at KZN at about 04:40, and the bus is only able to drop us about 200 meters from the terminal. So we begin a long slog thru a slightly plowed and hard packed snow parking area. After about 100 meters we encounter some large concrete blocks with strings of chain, which we have to either lift our bags or slide between the chain and a large snow pile. Not so convienent, and down right annoying, but hey, this is Russia. The first door to the terminal has arrow pointing another 100 meters down the concourse away from the bus, so we begin the slog, to the entrance and the first of many security checkpoints and bag scanners.
We have planned well, and now must wait for our turn to enter the departure area, and go thru another security check point separating a public arrival/departure concourse, from the ticketing area. So bags are dropped, and many of the guys sack out for some sleep. I had thought that we were on a 06:00 flight out on Tartarstan Air with the Norwegian team, but it is becoming apparent that we may be on another flight at 7:00. So we paitently wait, until our time to approach and clear the ticketing security checkpoint. It is a strange, but maybe the only way to logisticate the few departures, but they only allow one flights passengers thru at a time. Now is our turn, so we again process our bags thru the scanner and ourselves thru the metal detectors.
It immediately becomes clear that there is some sort of SNAFU with our ticketing. The Team USA attache, Denis, appears to be of little help, so, it is our referee attache Gulnaz, who must now take the initiative. Apparently we have electronic tickets, which becomes immediately clear is a major problem. After much animated discussion between the ticketing agent, the attaches and Magnus, we are told that we must go to the other terminal. This means that we must retrace our steps back the 100 meters thru the concourse and then make the 600 meter 'death march' outside into a bitter wind. Taking us, of course thru the semi-plowed parking lot, over the chain linked bollards. I am now carrying my carry on backpack, briefcase with radios / laptop and hauling my main bag with the second bag that Kevin and I have shared.
The second terminal is quite new, but still very small, and the team and gear bags fill up the small area between the doors and the security scanner and metal detector. Gulnaz, other attaches and Magnus approach the ticket desk, where it becomes clear that these electronic tickets are in now way today a convenience. Gulnaz has said to Eric on the long slog to this terminal that she is very upset, for the other attaches do not know anything. So, she has stepped up and tried to resolve the issue. As you can imagine, the bureaucracy of a Russian airline can be a daunting task, indeed. We wait ... and wait ... watching as Gulnaz and Magnus become increasingly agitated and frustrated. Well, lo and behold, in walks the President of the International Bandy Federation, Boris Skrinik (spelling). I greet him with a friendly wink and a hand shake, as I have been taking up the rear of our group, making sure no one is left behind. Finally at last a very powerful Russian man, can come to the rescue. NOT.
Catastroph! I see indications from Gulaz face and gestures that we must return again to the original terminal, facing the 'death march' again. The players have enormous gear bags, many of which are way overweight. The call is made to bring the bus around, and get as much on board as possible. I decide to slog again, and turn to head out into the bitter wind. I am prepared for a day of travel, so I am not wearing an over coat, hat or gloves, and have on my valenki (wool boots). Equipment manager, John, has two massive suitcases, plus two relatively large carry on bags, so I offer to help him with his load. So now, I have my gear bag on wheels with another bag strapped on top, John's massive suitcase on wheels, my carry on backpack, and briefcase. I begin the trek, and am already beginning to feel that my lungs are not converting enough oxygen, so I take a break half way to the chain linked bollards. Lift all the bags over the obstacle, and reassemble my luggage train. I must make another break to rest my hands, and catch my breath before finally arriving at the terminal where the bus with many of the other guys has arrived. Again, we must pass thru the initial security checkpoint, just inside the single 3' wide entrance door. I had flipped the latch to open the adjacent leaf on the first trek out, so I indicate to someone up front to do it again to make the entrance easier to navigate. However, there are still a dozen of us standing and waiting outside for our turn.
Finally, as I approach the end of the concourse and the next security check point, there are names being called and tickets being passed out. Horray! some progress, finally. I check my watch and we have now returned to where we were almost two and a half hours later. It is just after 07:00. Apparently, we are to be flying on a chartered Ak Bars Aero CRJ 200. This is a smaller regional jet, but it is quite new with winglets, so I am relieved, as there are a couple of TU-154 sitting idle adjacent to the terminal.
The process for passing security is not too painful (for me), but others are at their wits end, and their frustration levels are beyond their capacity to control. I keep smiling, and doing my best to make eye contact with others and empart a cheerful demeanor, especially to Gulnaz, who at this point is quite relieved to see us with tickets in hand. Again, I take up the rear of our procession thru security, and take the time before entering to give Gulnaz a big hug, and a kiss on each cheek (muslim custom?, I don't know, but who cares). I tell her that she has done an extroidinary job, not only this morning, but the entire week, in her volunteer position as attache for the FIB referees at the Raketa Stadium. Our referee crew, any myself especially, have grown quite fond of her, as she was very caring and instrumental in getting me immediate medical attention when I first became ill, what seems many days ago.
Kevin, Eric and I have taken a collection, which we intended to give to Anastasia and Gulnaz for their efforts, but they respectfully and steadfastly rejected (at the Final game). So, I suggested that we, purchase some of the Kazan 2011 commemorative scarves and hats for them, and present at the airport. So, I have in hand a small bag bearing a note from us, the scarf and hat 1800 r. ($50), and some other small tokens (chocolates, chewing gum, pins, etc). After giving Gulaz a final goodbye hug, expressed my anticipation to return in 2018 for the Soccer World Cup, I give her the bag, which she opens slightly to see the blue/white colors of the scarf/hat, smiles, and graciously accepts the gift to share with Nastia.
Everyone is quite relieved to finally have (handwritten) tickets in hand as we begin checking in our luggage. We have only a short wait before we board a small bus to take us to the aircraft. Again, we must exit the bus, but there are no attendants to prevent us all from exiting, the bus departing, leaving a long line to walk up the drop down stair into the cabin. Doh! A VIP van as arrived, now, and they are waiting for all of us to board, before braving the winter winds. We are traveling with many of the Moscow based Russian National Team players and staff. Several of them are in the rear of the plane, and have a bag full of Grolsch beer, which are shared amongst the nearest USA players. The commeraderie continues. Not sure who the VIP is, but it is apparent that he is indeed a powerful man. Also on board is our FIB President, so we are traveling among some of the elite people in our sport.
The ninety minute flight is uneventful, but I am unable to sleep, so I read a bit from my novel, The Boreal Owl Murder. I will wait for the next flight to take the sleep aid. We are served a very nice breakfast box, with some bread, sliced lunch meats, fruit and vegetables. Arrival at Moscow's SVO airport brings us to Terminal 2, where we again board a standing bus to collect our bags. We are the only activity, so the bags arrive almost immediately. However, apparently, no one is prepared to transport us all the way across the airport where we catch our Delta flight, so we wait, and wait, and wait, until finally we are able to carry our gear up a flight of six steps to yet another security checkpoint before boarding another standing bus for the drive around almost the entire perimeter of the airport. Out of the bus, and into the terminal concours C. We must again, begin hauling our gear thru the terminal to another concourse E. At least now, we are indoors. However, at one point we are in a skyway approaching E, and the sun is blazing in, and the temperature rockets to what feels like 80 or 90 degrees. I'm dressed from head to toe in a wool suit coat over a sweatshirt, dress slacks, wool socks and my valenki. While my feet are comfortable, I am beginning to roast.
Finally, we reach the Delta check in and they are fully prepared for our group. I have achieved Silver Medallion status with my travel in the last few years for bandy and the World Cup South Africa, so I am allowed the extra bag, and I am able to select a middle seat in the center row all by myself. Joy! We all congregate at the gate lounge, where someone discovers free wi-fi. Some quick email are dashed off to update my status (no internet access for last two days) and prepare for return home.
SVO to ATL is on a Boeing 737-600 ER (extended range), and our travel time is estimated at eleven hours and eleven minutes. I'm seated, removed my saturated valenki, and slipped on my flip flop. I prepare my sleep aid, and await the first drink service. I then fill my neck pillow and prepare for a small nap before the dinner service, a chicken entree.
Good sleep on the flight, so I'm feeling pretty good. Flight departs in just over an hour, and we just had a nice big sandwich on the flight.
Well the ATL > MSP trip was interesting as well, we were delayed in departure, then the airport at MSP was closed to clear runway from snow, and an aborted landing delayed our arrival. Total travel time, from hotel to home was 27 hours.
Looking forward to next years Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan, home of this years Asian Winter Games.
Allina Woodlake Clinic
2/2/2011
Dr. Leafblad
Arrive at 09:35 for registration, and payment of $25. for visit. Called to examination room just before 10:00, and some preliminary statistics are taken:
122/78 blood pressure
98.0 temperature
96% O2 saturation
I now wait for doctor ... 10:10, no sign of doctor, so I continue to edit the travelog. Dr. Leafblad arrives at about 10:15, and we discuss my illness, and treatment / medicines from Russia. His diagnosis is that the information that I received in Russia was correct. The antibiotic was not identified, but he believes that the 3-day regime was appropriate. The additional 3-day dosage that I purchased should not affect my recovery. He indicated that I could discontinue use of the inhaler if it was ineffective. I have one or two of the fizzy tablets remaining. The doctor then inspects my eyes, lymph nodes (no indication of swelling), and listens to my chest. I almost immediately caugh up some phlem, which clears my lungs. He indicates that allowing the bronchitis to run it's course could take up to four weeks. I could use some musenix, but he thinks the results are mixed. Allowing the natural cough to expell the mucus. I depart the office at 10:40.
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