Just a few ramblings on attending the Nebelhorn Trophy. First off, I would like to pass on kudos to Alex D. He saw everything I saw and noticed a lot more than I did. He also wrote up his observations with a wit and passion that is much better than anything I could have written. He also showed tremendous stamina with a schedule that was grueling for any serious spectator. For instance, on Thursday the competition started at 11:00 AM and ran until 11:20 PM with a 15 minute break between ladies and pairs, and a 20 minute break between pairs and dance. Alex D was there for all of that as well as some practices that occurred before the competition started. My wife and I didn't make it to the rink until the start of the first competition and gave up about 9:00 PM and went back to the room to watch dance finish up on German Eurosport. Thank you, Alex D for your keen observations and all the great write ups. I hope I get the opportunity to see you again at some future competition.
Thanks a lot for those nice words

It was a great pleasure meeting you both and I hope we can repeat this some other time again. It is a really wonderful feeling if someone comes down to your spot at the press area and says "Hi" and all those wonderful words about my work. It really motivates me to keep going

so thanks a lot!
I am very grateful that I have the opportunity to watch figure skating live a few times a year, I save all my money for these about 5 events throughout the year so that I wont leave before I am kicked out / and I am also one of the first inside when the gates open. I don't take those things for granted, because I know there are a lot of people that don't have the money or time to visit any live sports

I do this with every sports event that I go to, Wimbledon, Olympics, Athletics or Gymnastics.
It is quite funny that you mentioned this Paul, because this is what so many people and Skaters remember first when they see me (the guy that lives at the ice rink), and of course the blue jacket *laughs*.
Throughout the past years I met so many wonderful people at those figure skating events and wherever I go, someone recognizes me and we have a quick chat - this is a gift and I am grateful that the figure skating family is so lovely, especially since I usually go alone ^^
I hope skaters like Lejeanne Marais of South Africa, Clara Peters of Ireland, and Crystal Kiang of Chinese Taipei realize how much some of us fans (like Alex D and me) appreciate the fact that they show up and skate as hard as they can regardless of their placements.
I cant speak for every figure skater in this world, but the most of them do appreciate it a lot. You can see this very well during the practice sessions, which sadly only a handful of people watch ( sometimes I am even alone with the family / coaches like so often at Zagreb or Bern). They bow for that 1 person, just like they would for 1000.
If you clap they always smile, some even thank you in person - so yes, it is something they do appreciate a lot!
What I find sad though is that some people "abuse" that friendly atmosphere and then try to track Skaters down in their privacy etc.

Because of this the last Events all had that "prison" character, where every step was watched as you might could do this and that... this is a pity, especially for the Skaters! As I mentioned the handshake after the Gala was not allowed
Btw. I didn't realize that you came down all the way from Washington! Wow, that's really awesome! There are a few people like some Japanese and Russians that travel to a lot of events as well, I always enjoy seeing familiar faces so I hope to see you two again
