Greetings from the home of jet lag, the Jetta sedan and schnitzel.
Today marks the first day of competition. Since Evan will be occupied with competing not once but twice today, I have assumed all blogging duties. I'm happy to report that we awoke much more rested this morning. This can be attributed to being better adjusted to both the time change and Evan's snoring/talking in his sleep.
I'm excited for the international debut of our ice dancers' original dances. Yesterday, I caught the dance practice with teammate Dennis Phan and was impressed with them both. I have the pleasure of training with Jane [Summersett] and Todd [Gilles], who were on point as usual. Emily [Samuelson] and Evan's program, complete with sailor hat and garter belts, is also a must see. I wish I could catch their compulsory dance, but I have this thing I have to do...
I spoke to Chrissy Hughes and Alissa Czisny, who reported that practices are going well. They will be the last event to start and finish, as they kick off Friday.
I was the first in to breakfast this morning, and the last to leave, so I shifted my operation several times and ended up eating with almost everyone on the team.
I was invited to sit with Scott Smith and his coach and discovered the joys of mint tea. We have been very well taken care of by our hotel, with a special shout out being necessary for our waiter who goes by the name of Thang. He has helped me communicate my need for toast to the kitchen every morning.
Caydee [Denney], Jeremy [Barrett], Caitlin [Yankowskas] and I will be competing this evening. We were two of the few teams to attend the draw and came up with the theory that if you chose not to attend the draw ceremonies, you must skate first by default. Unfortunately, when we attempted to submit this as ISU Rule Clarification 1562.8835A, it was rejected. You win some; you lose some.
That's all I have for now. As always, we strive to provide up-to-the-minute news with a focus on the facts woven into a story that keeps nations on the edge of their seats.
Team USA through and through,
John
