Just arrived in New York for a couple of days of sightseeing before I head on up!
I'm not leaving until Thursday, but when I get there, expect:
A. Long-winded accounts of running into skaters at the hotel (made sure to book the official one, so hopefully I'll have some elevator sightings )
B. RAVING and MORE RAVING about seeing the Shibs' FD in person
C. Shameless self-promotion of any blog posts I write while I am there
D. Posts consisting of nothing but random uppercase letters (like that time I posted random letters and scared Ruffledgrouse in the NHK thread )
E. Excessive sad emoticons if any members of my Headcase Squad Headcase
...and probably more that I didn't think of. But wow, I am SO EXCITED and I can't wait to share it all with you guys!
Lucky dog for getting into the skater's hotel. When I tried there were no openings at the group rate and when there were openings I had already paid for my room at the Westin.
I booked the hotel first-before flights, and long before I got tickets-and that was in January, I think. I've definitely been planning to make sure I get into the official hotel-it's really increased my enjoyment of the other competitions I've been at. But even if you didn't get that hotel, there are lots of opportunities to meet skaters if you know where to look! Try the concourse right after events. At Skate America, I saw a bunch of the pairs and dancers after the ladies FS at the arena. They're there, but it takes a lot of patience-and a ton of circling the concourse randomly! -to catch them.
What is the name of the hotel skaters stay in? Just curious.
Another question: I would like to meet with a skater (from my neighboring country of Malaysia, whom I've been following but he probably doesn't know me) off ice to send my well wishes. I've never been to a competition live before... Is there some area that we get to meet skaters? Or are they in a separated area? Is there a specific time this should be done?
Officially in Boston now. Currently riding the T. The rail system here is weird. There seemed to be some confusion at the station on which train to put us on. The girls sitting across from me now are calling it the 'murder train'. I hope I make it!
are you going to mens practices tomorrow ? or is it closed for spectators ?
My question is, what kinds of gifts are allowed to be thrown onto the ice, and what kinds of gifts do skaters actually like to receive? I presume it has to be packaged so that nothing falls out on the ice? I see many fans throwing soft toys or flowers. Any ideas for other kinds of gifts (since I'm guessing they already get more than enough soft toys)?