The torch just went out in the Olympic Park in Sochi, and I'm really, really sad. Mostly because I know I won't have as much fun as we had for another 4 years, but I'm also sad that something we've been planning ever since we left London in August 2012 is over! We'll be even MORE prepared in Korea!
I'm planning to post a video with all of our photos soon, so watch out for that!
In the meantime, I'd like to hand out some awards and recognize some great quotes:
Favorite Event: Snowboard Cross. It was so exciting when they would all pop up over the last hill, and all the crashes and races made it fabulous. I'm definitely getting tickets to as many "races" as possible at our next games.
Favorite app: Sorry Sochi 2014, you're close second, but the translator app all the Russkies were using to communicate with us wins. Questions about "molesting" us and other hilarity I SHOULD have photographed made for much better laughs.
Favorite Foreign Fans: The Russians. They cheer in a lower voice. They want to be best friends with USA! They were the ONLY country to party with us when biathlon got cancelled! (Vincent, too, but it's possible we held him hostage). The Aussies take a close second for me. Every person we met was friendly, chatty, and they cheered for us sometimes (Canada, take note! You can redeem yourself in Korea!)
Favorite Christenson Sister: Lara. She tried to stay with me when they were taking me away in an ambulance. I gave her noravirus and she forgave me. She woke up early with me every day, no matter what time we got to bed, to make it to events on time so that we didn't miss a minute of the precious time we'd been purchasing tickets for over the past year. She napped with me on the train. She forgave me for dropping her cowbell into oblivion when we still had events left. I love my sister.
Favorite American fans: Ben and Heather. They were on their HONEYMOON. Who needs Sandals when you can drink beer at "halftime" for Super Combined with other Big Ten grads, do snuff, have a "photo shoot" at Austria House, and get free tickets for Ski Jump that night? We'll see you crazy kids in Korea!
Favorite Olympic Athlete: Mikaela Shiffrin. USA had a hard Olympics from a medal perspective, so her teenage optimism was refreshing and she never gave up hope!
Favorite kids: Russian kids, duh. They're awesome. They never whine, they behave like little angels (even in MUSEUMS), and they adorably don't smile in photos. Individual award: The Australian kid who "went for the Colts", had the biggest toothy grin, and agreed that he was the luckiest kid in the world. The worst was the kid from NYC who had been on the Today show, came with his dad and was going to all kinds of events, and when I suggested HE was the luckiest kid in the world, he said "Why?". Wrong answer, bucko. Gulag for you.
Favorite conversation overheard: Russians telling a Czech that Obama had pushed propaganda into the American media about not coming to the Olympic games, and that's why there weren't many Americans there. It sounded a lot like the stuff you hear our media saying about Putin, so it was pretty funny.
Favorite mascot: I have to agree with Putin, the snow leopard was the coolest.
Some fun quotes:
"It's the Notre Dame of the world"--Lara, on no one cheering for China
"You're a lesbian"--Russian guy's answer when we asked him if he knew what the rainbow ribbon around my cowboy hat meant. We tried to tell him it meant I was a supporter, but he was really non-chalant about it anyway. None of the 30+ Russians we took photos with that night had a problem with it.
"No more 8's??"--Heather, on the lack of her favorite beer. 8 was wheat beer, 7 was lager, 0 was ALCOHOL FREE. They always had plenty of those, but ran out of lots of things pretty regularly. Especially during "halftime" of super combined.
"So washing hands after the bathroom is an American thing?" ---Lara, on the Russian propensity to NEVER wash their hands in the ladies room. It was weird. They seemed to be doing it in Moscow, so maybe it's only at sporting events?
"Russia is like kryponite for Americans"--Jessica after every American fell at half-pipe
"What's with the slow motion of him eating an apple? Is it for the ladies?"--Lara. For some reason, on Valentine's Day, they were showing slow motion videos of the skiers eating apples and bananas on the big screen. It was ODD. And awkward.
I'm going to miss our Russian brothers, they were the best hosts to us. I'll never forget our time in Sochi, and the bar is set very high for Korea! Can't wait to bring you all there with us!
Jessica
Showing posts with label USA Hockey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USA Hockey. Show all posts
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Goodbye To The Sochi
Aw, Sochi, we hardly knew ya, now it's time to leave ya. I know that we keep saying that it's hard to put into words how much fun the Olympics are, and part of it is because you are so focused on the fun and atmosphere that you forget about all of the little, hilariously random moments. Like seeing guys in French unitards checking their text messages at the train station. Or thinking you have a private joke on how the train announcer says "Esto Sodok" until you see Russians giggling about the same thing. Or fighting with a cab driver who took you to Adler AIRport, not the Adler Port, and agreeing on an increased price that includes kisses. (Yes, I'm aware that I talk too fast). Or the way when Russian men "make" photos with you they want to be in the MIDDLE of the women, like you are theirs. Or how amazing it feels to order food at a place where you get it quickly (thanks, Adler train station!).
So here we are at the end, and I'd love to share my favorites:
Favorite Event: Ski Jumping. Although Snowboard Cross was thrilling and exciting, the party atmosphere and the cheers of the crowd when a particular jump was achieved was awesome. Plus, we met some amazing American siblings there!
Favorite Venue: Biathlon. Both days, ha ha. The first day when it got cancelled, we made a party in the fog and had a great time even without an actual event. And we met a super cool guy, Vincent, who partied with us all night, and a German man that gave us sweeties. Which is now my favorite word for candy. Then when we finally got to see the event, we were in General Admission, again a giant party, with a really intimate concession and bathroom area. Plus-SNOWSTORM!
Favorite USA vs. Russia Moment: Yeah, I made up an arbitrary event in order to shoehorn in our kickass hockey game experience. 8 shootouts! The Russians were so into the game, a tiny tiny tiny tiny part of me almost wanted them to win just to see their reaction. Honorable mention: A chess set at a souvenir fair that had old Soviet flags and US flags on the chess pieces.
Favorite Event Where We Got To See An American Medal: Well, there was only 1-Snowboard Cross. But it was GREAT!
Favorite Country House: We only went to one, but it was killer. Austria House, we will never forget your delicious schnitzel and the roast beef and potatoes. And the Stigel. Definitely the Stigel.
Favorite Foreign Fans: The Russians. Sure, there were great costumes and friendly folks from all over (except for you, CANADA), but the Russians were great hosts, and were such an amazing home crowd for their athletes. Plus, they kept saying "Russia and America, FRIENDS FOREVER!" I hope we entertained them. Honorable Mention: Australians. Funny and friendly. And not too good to rub elbows with loud Americans (ahem, Canada)
Favorite Cab Ride: The one with the drunk guys. Mainly because it was slightly terrifying and therefore thrilling.
Favorite Stray Dog: The 3 legged one. Everyone loves an underdog.
Favorite Toilet: The undiscovered treasure of the handicapped toilets with super clean facilities and no line. Definitely not the one I hung out with for an entire night thanks to norovirus.
Favorite Christenson Sister: Jessica. Yes, we got in a fight. Yes, we bickered. But I dare you to find a sister that loves the Olympics and has as much fun with foreigners as my sister does.
Favorite Trivia Question: Stella the Fella. Look it up. You can finish reading this when you've stopped laughing.
Favorite Olympian Name: Freek Van Der Woort.
Favorite Handsome Olympic Athlete: Hot Norwegian curling guy. Otherwise known as Mr. Handsome.
Favorite Concession Food: Well, besides beer. Chocolate Donuts! The food was that terrible at the venues.
Favorite Security Pat Down: I feel like Adler Train Station gave the best breast massages.
I'm sad to leave. My flag is sad, too. Our flight is at 5:30am, so that means no last super fun night, because I'm not in my 20's and know what that would feel like on the flight. We'll have our final awards to post and lots more random thoughts once we have a chance to put a few hours of sleep together in a row stateside. This is important, because I'm already dropping my articles and other unnecessary words like our new Russian friends. Until then, Dos Verdanya!!
So here we are at the end, and I'd love to share my favorites:
Favorite Event: Ski Jumping. Although Snowboard Cross was thrilling and exciting, the party atmosphere and the cheers of the crowd when a particular jump was achieved was awesome. Plus, we met some amazing American siblings there!
Favorite Venue: Biathlon. Both days, ha ha. The first day when it got cancelled, we made a party in the fog and had a great time even without an actual event. And we met a super cool guy, Vincent, who partied with us all night, and a German man that gave us sweeties. Which is now my favorite word for candy. Then when we finally got to see the event, we were in General Admission, again a giant party, with a really intimate concession and bathroom area. Plus-SNOWSTORM!
Favorite USA vs. Russia Moment: Yeah, I made up an arbitrary event in order to shoehorn in our kickass hockey game experience. 8 shootouts! The Russians were so into the game, a tiny tiny tiny tiny part of me almost wanted them to win just to see their reaction. Honorable mention: A chess set at a souvenir fair that had old Soviet flags and US flags on the chess pieces.
Favorite Event Where We Got To See An American Medal: Well, there was only 1-Snowboard Cross. But it was GREAT!
Favorite Country House: We only went to one, but it was killer. Austria House, we will never forget your delicious schnitzel and the roast beef and potatoes. And the Stigel. Definitely the Stigel.
Favorite Foreign Fans: The Russians. Sure, there were great costumes and friendly folks from all over (except for you, CANADA), but the Russians were great hosts, and were such an amazing home crowd for their athletes. Plus, they kept saying "Russia and America, FRIENDS FOREVER!" I hope we entertained them. Honorable Mention: Australians. Funny and friendly. And not too good to rub elbows with loud Americans (ahem, Canada)
Favorite Cab Ride: The one with the drunk guys. Mainly because it was slightly terrifying and therefore thrilling.
Favorite Stray Dog: The 3 legged one. Everyone loves an underdog.
Favorite Toilet: The undiscovered treasure of the handicapped toilets with super clean facilities and no line. Definitely not the one I hung out with for an entire night thanks to norovirus.
Favorite Christenson Sister: Jessica. Yes, we got in a fight. Yes, we bickered. But I dare you to find a sister that loves the Olympics and has as much fun with foreigners as my sister does.
Favorite Trivia Question: Stella the Fella. Look it up. You can finish reading this when you've stopped laughing.
Favorite Olympian Name: Freek Van Der Woort.
Favorite Handsome Olympic Athlete: Hot Norwegian curling guy. Otherwise known as Mr. Handsome.
Favorite Concession Food: Well, besides beer. Chocolate Donuts! The food was that terrible at the venues.
Favorite Security Pat Down: I feel like Adler Train Station gave the best breast massages.
I'm sad to leave. My flag is sad, too. Our flight is at 5:30am, so that means no last super fun night, because I'm not in my 20's and know what that would feel like on the flight. We'll have our final awards to post and lots more random thoughts once we have a chance to put a few hours of sleep together in a row stateside. This is important, because I'm already dropping my articles and other unnecessary words like our new Russian friends. Until then, Dos Verdanya!!
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Stockholm Syndrome
The last 7 days, I have cheered for the Russians but not the Canadians. No, you didn't read that wrong. No, I'm not in gulag. I have cheered for the Russians because they are undoubtedly the only country that compares in any way to the US when it comes to cheering their athletes on!!! They are very passionate and they are very VOCAL! Whereas I chose to stop cheering for our North American neighbors (and my own relatives) yesterday when I realized that Canada does not return the favor. Never. Like ever. In fact, they actively cheer AGAINST us-which, that's cool, Canada, no biggie, just didn't realize it was a 1 way street.
Best Place to Get Drunk And Take Pictures With Every Stranger Imaginable
Austria House. Located right next to the train station up in the mountains where you go for all the alpine events, it's the perfect meet-up point, beer drinking point, faux podium photo op point, faux ski lift photo op point, giant cowbell photo op point, you name it! Great food, awesome people (it's open to the public, so it's heavily Austrian and Russian populated), and waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better beer than they are serving at the venues.
Can We Just Talk About Baltika Beer?
If you don't see the beer cooler to the right of the cashier, you get warm beer. No, seriously, HOT BEER. If you grab the wrong one, and pick 0 Baltika, it's non-alcoholic. If you are lucky enough to grab your own beer (it's weird to get used to the non-controlled way of thinking about alcohol!), then it's going to either taste like piss or taste like drinkable piss. If Russians think this is beer, no wonder they suck down the vodka.
Crazy Olympic Moments
Everything is so hard to capture. Little moments when you are laughing at foreign names like Freek Van Der Wort, or a Croatian skiier whose name has 9 letters but only 1 vowel, and doesn't appear to be a name as much as a sound effect. Sounds like "Zrrrrrrrrinchhhhhh." Seriously. Or when they show skiiers biting into apples and bananas (???) on the big screen, in non-appealing ways. Or seeing a chick dressed entirely in fur with 8" heels to navigate the ginormous Olympic Park. Or this from a 7 year old boy: "My name is Vlad!" Me: "My name is Lara!" "I am from Vladivostock!" Me: "I am from USA! What's your favorite Olympic sport?" "My name is Vlad..."
I Heart the Olympics.
I mean, you know I do. YOU KNOW I DO. You're sick of hearing about it. The last 5 days have been a melee of meeting other Americans, both awesome and not. (YOU KNOW YOU'RE AWESOME, HEATHER AND BEN!!!) When I tell you that we're like celebrities, I'm not joking-we sang about half the first verse of "Sweet Child 'O Mine" and I watched at least 10 people get up to come running to take pictures with us. We sang the Star Spangled Banner and it was like the Cincinnati Who Concert. I was realizing that LITERALLY this might be the first time these people might be meeting Americans! So we try our very best to say thank you in Russian, to share smiles and laughs and beers and make sure their first impression is the best one and the one that stays!
USA-RUSSIA HOCKEY
Was it loud on TV? Because that place was rocking. Russians know how to cheer! However, we found out that they don't allow beer inside because of laws meant to curb alcoholism in Russia. Which is sad and all, but we love our beer ! (Even if we have to drink the goat piss known as Baltika!)
Yesterday was Men's Super Combined and Ski Jumping. Ski Jumping felt like this awesome party where your friends were strapping themselves to skis and jumping off for your entertainment, but with better equipment and knowledge of physics. It was sad to see Bode not medal, BUT AWESOME TO SEE HIM WALK INTO THE AUSTRIA HOUSE!! Every Austrian kept telling me how much they loved him. Adorable.
Earlier today, we went to Women's Super G. We also didn't medal there, but like 12 women wiped out-it was NUTS!!! FYI, hope you like steps if you're going to Alpine events. I swear we climbed up a 20 story building every time we were there!
Tomorrow-Curling and Biathlon! Skis and GUNS! And a stop at Austria House. Of course. Because.
Best Place to Get Drunk And Take Pictures With Every Stranger Imaginable
Austria House. Located right next to the train station up in the mountains where you go for all the alpine events, it's the perfect meet-up point, beer drinking point, faux podium photo op point, faux ski lift photo op point, giant cowbell photo op point, you name it! Great food, awesome people (it's open to the public, so it's heavily Austrian and Russian populated), and waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better beer than they are serving at the venues.
Can We Just Talk About Baltika Beer?
If you don't see the beer cooler to the right of the cashier, you get warm beer. No, seriously, HOT BEER. If you grab the wrong one, and pick 0 Baltika, it's non-alcoholic. If you are lucky enough to grab your own beer (it's weird to get used to the non-controlled way of thinking about alcohol!), then it's going to either taste like piss or taste like drinkable piss. If Russians think this is beer, no wonder they suck down the vodka.
Crazy Olympic Moments
Everything is so hard to capture. Little moments when you are laughing at foreign names like Freek Van Der Wort, or a Croatian skiier whose name has 9 letters but only 1 vowel, and doesn't appear to be a name as much as a sound effect. Sounds like "Zrrrrrrrrinchhhhhh." Seriously. Or when they show skiiers biting into apples and bananas (???) on the big screen, in non-appealing ways. Or seeing a chick dressed entirely in fur with 8" heels to navigate the ginormous Olympic Park. Or this from a 7 year old boy: "My name is Vlad!" Me: "My name is Lara!" "I am from Vladivostock!" Me: "I am from USA! What's your favorite Olympic sport?" "My name is Vlad..."
I Heart the Olympics.
I mean, you know I do. YOU KNOW I DO. You're sick of hearing about it. The last 5 days have been a melee of meeting other Americans, both awesome and not. (YOU KNOW YOU'RE AWESOME, HEATHER AND BEN!!!) When I tell you that we're like celebrities, I'm not joking-we sang about half the first verse of "Sweet Child 'O Mine" and I watched at least 10 people get up to come running to take pictures with us. We sang the Star Spangled Banner and it was like the Cincinnati Who Concert. I was realizing that LITERALLY this might be the first time these people might be meeting Americans! So we try our very best to say thank you in Russian, to share smiles and laughs and beers and make sure their first impression is the best one and the one that stays!
USA-RUSSIA HOCKEY
Was it loud on TV? Because that place was rocking. Russians know how to cheer! However, we found out that they don't allow beer inside because of laws meant to curb alcoholism in Russia. Which is sad and all, but we love our beer ! (Even if we have to drink the goat piss known as Baltika!)
Yesterday was Men's Super Combined and Ski Jumping. Ski Jumping felt like this awesome party where your friends were strapping themselves to skis and jumping off for your entertainment, but with better equipment and knowledge of physics. It was sad to see Bode not medal, BUT AWESOME TO SEE HIM WALK INTO THE AUSTRIA HOUSE!! Every Austrian kept telling me how much they loved him. Adorable.
Earlier today, we went to Women's Super G. We also didn't medal there, but like 12 women wiped out-it was NUTS!!! FYI, hope you like steps if you're going to Alpine events. I swear we climbed up a 20 story building every time we were there!
Tomorrow-Curling and Biathlon! Skis and GUNS! And a stop at Austria House. Of course. Because.
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