Well four of us have. Jim Wolf, the Chef d'Mission, Christy Baxter the world's most organized executive assistant, Doug Hannum, stable manager to the stars, and me, Joanie Morris - I'm the press officer. I hope you don't get tired of hearing from me. I will be (attempting) to use twitter, press releases, the USEF Network so choose your poison and keep up to speed with what the teams are up to.
We are getting the lay of the land, getting organized, and getting ready for our teams to come in on Tuesday (dressage).
We got to Houston last night and test drove the USOC Team Processing system in the Hilton when we landed. Those guys are great and looked after us. We had dinner at a steak house (which this vegetarian feels like will be a theme on this trip) and went to bed.
Bright and early this morning we rocked up to Houston airport only to have our flight delayed several times due to bad weather.
We landed easily in Guadalajara - where they thought I was coming in yesterday for some bizarro reason. Anyway, all here one piece accreditation in hand - 15 pieces of luggage between us - sherpaing for several other team members that couldn't make it to team processing.
"Yes this is all my luggage. I have a lot of shoes."
We got to the hotel thanks to our trusty driver Poncho. Guadalajara is still getting ready for these Games - but so are riders so we are all in it together. You know when you are having a dinner party and someone arrives a few minutes early?
Everyone is happy to help even if they're not quite ready.
We went to the village and scoped out where the eventers will be staying. There's a great buzz over there even though there's no US athletes yet - there's lots of other countries there.
There is a gym, running trails and a huge pool but there is also a Starbucks, wi-fi, a sports bar and a concert venue in the village. Good spot to be. The USOC staff was great giving us a tour. The furniture is made of cardboard. The photo doesn't do it justice. It’s cool, and surprisingly comfortable. And green.
And made of cardboard.
I have also developed an allergy to something here… jury is still out on what it might be. And there is a hurricane heading our way. These trips are never dull – first horses arrive on Tuesday. Photos from the venue tomorrow while we bed stalls and set up the stables. My junior year in college study abroad Spanish is serving me in some capacity - there will be a lot hand gestures over the next 3 weeks.
Thanks for reading,
Joanie