What day is this?

Woke up today and wondered what day it was.  Never mind.  The day of the week is immaterial for us until the 747 leaves for home.
I know....it's Super Bowl Sunday.  But  I'll be missing most of the game because kickoff is about 4 am.  Just about my bedtime.  I have  been informed that appropriately, it is also Groundhog Day.  Which sums up our lives for the next three weeks.

I felt some sinus pain so I visited the NBC clinic.  They asked me what was wrong with me and I told them I thought I might be getting a sinus infection.  They took my word for it and give me meds.  With dosage instructions in Russian.  I'm pretty sure If I complained of an ovarian cyst they would have taken my word for it.
I caught a glimpse of the doctor's diploma.  It was from De Vry.

Day 3

The first medal of the games has been awarded.  Best sponsor billboard read by NBC announcer.  In lieu of the anthem cue the NBC Olympic theme.  Sorry the podium is out of frame.

"Just read it comrade.  But take off 3 seconds."

Who knew?

Just in case you ever get to Russia, order the chicken Kiev. It's really good here.

Swagsville

My talent wardrobe has just been bestowed upon me. That's right, the same wardrobe you'll see on TV as worn by Al Roker! This lavish package includes: twelve shirts, three pairs of pants, a lightweight and heavy winter weight outer jacket, a down vest, a pair of boots, two hats, gloves, sunglasses, a backpack and a roller bag. And just like  on a game show, even if I don't end up being a returning contestant, these lovely gifts are mine to keep. Look for these items soon on eBay.

Day 2

The army is deployed.  Getting ready for opening day. To avoid computer hacking all memos are sent via pneumatic tube. Like in the old days.  You'll see it left of center in the photo.

Don't miss "Winter Gold".  A preview of the games with our old pal Apolo Ohno.  Airing Tues. Night on NBC.  No really, I saw a big piece of it today and it shows some of the behind the scenes stuff involving what we do.

View from the NBC commissary.

Thanks, Apple

I tried to set the time zone clock on my iPad to include Sochi. When I entered Sochi in the search bar, it came up blank. Good job Apple. But at least I'll always know what time it is in Cupertino.

Day one

It's off to the races. We got a bunch of stuff recorded today including Procter & Gamble presents "thanks mom".

I am reeling from jet lag. It feels like my head is in a vise.  The pizza I had for breakfast in the commissary at 3 AM Eastern time was very good.

it's been drizzly and getting cooler since I arrived.   Last night the cold winds poured down the mountains. Perhaps I was misguided packing two tubes of sunscreen.

Meanwhile, at the hotel, The service is like a Marx Brothers movie. The earnest young staff at this hotel apparently never have worked at a hotel. The place has only been open for about a week. And it shows.

I'm sure most of these kids got their jobs in part because they claimed to be fluent in English. I can tell you this, they certainly are not fluent in American.  They seem stunned when you speak a complete sentence.  Yesterday, frosted with jet lag, I left my room with my key card but forgot to take note of the room's number. When I returned, I asked the girl at the front desk if she tcould tell me my room number. I showed her my Olympic ID. She spent two minutes pecking at her computer with a furrowed brow. and then said "I can't find you". Then she turned away as though they was nothing more she could do.

Just trying to order a burger and fries in the hotel restaurant last night was a Bolshoi ballet of hilarity.

Everything I asked the waiter was met with a blank expression as though he were waiting for a translation through an earpiece.  I don't think he was wearing one, because things never got any better. No doubt he regaled the kitchen staff with tales of the idiot American out front.  Perhaps I should've made the slightest effort to learn some Russian and assimilate. I wouldn't consider myself an ugly American. But perhaps I would go as far as unattractive American.

But being the first guests does have its advantages. As Peter Steep pointed out, "We're the first people to sleep in these beds.  No bedbugs."  Which brings into question the level of accommodation he normally inhabits.

Looking forward to hitting a local restaurant tomorrow.  The only advice I've gotten about local dining places involves a wait of at least an hour for your food. I was also told to be sure and find a good Georgian place. This commissary is the only one I've seen at the Olympics with panoramic views. We can look out at Georgia while we eat our burgers. Thank you Russian Federation.

At work, it's the calm before the storm. When you're still delusional and believe that this won't be too tough and then the 12 hour days kick in and it is.  But I'll take this while I can get it.

So far the only thing I've learned to say in Russian is "I don't understand Russian."

Gotta run, Johnny Weir and I are going dancing.