2011 Ice Challenge Blog #5 – Last day!
Hello!
Today was our last full day in Austria, which meant it was the day to get last-minute souvenirs and to eat lots of chocolate. 😉
I woke up at around 8:30, grabbed some breakfast, and then hit the streets for the last time! I was designated to buy the team leader and assistant team leader gifts, so I was on a mission for that. This was my first time doing this, and I didn’t want to disappoint! I thought and thought about what to get that wasn’t cheesy, and then I came across the perfect gift — Christmas ornaments! It took a while to find one that looked “Austrian”, but I came across two beautiful ornaments that said a few words in German (not quite sure what though). Turned out to be a really neat team gift!
After spending a few hours on that, I grabbed one last souvenir for my mom and sister, tried on a funky hat, and then headed back to the hotel. I wasn’t planning on taking a nap, but before I knew it, I woke up and had to grab the bus to the rink for the show practice!
Ian and I took the early bus over to cheer Stephen (Carriere) on in the long program. Even though he had a few bobbles here and there, I really loved his attack throughout the program. Team USA rocked this competition! We won every event and snagged a second place in the dance as well! Go Team!
After his event we had show practice for “Vampires on Ice.” We went over the finale, worked out a few kinks, then went upstairs to have dinner. Boy, do Austrians know how to make potatoes and desserts over here! Pure heaven.
The show started around 7:30 and didn’t end until 10. The theme was a little confusing, but mainly because it was completely in German and I had no idea what the storyline was. All I know is that there was a vampire who looked like a normal guy, and a professor who the vampire killed at the end. Confusing, but actually kind of interesting!
The show went pretty smoothly and a lot of people came to watch! The only downside was that it was very hard to see out there. I heard a few people complaining before Ian and I went out there, but I didn’t let it get to me. About halfway through the program I thought, “Oh, I can see just fine!” then I went, “Oh, shoot, where’s Ian?” From then on our program was a hot mess, but considering that may have been our first time doing the full show program out big, I kind of expected it. I had a lot of fun though!
Overall this competition has been amazing and so much fun! Everything was really great — the awesome team, the hotel, the free WiFi, and of course the breakfast. Ian and I skated how we wanted to skate in both events and are really proud of ourselves.
Onto Sectionals in 10 days! Wait. What?
Thanks for reading, and I hope you’ve enjoyed my blogs this week!
Until next time!
Bella