First 24 hours on the ground in Sochi and it's bringing back a few memories of Vancouver 2010. Right off the bat, there's the rain -- there was plenty of it in the days leading up to Canada's games also. Don't remember palm trees, though. The seaside resort of Sochi is surrounded by them.
(The unpolished side of the Sochi boardwalk - no tourists allowed)
(Construction still underway 5 days before the Games)
The one thing I haven't seen is snow. I'm assured that in the mountains (a one hour train ride away) there is enough snow for the ski events -- again I remember vividly when it had to be downloaded onto Cypress for competition in 2010. Not sure if bales of hay will be required here.
Sochi is a curious choice to host these Winter Olympics. Geographically it is sandwiched between the Abkhazia (former state of Georgia that separated in a bloody civil war the early 90's) and the North Caucuses -- the most poor and most violent region of Russia. No running water or gas. Complete contrast with these modern games.
Historically, Sochi was the resort town of the rich and powerful. Stalin even governed from here at certain times of the year. During the Soviet era, it was a dream holiday for the proletariat - incredible palaces called Sanitoriums were built as hotels for labourers to enjoy a free state-sponsored "health" vacation. It is a fascinating relic of another era -- you won't believe what we found inside. Watch for my notebook on CTV National News Monday night.
There is, as is well documented, an enormous police presence everywhere you go -- even McDonald's where a cop stopped me from taking a photograph! Didn't bother to argue, but so you know, the only thing I noticed different on the menu board was Herring. I stuck to coffee.
(One of seven new McDonald's built just for the Sochi Olympics)
We were also stopped by police for an illegal lane change along the road between Adler (where most of the Olympic venues are) and Sochi (location of Olympic Clock). If bad driving is the only thing that keeps cops busy over the next few weeks than I'd say Russian security should be awarded a gold medal.
(Standard security at the Sochi Media Centre)
Our first broadcast from Sochi is tonight so once you've had your Superbowl fix we'll tap into the sport that really gets Canadians excited. Hockey! John Tavares, one of the stars of Team Canada is joining me!
See you later,
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