So I started the day off forgetting to realise that it was Saturday and busses just may not run like they did the day before. So when my expected bus was 15 minutes overdue I then began questioning the timetable and finally realised that the bus was not coming. Derrp. Thinking of my options (none) I pranced across the road and found a taxi. He could get me there in time for the first lecture and for 25 bucks or so. Deal.
His name was Liam O'something. I forget, but he talked of his Irish family. This one actually knew where he was going. He had 3 daughters and 2 sons I think. His car smelled like my great Aunt's house (cats, Pomeranians and off milk), so i'm lucky I brought a change of clothes and perfume for later.
Another 7-session day. Today I wore my Heaps Good t-shirt after 2 failed days of hunting down these other elusive aussies. After the last morning session I spotted my stalking target. My old coach. Not much changed aside a little less hair and he was well surprised to see me. He was here on an all expenses paid trip... (one can only dream) and was training girls competing at the international scale.
After the day was done (more games, ideas, ideas, ideas) I once again made it to hospitality for some free food before watching some of the national championships. I was well over talking in my head so chanced plopping my food down at a table occupied by Phil. Phil was from Minnesota, but about an hour south. He said he didn't have a long history in gymnastics, but still managed to find himself here. Phil has gymnastics coach as a full-time job. Later I med Val. who could also claim gymnastics to pay the bills. strange.
Phil entertained me until it was time to see the gymnastics. I won a notebook at the Hilton promo booth. Phil won a dream bracelet. He was also attending the session, but my seat was in a prime viewing area in the middle of the floor, 6 rows up so you could still see all apparatus. gold. I enjoyed the session thoroughly, however I felt it was no different to seeing it on tv and caught myself several times watching the screen instead of the actual show.
On her third apparatus the reigning national champ landed bad off vault (stopping and twisting at the same time), needless to say it didn't end well for her.
The comp ended and met up with Phil (more so he found me), but I was planning on hitting up more free food again anyways. Met Val and some other people from their group and discovered the ins and outs of private gymnastics. Smoked some great weed... Talked to an artist. His wife was from new zealand. He had pet pig that could walk on its hands. legit.
Hung out at Rice Park. handstands and hackeysack. All else that happened I found myself at my hostel. Win. Ma would be proud.
