Curling at Sochi 2014

watching curling at the Winter Olympics has become somewhat of a tradition for me, this being my third one. ignoring the questionable aspects of this year’s Games (it’s being held in a summer resort, the tons of money spent, the displaced locals, the anti-gay laws, the terrorist attacks…), i still had fun, despite only being in Sochi for less than 20 hours. in fact, i didn’t even get a hotel, since the men’s round robin match that i watched ended past 10 PM and my flight the next morning (this morning) was at 5:30 AM, so i slept what little i could at the airport. (sadly, i’m paying for it, feeling quite sickly at the moment…)

there was indeed a different vibe that i got this time compared to the previous two. both Torino 2006 and Vancouver 2010 seemed more integrated into the location, which gave it a very homely feel, but Sochi 2014 was in a new, purpose-built complex on the outskirts of town. while that meant some cool architecture (i’m a sucker for buildings that light up and facades that turn into ginormous animated displays), there was a certain sterility that i didn’t like. it felt a bit too glitzy and loud? maybe i’m just a romantic at heart.

nonetheless, i had fun and saw some great curling from Norway, China(!), and Canada. unfortunately Team USA really hasn’t been doing well at all during the games and my night was no exception.

here’s my Sochi 2014 experience, 140 characters at a time with some instagram shots thrown in:

I just bought a pair of these rainbow gloves because well, *jazz hands* pic.twitter.com/4wo4ssVUrR

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 15, 2014

Pass activated. Ready to rock and roll! (Err, rock and curl!) #jonksochi pic.twitter.com/1Z7KNXlFaf

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 15, 2014

Under the weather and clumsy this morning. Good luck to me today. #jonksochi

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

Since I'm hobo-overnighting in Sochi, gotta figure out what to bring. This should do it, right? #jonksochi pic.twitter.com/qO78dCUbAE

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

Early but glad I played it safe. Also yay that this lounge has chicken soup. Just what I need *sniffle* #jonksochi pic.twitter.com/ShM3XrMLwi

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

Erm, their fluorescent safety vests match their planes. And that's my ride! #jonksochi pic.twitter.com/U7NPNJ2IXt

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

Boarding to Sochi! #jonksochi pic.twitter.com/PnU5SUhazd

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

There is a man trying to lead the plane in a Russian cheer. Unfortunately half the flight is English-speaking. #jonksochi

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

Landed at Sochi/Adler airport where it's quite un-wintery. #jonksochi (at @basel_aero w/ 81 others) [pic]: http://t.co/BTKbu51sxK

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

For @raymegorniak, the food on our S7 flight #jonksochi https://t.co/9LShhpEsAb

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

And how about this lady? Sexy? Sassy? Saxy? #jonksochi pic.twitter.com/b7edNSWRVa

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

Saw my first stray dog (who seems to be barking at everyone) while waiting for the bus to the Olympic Park #jonksochi

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

As if to remind us that Sochi is a summer destination, the transportation hub is dotted with palm trees. #jonksochi pic.twitter.com/n8p8zcLqIA

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

This whole building is dedicated to security screening with pat-downs, pornoscanners, badge verification. #jonksochi pic.twitter.com/lNbhti9UCc

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

Here I am! #jonksochi (@ Олимпийский парк / Sochi Olympic Park – @sochi2014_ru w/ 97 others) [pic]: http://t.co/EhUMXRtThE

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

I ordered a "pork hot dog & vegetables". Erm, vegetables? Oh wait, I see two teeny tomato slices. #jonksochi pic.twitter.com/8EPDf2rkVk

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

Erm, this. #jonksochi pic.twitter.com/WRjVJoPfsB

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

Time to curl! #jonksochi https://t.co/uyFO97An1F

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

Have finally discovered how to line up in Russia. LEAVE NO GAP or someone will sneak their sneaky ass in. #jonksochi

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

Best seat I've had in 3 Olympics. HELLO NORWAY PANTS (and Christoffer Svae who prob doesn't remember me). #jonksochi pic.twitter.com/vZuWf58bvs

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

Tried to cheer on Team USA but given my sore throat/oncoming cold I sounded like Peter when he sang "Time to Change" #jonksochi

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

PS in case anyone is looking for me on the TV (if shown at all) I'm behind the row of crazed Swiss fans #jonksochi pic.twitter.com/gP7RxVn9AY

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

Some enjoyable curling by Canada, China(?!?), and Norway. Too bad can't say the same for USA 🙁 #jonksochi

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

Because I was told to shout something, I was the one that yelled out "CANADAAAA" at the end of the 11th end. #jonksochi

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

One of their slogans. Umm, no. I kind of take issue with the last part. #jonksochi #SochiProblems pic.twitter.com/xPWl5dO2O3

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

Killing time by riding rails like a hobo. Went from Olympic Park to Sochi. Hope airport train still going! #jonksochi pic.twitter.com/zrZcfW26p4

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

Have never slept at an airport before but I suppose there's a first time for everything. #jonksochi pic.twitter.com/3QBZnHpHpI

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

Never seen duty free like this before. No liquids allowed in carry-ons at all at Sochi airport. #jonksochi pic.twitter.com/JbimgIq2h9

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 16, 2014

(p.s. this was the rule in Moscow as i discovered this morning — i had to throw out all my liquids because i did not check my bag.)

Heading back to Moscow. It's been a great short #sochi2014. This is how we board — mad rush. #jonksochi pic.twitter.com/otxfmtFzsR

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 17, 2014

Hm they upgauged the plane — 763 with this blast from the past! #jonksochi pic.twitter.com/o1AC0Ybmol

— Jonathan Khoo (@jonk) February 17, 2014

see y’all in PyeongChang in 2018! hopefully i’ll be able to take more time off and be able to watch some other events as well (i’ve only ever also seen speed skating in 2006).