Work-a-holic

Well, here I am sitting in an internet cafe close to our appartment. This is my first day off since arriving here, so it's time for some relaxation, checking the Dutch and Antillian on-line newspapers, the football sites (d*mned! Ajax lost!), reading my email and of course updating this blog.

My first two days were exceptional. I can recommend this to everyone. The atmosphere is wonderful, everybody is friendly and just very happy to be part of this. After these two days I have just one thing to say: "WHERE CAN I SIGN UP FOR BEIJING 2008?"

It all started Saturday morning when I had to collect my accreditation and uniform at the ATHOC Head Office. That went very smoothly and within 20 minutes I walked out with a bag containing 3 shirts, 2 pair of pants, 3 pairs of socks, a jacket, a waist bag and a hat. No shop-a-holic I know could beat that! Well, maybe one... (you know who you are) :-)

Then it was straight from there to my first day on the job. I'm stationed in the Olympic Village at the Sports Information Centre manning the Athletics Desk. Imagine a large hall with 28 desks, one for each sport. All Chef de Missions and Team Leaders of the NOC's pass by daily to get the latest information regarding their sports. This includes competition, training and transport schedules as well as general information, rule changes, logistics, authorisations, tours of the sites, uniform regulations, etc.

As Athletics is the sport with the most countries participating (+/- 200) you can figure out that we are quite busy. It is really hard work, but it doesn't feel like work. Even when I'm off for a lunch break, I feel like running back as quickly as possible to the desk. My real work should be like that! Just kidding Karen... ;-)

So far I've had two evening shifts. These start at 15hrs and last until 22hrs. Tomorrow I have my first morning shift. This is from 07hrs to 15hrs and since it takes me about 1 hour to get from the appartment to work, it means setting the alarm clock at 05:00 hrs (ouch!)

Next week I even have two days where I work both shifts. Yes, that's from 07hrs to 22hrs...and I don't mind at all! You have to be here to understand it.

Roberto