Okay, so the jet lag lasted a little longer than I thought. It took me at least 4 days to really feel somewhat normal again, in terms of my sleep schedule. I’m writing this post from the small restaurant at the bottom of my hotel (which are built like apartments). All of the media housing are in clusters of about 15-20 buildings and there are about 5-7 of these clusters. The internet started working last night, but only down here in the restaurant. I’m not complaining, this way I can come home and read (instead of work on my computer) before going to sleep (a welcomed change).
I have a few more photos from the Olympic Park to show. There were a couple more updates inside the park, like the standalone Olympic rings (above) and the rings on the front of the Bolshoy Ice Dome. Work is constant throughout the park — welding, moving things, construction — all trying to get done before the games start next month. With seven venues inside the park, it is a massive area.
Earth movers just inside the park.
More construction on the back side of Fisht Olympic Stadium.
Workers cleaning the exterior of Adler Arena.
Welders working at dusk Friday evening.
Olympic-colored bridges that lead from the train station to Olympic Park.
The green one!
Bolshoy Ice Dome
Sunset inside the Olympic Park.
Below are a couple photos from in and around the Main Media Center (MMC). The MMC is divided into two parts: the Main Press Center and the International Broadcasting Center. Since I am on the press side, I do not have access to the IBC. I will be spending many days and nights in this mammoth structure. It’s complete with a gym, salon, food court, massage (chair) palor, bank, post and parcel center, internet café, just to name a few.
Main Press Center facade.
MPC lobby.
The work area for USA Today inside the MPC. Our shipment of IT equipment needed for the Games arrived Wednesday evening, so much of yesterday was spent unpacking and organizing (servers, lines, all sorts of techie goodies). In the front is Nick Carter, USA Today Sports Images’ director of technology.
Turn sign inside the park.
View from back entrance of Main Press Center.
On Wednesday, we went up to the mountain cluster, though we didn’t stay long. We did, however, make it to the top of Rosa Khutor Alpine Resort, where the alpine skiing competition will be taking place. It took four separate gondola rides and 30 minutes to get to the top (at over 7,000 feet)! It was absolutely breathtaking. I took lots of photos, but my memory card corrupted and I lost most of them. Apparently using an old card reader on new cards is a big problem — better to find out now than in the middle of a shoot! We are scheduled to head back up there tomorrow, so hopefully I’ll have some more photos to share from that trip.
Me at the summit of Rosa Khutor!
And finally, I’m leaving you guys with a couple photos that I just like.
Signs heading into the nearby town of Adler.
I found Mater in Russia! Who knew he could drive that far?!?
Dianne Perry says
The photos are great !!!! I really like the colorful bridges !!!I feel like I am standing there!!! Please enjoy the ride !!!! I love you a Bunch!!! Thanks for the call this moring it was just wonderful to hear your voice !!!!
Kevin Liles says
Thank you, Mama. I love you too. Talk to you soon.
Elaina Wilson says
I thoroughly enjoyed your blog this morning. You are so lucky to be a part of this event and I know it’s going to be the ride of your life. Stay safe and warm and keep the blogs coming!
Kevin Liles says
I will try to keep them coming, Elaina! Thanks for following my blog!
Jason Walle says
Love the photos and the posts. Keep them coming! I can’t believe that entire area is just for USA Today. How many photogs are there just for USA Today? That is amazing.
Kevin Liles says
Hey Jason,
I’m not exactly sure, because USAT Sports Images is under the Gannett umbrella, so some of the photogs are staff at some Gannett newspapers. I think it’s somewhere in the ballpark of 15-17, but not exactly sure.
Kevin Liles says
Hey Jason,
I’m not exactly sure, because USAT Sports Images is under the Gannett umbrella, so some of the photogs are staff at some Gannett newspapers. I think it’s somewhere in the ballpark of 15-17, but not exactly sure. Thanks for following, man!
anne Philpott says
Pic are great Iam trying to keep up with you Please be safe and stay warm!!
Kevin Liles says
Mrs. Philpott! Thanks for following me! I will definitely do my best to stay safe and warm while over here.
JP Waldron says
Kevin, nice gig, looking forward to seeing your images and reading about your experience. I’ve heard the stories of the Olympic gig’s for a photographer, the long hours, the many times traveling to the many different events. All to get the cover shot (in this case the front page). Stay safe, have fun, sleep when you can and bring home the SHOT!
donna christopher says
I really enjoyed your pictures. The information you included was great. We don’t have a picture of you, I would love to get a copy of the one of you on top of the mountain. Look forward to your next blog. Mama and I are so proud of you.
Kevin Liles says
Thanks Donna! Tell Mrs. C. I said hello and I hope she is doing well. I will definitely come by there and say hello to you guys next time I am home. Love y’all!
Jimmy and Pansy says
We are enjoying reading about all you are doing!! Have a great time – but stay safe!! Love the picture from the top of the summit! Jimmy said that he is PROUD OF YOU – but – are you still ugly?!?!?!?!?!!?
We are VERY PROUD!
J & P
Kevin Liles says
Hey guys! Hope all is well way over there on Paxson-Dairy Road. See you in a few months!
Mandy Higginbotham says
I’m loving your photos from Russia! You really are super super talented! Have fun! ! What an opportunity!
Kevin Liles says
Thank you very much, Mandy! I hope you are doing well.
Heather Crumbley says
This is AWESOME Kevin!!! You be safe over there looking forward to all of your wonderful pictures and following your adventures :) Be safe…PRAYING for your safety always!!
Kevin Liles says
Thanks Heather!
Tim Hynes says
I love the hat worn in the picture at the summit of Rosa Khutor. Keep up the great work, Kevin!!
Kevin Liles says
Thanks for noticing, Dr. Hynes! That hat was courtesy of Coach Peterson, it was definitely needed for this trip!
Andy Barr says
Kevin! Man, what an adventure! You are one lucky guy, you know that? I look forward to hearing all about it.
Kevin Liles says
Look forward to seeing you guys as soon as I get back, Andy!
Elizabeth Odom says
All of this is so exciting! Enjoying all the updates! Stay safe over there!
Natalie McFalls says
What a great experience for you all.Can’t wait to hear Nick’s stories when he gets home.