Russian, Ukrainian & FSU Information & Manosphere Discussion Forums
Information & Chat => The Expatriate Life: Living in the FSU, Asia or Elsewhere => Topic started by: msmoby on March 01, 2017, 02:25:39 PM
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Just under 60 days to go to the VTB sponsored Russian GP 2017
If you can get to Sochi I have two free Main Grandstand tickets for :
Thurs - Pit lane access - you get close to the teams,
Fri - 1 and 2nd Practice sessions
Sat- Practice 3 and qualifying
Sun - The Race and associated support races.
I have already offered another 1 to a member - but these tickets are for FANS.. if you want to bring a loved one - let me know I'll try to get a promotional / staff price. The free ones are for members only
Your GP tickets double up as a Free rail ticket on race day ( return for free all the way to / from Krasnodar ) and accommodation isn't THAT expensive - if you stay in Sochi and get the train direct to the circuit - the stop after the Olympic Village. The F1 media circus, teams and drivers stay in the Olympic Park bed factories.
S.C went with friends last year and pronounced it boring - so won't be coming:)
I won't be in the Grandstand - as I'm the UK rep for the organisers and will be in the stand opposite.
IF you are a fan - it's one of the best value F1 events and Thursday is one of my fav days as the crowds can get really close to the cars and drivers.
IF anyone is interested - I'm sure you'll find a way to contact me :)
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Arrived in Sochi for the preparations for the F1 show - it was beautiful weather - snow-capped mountains in the distance and S.C. waiting to pick me up and get out of the airport ;)
Sadly, one just can't just tip up - one must 'register' one's visa. Years ago this involved wasting hours of one's life with the Federal Migration Service - now ... 20 mins at the Post Office and 450 rub !
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/IMG_20170415_170731_zpsdskr5v9m.jpg)
Then off to YOTA to kick my data sim into life - I use it in a Mi-Fi router and it allows my UK based mobile ( cell) to call the UK as if I'm there - not bad - considering it's 4 USD / minute roaming ... 1000 roubles / month for unlimited data at min. 20MBs is preferable.
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Welcome to Sochi!)
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Mark! How did you manage to fake that footage of SC? We all know your are back in the UK sleeping on your uncle's couch in the basement :laugh:
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Mark! How did you manage to fake that footage of SC? We all know your are back in the UK sleeping on your uncle's couch in the basement :laugh:
It's amazing what one can do with 'photoshop', Dave
This year, yours truly is doing all the English PA announcements for the event - so you will hear my dulcet tones on the PA system - if you tune in over the race weekend.))
Got stopped by the Russian Traffic Police - AGAIN, on the way to the circuit... :)) This time madame was at the wheel and had taken the wrong motorway exit and sent us 5 km up the motorway spur to the Mountain resorts.. She was late leaving the motorway and her erratic driving - naturally attracted the attention of 'Mr DPS Policeman'...She had been driving down the middle of both lanes - 'indecision'
I shut up - but when it looked like he was going to issue a fine - I heard the word 'straf' - I introduced myself as her 'guide' - pointing out the 'navigator' - sat nav was in front of me - and I had told her left - meaning right. really - so it was 'my fault' - and that we were late for a meeting at the F1 circuit. S.C proudly told him I was the 'voice' of the weekend :))
He cracked - let her off with a warning to " listen to me - but only if I spoke better Russian " and off we went !
Got a great shot of the Airport runway - looking out to sea, though - so was 'glad' of the diversion.
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/IMG_20170418_191253_zpsiqrqhmp9.jpg)
We arrived at the ticket office and Maxim - a student of Sochi University - whom I knew from last year - handed me over my accreditation and off we headed to the Media Centre
My desk is in a huge office that overlooks the Start / Finish straight and I had Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen for 'company'
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/IMG_20170418_191656_zpswkeg1qal.jpg)
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/IMG_20170418_191603_zps4poydkdt.jpg)
Took the bus back - 55 Roubles - and it dropped me off near home.
I will drive tomorrow as although it was 23C and sunny, today - it will only be 11C and rainy, tomorrow :(
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I genuinely enjoy seeing more inside the F1 event as I do follow the sport. Very interesting :thumbsup:
Just one statement of caution however. You know when you first meet a German/Russian/American on holiday and wrongly assume that just because they are rude/loud/unable to queue, everyone from that country must be the same?
Well please don't let our Russian friends assume that all Brits act/behave/think the way you do!
Enjoy the week.
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Well please don't let our Russian friends assume that all Brits act/behave/think the way you do!
:sick0012:
Rosco - I am a guest and I certainly do not need 'lectures' from young 'uns how to behave...esp. those who don't even spend the time I do here...
What I write on here - is my opinion - amongst fellow folks that have an interest in things FSU.
Enjoy the week.
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/IMG_20170419_122855_zpswloqqjoq.jpg)
Thank you
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(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/IMG_20170419_122855_zpswloqqjoq.jpg)
Thank you
There you go again Mark. I am pretty sure those aren't the real drivers but rather cutouts!
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Maxx, don't you know that many F1 drivers have been ordered to 'lose weight' for this season ? ...
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:biggrin:
Whats up Mobes? You're looking a tad haggard.
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Sadly, one just can't just tip up - one must 'register' one's visa. Years ago this involved wasting hours of one's life with the Federal Migration Service - now ... 20 mins at the Post Office and 450 rub !
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/IMG_20170415_170731_zpsdskr5v9m.jpg)
Wish it was that fast in Yevpatorya, but then again, the lines are longer and staff seriously under-trained and half of em are guessing what must be done.
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Just under 60 days to go to the VTB sponsored Russian GP 2017
Only can speak for myself I look forward to the updates. Hopefully the neggy vibes on this thread will be low.
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:biggrin:
Whats up Mobes? You're looking a tad haggard.
Your are bang on DS ... Have you driven an F1 car ?:)
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So, today I was recording the English PA announcements... BOY getting the emphasis on some Russian Pop / Rock stars names - who will be appearing during the F1 weekend - HARD :)
Andrey - who is in charge of AV Media techie stuff - took me to the 'Cooldown Room' - where the Podium drivers take on fluids, check their times and positions of other competitors and prefer their sponsors' caps - before appearing on the podium - after the race.
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/20170420_134259_zpswgvhbjvh.jpg)
I'm not a shy person - but it was scary using profession kit, wearing headphones and reading from scripts ....
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Just under 60 days to go to the VTB sponsored Russian GP 2017
Only can speak for myself I look forward to the updates. Hopefully the neggy vibes on this thread will be low.
No negativity from me, if you meant me. Just teasing Mark a bit. I've always enjoyed Mark's trip reports and the videos he posts with them.
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It's fascinating to watch the kit arrive and erected, so quickly and even MORE impressive how quickly it is packed away ! FOM ( Formula 1 Management ) and the Sports governing body (FIA) guys are now on the ground erecting temporary buildings and large cargo aircraft are delivery huge boxes of kit - in addition to that arriving by sea .
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/20170419_164005_zpsbsxdtsh6.jpg)
S.C. is NOT into F1 and yesterday the weather was good - so it was time to hit the beach ) They rescued a Cormorant that was clearly injured - and exhausted - following a storm 36 hours early. There is an elderly that rescues sea birds and it was too big to fit in the lady's normal shopping bag. They walked to the local park - where there is a zoo and delivered the bird to the vet, there
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/Screenshot_20170420-155220_zps6sqotkwd.png)
On the way back from the zoo, she stopped and posed - many FSU ladies like to pose - amongst the greenery and flowers that make Sochi so beautiful
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/IMG_20170421_114721_zps0qdw8pow.jpg)
Note the 'Irish content' - an Aran Sweater ! It is just about sunset and the temperature is falling to 16C / 61F
Meanwhile, one of the volunteers - a student from Portugal - was doing a passable rendition of Fernando Alonso ..
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/IMG-20170420-WA0000_zps05allyeq.jpg)
He took this photo of a team garage - before it is 'taken over' - and filled with kit
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/IMG-20170421-WA0000_zps4wmdl5hw.jpg)
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It's the Monday that marks 4 days until the 'stars of F1' start arriving. From Thursday, the general public can start using their tickets to visit the pit lanes.
The weather has been DREADFUL - wind and driving rain - this would make for a great GP - but Svetlana - who formerly worked for the LADA PR team in PR - now responsible for digital content at Sochi's circuit- was more concerned if she could wear a 'summery outfit' ! :) You will see her and many of the team - later this week... It is forecast to be warm - 24C - so Svetlana WILL be pleased :)
The track is full of the pallets of kit for the team and over the weekend the Safety and Medical cars arrived
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Drove through pouring rain to the circuit and wondered when the promised sun would arrive !
I made a short video from one of the media rooms - where the world's press gather to edit photos
Svetlana, with the dark her and light jumper is writing content for the circuit and speaks great English - having been part of a Russian team in the World Touring Car Championships - she has 'seen the light' and arrived in F1 :)
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Yesterday, the rain stopped, the sun came out and my 'children' - volunteers - who are from the Sochi Olympic University - became 'actors- for an idea of mine ..... We got a male student - who looks like Spanish 2-time World Champion - Fernando Alonso - and a Finnish lass - to be his 'mystery lady' and we did an interview in the Pit-lane and on the track ;)
So... meet 'Fernaldo Alfonso'...
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Today, 'Fernaldo Alfonso' and his mystery Finnish companion took a walk in the Sochi Paddock on the Wednesday before the 4 day 'weekend programme' kicks off tomorrow - with the fans arriving to see their heroes in the pit-lane previews.
It seems our Alfonso is being confused with the McLaren Honda driver - who will complete in the Indy 500, in May !
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Yesterday, Thursday - was day one of the official F1 long weekend
I was tasked to escort winners of a competition to 'meet and greet' the Toro Rosso team - where Daniil Kvyat is at his home Grand Prix
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/20170427_170924_zpszz2lsutw.jpg)
At the request of a board member - I asked Carlos NOT to take out Stroll - the Canadian - his reaction was PERFECT !
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/20170427_1712030_zpsogbpvsyh.jpg)
We were taken to the teams hospitality and garage. I am not allow to publish photos of the car's rear :)
The 17-year old winner stopped and posed / got the autograph of all drivers save Hamilton, Alonso and Vandoorne. But she DID get 'Fernaldo Alfonso' in a selfie ! The student - who looks like the Spaniard.
Here with the most polite F1 driver: Valtteri Bottas ..
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/20170427_180953_zpswia7cqge.jpg)
We also stopped Bernie Ecclestone - he put his fingers to his lips - to stop us talking - and sneaked up to Daniel Ricciardo and kissed him on the cheek as he gave an interview.... I asked him not to use his tongue and he spun around to find the source - with a smile ;)... I hope someone got the grin on his face ..
He arrived wearing a sports jacket and carrying a briefcase and left wearing a VTB Bank F1 jacket ..was he making a deposit or a withdrawal ;) ?
'My' guests day was made by Ekaterina of Toro Rosso - it is her first year with the team:
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/20170427_175511_zpsbivnci9m.jpg)
She went out of her way to make them feel special
PS I'm not really 'in' to selfies... I'm just the guy in the blue shirt that appears in the reflections ))
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Nothing like the sound of a Mercedes engines revving in the pits below me - just before practice 2 at Sochi's F1 GP - to wake one up ;)
The Media Centre is directly over the Merc and the Red Bulls' Garages.
Here we see the start of Practise session one... Sveta - from 'Car city' - Manny will know where that is - is used to covering World Touring Car racing and this is her first F1 session ... She likes Hamilton and Alonso - and is hoping to get good shots of them leaving the pits
We are behind one-way glass and I'm trying to zoom in on the Main Grandstand as another of our board members is rumoured to be here also ... They spotted me selling programs - instead of the 'Big Issue'....
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This guy just 'bought a programme' from me ...
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/20170429_125855_zpsgtgzn5gz.jpg)
- Just after Practice 3 - before qualifying on Saturday 29th April 2017
His glasses are less loud than mine !!
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Race Day !
VVP and the Deputy PM turned up - along with Bernie and the top brass of Liberty Media...
BORING...
I was first in the press conference - grabbing my 'daughter', Raija - who is Finnish and studying at the Sochi Olympic University to translate his VERY first words to the press - in Finnish ;)
Fernardo and Fernaldo 'met' at last
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/IMG-20170430-WA0004_zpskb83tjao.jpg)
Loads of action and I DID say Bottas was a guy to be reckoned with ... ;)
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Well, the F1 circus has moved on and I have over-indulged myself in the action.
SC has been so tolerant - as I was leaving early and coming back so late.
The night before the race we met up with a fellow board member - who had come to see the race and we went to an Uzbek restaurant in Sochi
SC ordered food for me and I had a ''Live Beer", Nut paste wrapped in Aubergine ( Egg-plant) - Hachapuri - ( if someone could remind me of the Uzbek - rather than Georgian name ) very cheesy 'pie slices' and Lamb Shashlik to DIE for ...
This picture says it all .... me after 15 hours on the go and SC after a day on the beach :)
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/IMG_20170429_212335_zps6r27kls7.jpg)
Our guest had an unexpected treat ... I heard the owners announce that they had a VERY special guest - a former Soviet Gold medal winning Ice Hockey player who has also won the Stanley Cup ...Alexey Gusarov
(http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/russian-hockey-legend-alexey-gusarov-skates-during-the-global-hockey-picture-id166825265)
I didn't catch the name of the guy and folks on another table told us who he was and he was HUGE and very kind
Hopefully, t'other member can regale the tale, better :)
I shot a vid of the band performing what - initially - sounded like a very eastern piece....then realised it was Michael Jackson.... K who was one of our party - found the lyrics and I TRIED to 'sing' along ;))
I'll spare you THAT video ..
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I did actually run into Moby this weekend. He was outside the main entrances to the Russian Grand Prix handing out flyers for some F1 Bikini party that was taking place in the evenings over the weekend. Some person of influence had taken pity on him and gave him a pair of tickets in the main grandstand across from the Podium and VV Putin's seat. The organizers wouldn't let him on the grounds though. Disconsolate, Moby offered me the tickets if I would take one of his flyers. So, thanks to him, I have had a spectacular weekend!
Had a couple of videos to share, but alas, it seems Tapatalk can't handle it...(((
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There are a mere 27 members of the Triple Gold Club in all the world. This is a formally recognized club of hockey players who have won the International Ice Hockey Federation Championship, Olympic Gold, and a Stanley Cup. Sergei Gusarov happens to be one of these rarified sorts and I happened to run into him this weekend, as earlier recounted by Moby.
He speaks impeccable English and shared my happiness with Winnipeg getting a hockey club back again.
Given his status, he was also allowed to sit by a window that he could open and smoke near. :)
Americans gush over Hollywood celebrities. Canadians gush over famous hockey players.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170501/5d1c058255df82bea275d115bdc1a4de.jpg)
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I did actually run into Moby this weekend. He was outside the main entrances to the Russian Grand Prix handing out flyers for some F1 Bikini party that was taking place in the evenings over the weekend. Some person of influence had taken pity on him and gave him a pair of tickets in the main grandstand across from the Podium and VV Putin's seat. The organizers wouldn't let him on the grounds though. Disconsolate, Moby offered me the tickets if I would take one of his flyers. So, thanks to him, I have had a spectacular weekend!
Had a couple of videos to share, but alas, it seems Tapatalk can't handle it...(((
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You couldn't make it up.....Moby tells us all about his level of importance and you tell us he's outside the gates, handing out flyers to a bikini contest!!
God that's funny. :ROFL:
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I did actually run into Moby this weekend. He was outside the main entrances to the Russian Grand Prix handing out flyers for some F1 Bikini party that was taking place in the evenings over the weekend. Some person of influence had taken pity on him and gave him a pair of tickets in the main grandstand across from the Podium and VV Putin's seat. The organizers wouldn't let him on the grounds though. Disconsolate, Moby offered me the tickets if I would take one of his flyers. So, thanks to him, I have had a spectacular weekend!
Had a couple of videos to share, but alas, it seems Tapatalk can't handle it...(((
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You couldn't make it up.....Moby tells us all about his level of importance and you tell us he's outside the gates, handing out flyers to a bikini contest!!
God that's funny. :ROFL:
Same difference, isn't it? Fliers in Sochi, The Big Issue oop North. The mobsters looking a bit rough around the edges. The Brexit crash taking its toll. :ROFL:
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I did actually run into Moby this weekend. He was outside the main entrances to the Russian Grand Prix handing out flyers for some F1 Bikini party that was taking place in the evenings over the weekend. Some person of influence had taken pity on him and gave him a pair of tickets in the main grandstand across from the Podium and VV Putin's seat. The organizers wouldn't let him on the grounds though. Disconsolate
:ROFL: :ROFL: :ROFL:
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I did actually run into Moby this weekend. He was outside the main entrances to the Russian Grand Prix handing out flyers for some F1 Bikini party that was taking place in the evenings over the weekend. Some person of influence had taken pity on him and gave him a pair of tickets in the main grandstand across from the Podium and VV Putin's seat. The organizers wouldn't let him on the grounds though. Disconsolate, Moby offered me the tickets if I would take one of his flyers. So, thanks to him, I have had a spectacular weekend!
Moby, Thank you for the thread.
Curious have you 'overstated' your importance and involvement?
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I would also like to thank Moby for this thread. It was a pleasure to read this one.
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Well, the F1 circus has moved on
This picture says it all .... me after 15 hours on the go and SC after a day on the beach :)
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/IMG_20170429_212335_zps6r27kls7.jpg)
Our guest had an unexpected treat ... I heard the owners announce that they had a VERY special guest - a former Soviet Gold medal winning Ice Hockey player who has also won the Stanley Cup ...Alexey Gusarov
(http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/russian-hockey-legend-alexey-gusarov-skates-during-the-global-hockey-picture-id166825265)
Moby, I don't know a thing about F1 or hockey but it looks like you and SC are having a great time.
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Having been 'thrown out' for selling unlicensed promotional material and pawning my tickets - I used my remaining credit on my phone to call a friend for help...
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/IMG_20170430_121128_zpsmdedqd4l.jpg)
Svetlana 'sneaked' me into the media centre - where the one-way glass meant we could view proceedings. I could even view Jerash in MY seat ;))
Sveta - a Russian Motorsport Promoter / Journo - no decided that she could get me 'closer to the action' ... As you can hear at the end of the video - I am ' scared '
But, if she wasn't scared - why should *I* be frightened - so I follow her ...
Back in the Paddock - we went down a tunnel to the pit-lane - where - after a short while - we were allowed to enter - provided we did not go onto the track
I started by zooming in on MY seat and then got the drivers as they returned from their parade lap on the back of a truck ..
Near the end - we think the roar of the crowd is for Daniil Kyvat - but it transpires Hamilton decided to milk the crowd ¬
We went back to the Media Centre - where I observed the GP - with all the info that the commentators have - the TV feeds and screens showing who is on a hot lap - purple and who might have a penalty - or should be getting out of the way.
I filmed Bottas rounding the last corner and beating Vettell - and headed off to the Press Conference room as I was asked ( by Sveta ) to record Bottas' - the winner - first words in Finnish - as he had never won a F1 race, before. She wanted to view the Poduim ceremony.
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:coffeeread: this is a fun read
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While Sveta rushes off to get the podium ceremony, I walk to the Press Conference Room - which is close to the 'Cool Down Room' where the top three drivers go - after being weighed - to take on water - and get their sponsors' caps.
I never understand why more press don't pour in for this moment - as the funniest driver comments / behaviour - often come out
The entrance to Press Room at Sochi overlooks 'the pen' where the non podium drivers get interviewed by the world's press. The podium drivers go there after the post race press conference.
This GP - the initial questions put to the drivers were being asked by BBC's Tom Clarkson. In the vid you'll see him rush to the PC -and a security girl belatedly try to stop him. ... she was trying to check his pass!
I follow him in and you'll see how empty the place is. The podium ceremony is taking place 20m away. If you aren't in within 5 mins of 'kickoff' the doors are locked. I sit in the second row - as I'm only there to record Valtteri Bottas.
Two lasses from the press centre hold mics and Matteo - FOM - Formula 1 Management 's 'compere' - tells them which journo should get the mic to ask a question.
When the drivers come in - they first speak in their home language - and this being VB's first win ... it might have been interesting.
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:coffeeread: this is a fun read
I agree :nod:
But it's pity he forgot to post a nice photo of him and his friend Vlad, that I have seen, but will not post a link to the photo to avoid him accusing me for Copyright Infringement, again.
;D
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But it's pity he forgot to post a nice photo of him and his friend Vlad, that I have seen, but will not post a link to the photo to avoid him accusing me for Copyright Infringement, again.
;D
Dear Wiz, IF you were matey with someone called Vladimir ... You'd be referring to him as Vova ..
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I had a BRILLIANT time, Maxx and SC truly was a 'brick' indulging me as she did. She spent the 4 GP days either on the beach - swimming in the still chilly Black Sea - doing aquarobics or - and this is HILARIOUS ... running around a track.
I watched the London Marathon and it inspired HER !! She watched the closing stages of the Ladies race
I knew many people from the team at Sochi Autodrom from last year and - if anything- this year was better.
How many of us can say we stood on the winner's rostrum of a F1 race ? ;)
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/2017-05-03%2011.06.21_zpshhtfiufu.jpg)
This is the view of the podium from the press centre and the seats above and closer - you can see it the bottom of the terrace - are where Bernie and VVP sit - on the finish line - opposite Jerash's seat in the Main Grandstand .
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/20170430_124601_zpsqg1nc0mn.jpg)
Having met Valtteri Bottas - in the flesh - thanks to my Finnish 'daughter' - I can say I was really pleased he won his first race. He is a v.intelligent lad and a perfect replacement for Nico Rosberg - as an opposite to Lewis Hamilton in character. Seeing him handle difficult questions in the first press conference of the event - before he started to blow Lewis away in most sessions- I knew he would surprise and had him down to beat Hamilton - but not Seb Vettel. In the press conference after qualifying - Bottas did say it was a long way to the first serious braking zone- a chance to get a tow - and overtake..we should have listened.
The staff at Sochi Autodrom are very young and diligent and one of their highlights was the visit of Jean Todt - who is the President of the FIA - the governing body of World Motorsport.
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I made a 'goodbye' to Sochi vid and watched the race on my SKY TV sat receiver back in the UK using Slingplayer to control the TV in Sochi - using my mobile as the remote control ! My village in the UK finally got half decent internet - allowing a decent upload speed for one device .... Markje could handle 500 times more GRRRR
Jess - one of the Student volunteers at the Media Centre - who is the selfie-queen - having got one with just about everyone other than VVP ( she got one with Bernie Ecclestone) wanted to accompany me.
I make a habit of wearing a bright pink shirt so 'me Ma' can tell her friends - "there's my boy, in Russia" and on viewing Ted Kravitz dissecting the race with Johnnie Herbert ( a former F1 driver) the bright pink shirt - plus bright blue glass on top of head - was spotted approaching with Jess.
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/The%20pink%20shirt%20on%20Sky%20at%20Sochi%202017_zpsezgxev4v.png)
The video is at https://vimeo.com/215904334#at=412 (https://vimeo.com/215904334#at=412) 6mins 40 secs
Here's the good bye to Sochi vid as I leave the Press Centre and we see the kit being packed up
It was a pleasure to sponge off meet another board member and meet smart students from all over Russia and other EU nations - one of the volunteers works in Shanghai and comes back every year to help !
I met some F1 fans who camped out at the hotel to get autographs of the stars they'd missed at the track and hopefully introduced some new folk to the fan club.
SC ? Well, she just worried that I would be eating too much food in the team's / media hospitality suites :))
I arrived in Sochi weighing nearly 94 Kg - fattest ever - and am down to just over 89 this morning ... We have bikes and are cycling 10km a day / climbing mountains in 24-26C ...no chocolate biscuits - just bee pollen and lots of tasty, healthy meals with loads of garlic and nuts.
It's only when I'm with SC that I find this 'motivation'
This weekend I'm helping out at the Russian Cup - a series of yacht races - for those who aren't considered good enough to be racing in the championships currently being held in La Rochelle, France ... I consider myself a useful helm - but all of these 'second raters' can blow me away ;) My Royal Yachting Association Powerboat qualifications have been deemed as good enough to help lay the courses as part of the crew in a powerful inflatable.
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This weekend I'm helping out at the Russian Cup - a series of yacht races - for those who aren't considered good enough to be racing in the championships currently being held in La Rochelle, France ... I consider myself a useful helm - but all of these 'second raters' can blow me away ;) My Royal Yachting Association Powerboat qualifications have been deemed as good enough to help lay the courses as part of the crew in a powerful inflatable.
A RIB with Mark the pin monkey!
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Markje could handle 500 times more GRRRR
My ISP is doing a pilot with a new city, 10GB unmetered synchronous internet. Thats speed for ya.
I'm actually thinking about moving house :D
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Markje could handle 500 times more GRRRR
My ISP is doing a pilot with a new city, 10GB unmetered synchronous internet. Thats speed for ya.
I'm actually thinking about moving house :D
Which city ? I'm moving there with my Irish passport :)
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A RIB with Mark the pin monkey!
That's me summed up, nicely :) I didn't think using the term 'Rib' would be understood ....
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Markje could handle 500 times more GRRRR
My ISP is doing a pilot with a new city, 10GB unmetered synchronous internet. Thats speed for ya.
I'm actually thinking about moving house :D
Which city ? I'm moving there with my Irish passport :)
De wolden, in the north of netherlands
Here's the article in Dutch:
https://tweakers.net/nieuws/109195/tweak-brengt-eerste-10gbit-s-lijnen-naar-consumenten-voor-95-euro-per-maand.html
Sum up for our english-speaking friends:
10GB synchronous unmetered internet for 95 euro/month
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Spent half the day at the Yacht Club. The Hon.Commodore - who was a skipper of the only Soviet entry in the Whitbread Round the World Race in '89 had his leg amputated - since I last saw him to hear his stories. Boris - who is now in charge of maintaining the fleet of boats owned by Russian Railways - told me he had a good sense of humour about it ... So, the first question I asked on seeing him in a wheel-chair was, " Bog moi ! Bil bolshoi akula?" My God, was it a big Shark ? ... He roared with laughter and confirmed, " It was a Great White !" Undeterred, he tips up every day - encouraging the Olympic hopefuls.
Boris had a signed poster of the first Olympic medal winner since Soviet times - Stephina Elfutina - a direct result of the Sochi training regime - in his workshop.
The Olympic Catamaran class - the Nacra 17 - has had a rule change and Boris - who is now responsible for ordering new craft had to order the hydro-foils requested by the rule change - 14,000 Euros :o I have not seen a foiling Nacra in anger, yet ... but the std one's were flipping quick ...
Even if you aren't into sailing try and watch this video ( pre foiling ) :
It is the Gold Medal race at Rio 2017 and 54 year old Cancer survivor, Santi Lange starts in Gold Medal position and takes TWO penalties during the race - must stop and do a 360 - before continuing. each time ....
In the afternoon SC demanded more cycling and we went to the town centre. We had a large credit card bill to settle and it falls during the 9th May Celebration bank hols - so we suddenly realised that a bank transfer from the UK might not arrive in time.... Panic ensued as I had to use 4 different cards to over-come the daily limit for cash withdrawals. I thought we were screwed and would have to pay interest - then tried a card that SC has as a signatory on one of my accounts with paypal .... Although I had used my daily limit - it allowed her to draw on available funds .... Moral of the story ... you can never have enough cards when abroad ..
Then off to another bank - and we deposited the money into a bankomat (ATM) and got confirmation the account was cleared - a day early and a msg to call into the bank as the limit was being increased :))
We cycled out to the Ferry Terminal - which is large and modern - but, sadly underused .... there used to be car ferries to Ukraine, Turkey and Georgia..... all suspended :( It is our dream to be able to take a ferry to Northern Turkey - and drive to our favourite- the Lycian ( Emerald ) Coast of Turkey .... where the water is so clear - or even onwards to Cyprus
There is a newish shopping / leisure mini mall by the port and we stopped for fresh juices.
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/2017-05-06%2015.05.34_zpshyb2i4v2.jpg)
In my case, SC has cut my hair, I've got a tan and the weight is falling off.. 10km or more each day on the bike - involving plenty of carrying two bikes up flights up steps.
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/2017-05-06%2015.09.47_zpsk2fk3uvo.jpg)
We ate out with some of the F1 team - food was GREAT - Dom Restaurant - but the Russian attempts at Feta cheese in a Greek salad - are still more like soft sour cream blobs :))
I was 'allowed' a Napolean cake !
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/2017-05-06%2018.34.40_zps6vq9ati4.jpg)
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Sum up for our english-speaking friends:
10GB synchronous unmetered internet for 95 euro/month
:censored:
Brilliant !!
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Yesterday, there was no chance to watch the racing / lay courses. The weather was too windy and WET...One of our friends - Sergei - had gone silent - after the GP and I was wondering why.... I had even thought him rude....
While I was having my nails done ( SC is fussy that my feet - which were awful - are maintained with anti-fungus treatments... This being a wet day - and socks weather - it was time for treatment ) we received a call to say Sergei had been admitted to hospital - having had a heart attack ..... He had been there for 7 days :(
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/20170510_102338_zpsvyxgdp26.jpg)
Our wonderful neighbour - who cooks most of my meals ( SC being so 'talented' ) was off to N.Siberia - and dislikes planes - so I drove her to the railway station and she will be ravelling 4.5 days !!!
I returned to collect SC and we went to look at some furniture and bought food in a large supermarket ..... SC prefers to buy her fruit and veg in a large market . I wanted some MEAT ... I miss the 'deli' selection when I'm back in the UK - 'risking' something new - as often as I can. I suggested we buy Sergei grapes - but 'No' - SC pointed out EVERYONE would do that - so he got Fresh Mandarin Juice, Various fish and 'healthy' salads:)
Then, we went to the Hospital - which is largely modern - to visit him.
As with most shopping malls and public buildings - one is searched and then enter the hospital... As with most things Sochi - the signs are in English, too !
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/20170510_152214_zpsjfmvtcwi.jpg)
One has to pay 5 rubles for the blue shoe covers to be allowed access to the wards - which were spotless - even the older wings of the hospital were very clean. MAJOR PLUS - Car parking is FREE
Unlike UK hospitals - which don't ask for the shoe covers - there were no alcohol hand sanitiser dispensers.
Sergei, had lost weight and showed us the healing wound in his wrist - used to route to his heart for surgery ! Many locals and I were surprised to see this less intrusive method of surgery was in use :)
We had bought Sergei the provisions - which he claimed he didn't need as the Canteen ( stolovaya) was so good !
On leaving, the rain that had been incessant all day had stopped - the sun was out - as we headed home.
SC pronounced she wanted Beer - which is RARE and we bought 3 varieties of 'home made' beer from the local brewery. I was judging who had designed the best program at a local computer class and I did not want to have alcohol on my breath even though I was cycling there.
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k634/Svietik/IMG-20170510-WA0001_zpsi213h4lt.jpeg)
SC chose the best flavour - knocked the beer like it was 'bad medicine' and within minutes I watched her eyes glaze over and she started giggling..
When I got home, she was drowsy and I was relieved to note the beer had been further sampled ... 0.5 litres and she was GONE :))
Nearly 11 hours has passed and she is STILL sleeping ?!...
I am due to go to the Yacht club.... should I wake her up ..or just sneak out ? ;)
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In recent days 'we' ( Sochi residents) have had Merkel, Erdogan and today the Palestinian leadership visit (Abbas) ...How do I know?
The traffic is stopped - for ages - to allow the convoy speed through the centre - rather than use the motorway / highway.
This is a Spetsial'nyy proyezd (Специальный проезд) - literally Special Travel
As I cycled back from the Yacht Club I wondered why the road was clear of traffic and a Policeman waved his 'wand' to suggest I moved off the road onto the pavement / footpath
Whistles started and I stopped to see who it was .... many cars sped south to toward the airport - one Merc flying a flag I recognised as Arabic - the cars zoomed past at 60 MPH ( 90 Km/hr) or greater
Thank you Mr Abbas - I got home, really quickly :)
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Moby
How is the summer tourism in Sochi?
Any chance to give us a general impression how is going and as you like using your camera, could you take some photos, when you are out and about, of various hotels and post them, so we can get an overall idea about the accommodation available and the place?
Thanks
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Moby
How is the summer tourism in Sochi?
Any chance to give us a general impression how is going and as you like using your camera, could you take some photos, when you are out and about, of various hotels and post them, so we can get an overall idea about the accommodation available and the place?
Thanks
Wiz, the season started with Easter... The rest of the year Sochi relies on the Kremlin organising the hosting of events down here
I came in mid April and observed the usual madness as people paint their shops / restaurants / bars/ hotels and new places rush to be finished in time for the tourists to come.
Late April / May is the same... the Grand Prix, followed by the President inviting other nation's leaders for talks at his residence here.
A casino has opened in the mountain resort - 40 mins from the airport and 1hr 20 from Sochi centre.
I'm not an 'expert' on the tourist market here... My impression is that Sochi relies on capturing Russian tourists - as not many foreigners come. There's plenty of Theatres, Tours, funfairs, etc.,
Sochi now has Crimea as a 'competitor' - it has better beaches - Sochi's are stoney - but - for now - Sochi's facilities / infrastructure are superior.
Hotels range from '6' star - where heads of state stay during conferences down to pensions and guest houses or rooms in apartments that people rent out.
The Summer Season ends in late Sept / early October... This year, Sochi will b a host city for the Confederations Cups - a mini World Football Cup 'trial run' and next year, the World Cup.
The Grand Prix doesn't attract many foreigners - mainly because of their being no direct flights (UK) and so few from other w.nations. I expect there'll be charters for the World Cup - where a ticket will act as a Visa.
We like living here because of the climate, sea and mountains nearby. Sochi is on the same latitude as Nice / Monaco.
Photos ?
Here's a link to Booking.com ( Sochi accommodation)
https://www.booking.com/searchresults.en-gb.html?si=ai%2Cco%2Cci%2Cre%2Cdi;ss=Sochi;label=opensearch-plugin (https://www.booking.com/searchresults.en-gb.html?si=ai%2Cco%2Cci%2Cre%2Cdi;ss=Sochi;label=opensearch-plugin)
We know most of the hotels / apartments I would use the Brevis - if seeking an apartment - it is located in a district with lots of the big brand, top end hotels - close to the sea port and restaurants
The best-seller - the Zhemchuzhina ( Pearl ) is a former Soviet-style hotel, that is being slowly adapted to the 21st Century - it hosts a lot of expos - like the beer festival :)
Adler: is the city to the south - 28km - where the Olympic Park, airport and F1 track are located - it is part of Greater or Bolshoi Sochi .. It has the biggest funfair - but it is too modern for my taste. The border with 'Abkhazia' - the unrecognised ( by the west ) breakaway rep. of Georgia is here.
http://tinyurl.com/l5cfwuc (http://tinyurl.com/l5cfwuc)
Krasnaya Polyana:
Part of Adler district - this is the name of a small town that has a modern 'sister' Rosa Khutur ( sounds like Rosa Hooter ) that forms the mountain resort
http://tinyurl.com/krasnaya-p (http://tinyurl.com/krasnaya-p)
Our fav is:
http://tinyurl.com/old-boys-GH (http://tinyurl.com/old-boys-GH)
It has a brewery, fragrances and soaps factory/ shop - fantastic food , great walks and a Russian Banya nearby
A lot of these places are mentioned in my TRs