A LITTLE SOCHI and a GREAT POLICE BROTHERHOOD

Todays post is a bit long as I am actually off today finally and really wanted to provide a little insight into the last few days.  Please read it all as I believe you will all appreciate it.

Well I have been here since Jan 20 th and I have to say I have seen and met many wonderful people and I have seen the world change before my eyes.  When I left Canada I was excited about the adventure that was presented to me and was so looking forward to the adventure that I believed would change my life and maybe pass on a little of "Dave Swaine".  I came to Sochi Russia to see the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic and to live a childhood dream which was to see the Russia, however I can say after one week I have done a lot more than that.

The land around Sochi Russia is one wonderful seaside to steep and majestic mountains.  When I arrived here I arrived by train from Moscow and I was so excited and I did not have a chance to look up as I was in another world(HAHA).  To those that are using my blog to educate I want to add a little bit of info I gathered from the internet to describe the area.

Orientation

Greater Sochi occupies 105 km along the Black Sea coastline and most of the population is along the coastline, however Sochi does include a large mountain area.  The Greater Sochi area officially includes four administrative area which are Central Sochi District, Lazareveskoye District, Khosta District, and finally the Adler District.

The two area that are a part of the Sochi Olympic are Central Sochi District and Adler District.  Sochi is the main city area and is the most developed and populated part and is about a 1 hour train ride from Olympic Park.  I have travelled to Sochi and it is a beautiful city with European charm with many nice stores, businesses, parks and it also has a waterfront area that has boardwalk that has many unique shops and there was one shop where a few of my friends and I had for a FISH MASSAGE.  During the olympics there are many Live Sites where there is music and events leading up to the games themselves.  

The Adler area is where the 2014 Sochi Olympic games are actually being held and this is the area in which both the area international airport as well as the train station.  When I come here next time I shall remember that when booking train ticket tell them Adler not Sochi train station.  This area has grown greatly due to the olympics as it is this area that contains all the olympic venues.  The Coastal Cluster is about a 15 min bus ride from where we are living in Vesyoloe and the weather is about 10 C and is either overcast or damp as we have only ha one really nice sunny day.   The Mountain Cluster is about 1 hour from Adler by the new train and is referred to as Krasnaya Polyana and is where many of the outdoor events are held as there is snow unlike Veyoloe where I live.  I leave to go to Krasnaya Polyana( Endurance Village) in a light hoody and then sometimes need to add a heavy jacket due to the weather which can change by 10 C when I arrive or leave.  I have added photos on Facebook in an effort to show the contrast in the two areas.

The people of Russia have been wonderful and have done everything that they can do be gracious host to both myself as well as those visiting the 2014 Olympic games.  During my struggles getting orientated in Moscow I spoke to many people that reached out a helping hand and to that I say "thank you".  While here in Sochi I have also met many wonderful and helpful people who have gone out of there way to help the international volunteers feel welcomed.  I know the stereotype is that the people of Russia are cold, however I have seen met many warm hearted people.  The volunteers here are eager to speak to Canadians and I have done my BEST to leave a great impression.  Due to my outgoing personality and my desire to trade pins I have met many people.  

Well I am sure many of you are totally bored and want to do something more with your winter but I really want to tell you all about AN AMAZING SIDE OF MY VISIT LIKE NO OTHER VOLUNTEER.

As many of you know that are reading this blog I am a very proud CANADIAN POLICE OFFICER and am proud of where I have come in my life and at this time would love to say thanks to my wife (JoAnne), my boys (Michael,Trent, Jeff), and to many people with the Durham Regional Police  as without them this trip would not have been possible. 

During my first few days I made my occupation unknown as I did not want to draw any attention to myself`(honestly I am in Russia), however I did bring a number of DRPS and DRPA items to give away later on in my stay aswell as patches to trade if possible.  One day I was travelling through the security checkpoints going up the mountain and I had my wallet in the basket and one of the officers on the desk saw the metal of wallet and asked to view the inside and then they saw my badge and were all quite surprised.  There was a lot of Russian conversation and then a officer approached and we began a conversation through one of my new friends who likes to help translate.  My travels up and down threw the checkpoints are quite interesting now.  I recently gave him a golf shirt as we have seen each other regularly and yesterday he reached inside his winter police jacket and took his shoulder flash from his shirt and gave it to me.  We exchanged numbers and at the end of this blog I will be meeting him as we are both of today.

The next interesting story I want to tell is how I managed to(Kevin and Mark you will love this)  meet the head of the security for the Endurance Village and surrounding ski events.  I usually work on the INFORMATION booth in the village due to the number of english speaking people here, however I was asked to work one of the checkpoints to help out. While there an officer approached and did not have his acrediatation on him and as stated he forgot it and of course I with the help of my translator explained to "Nyet".  He left and game back a few moments later with his ID and pulled out his wallet and explained that if it looks like this they are ok to come in at which time I showed mine badge to him.  Wow that certainly made for interesting conversation as he later stated it was great to know that there was a Canadian officer here.  Serkey and I have met at least four times since and have traded both patches and I have given him some DRPS clothing items.  Last night I was shocked when he came to the EVS headquarters to find me and took of his old CCCP army dog tag with his badge number  attached off his chain and presented it to me.

What a first week  .......thank you everyone....

Endurance Village and trip to work

The last few days we have begun the dress rehearsals for the arrival of the many athletics that will arrive in the next few days. The property that I am working at is as I previously mention is the home to all the biathlon athletics.  I am tasked with helping to setting up the information booth to direct them and provide with information why they here at Edurance Village.  Due to safety and privacy concerns I am unable to provide you with details of the village, however it can tell you that it will be part of a Five Star resort later.

Traveling to Endurance Village from Voysolye which can only be described as a painful process.  I start with a brisk 10 min walk out to the Main Street.  I then wait for bus WKF # 8 or 3 which will take me to Olympic Park where I then must complete 10 - walk to the train station.   Once I am there I then need to go through the check point before heading off to the train. It's here were you go throught the scanner and it's where you must produce all item such as Ipad,iPhone,coins , cameras,etc and then get pat searched.  Well I can tell you that this is a new experience and according to some of the female volunteer here the security are very personal with there search

It is then on the train from Adler to Kasnaya Polyna which is about50 mins long and it goes up through the mountains and passes throught three separate tunnels on the way.the temperature goes from +12. To about -11.  Once arriving up to the top it another 30 mins walk including a trip across the bridge and a stop for a picture by the Olympic Rings before catching the gondola to Endurance Villlage.

The view at the top is nothing short of amazing and I have added a few pictures on Facebook of the view.  As the athletics are just beginning to arrive my Info Booth has not been busy so I help the Guest Services complete the finishing touch to the residences.  I have had again a amazing opportunity to speak with a number of Russian police officers while I am here. I met Sergei who is the head police officer for Endurance Village and he has made a number of opportunities to meet with  me and was appreciative of guy.

The Canaian biathlon team is due in in the next day or so and the final touches are being done around Sochi to prepare to host Olympics.   Ok they will continue right up to the moment and for those that are interested the I will add as many photos as I can.  I worked all night and am planning on staying up to do some cleaning up as I am off today Jan 28 and then having a good night sleep before I work tomorrow.

Landed in Sochi, Russia

Well last we spoke I had arrived in Moscow and it was -20 outside well my short stay in Moscow did involve having a Traditional Ukraine soup called Bolsh which was amazing.  The next day a took a quick pre-arranged taxi to Keneasky train station where I caught a the new high speed train from Moscow to Sochi.  Well one of the reasons I took the train was see the country side of Russia and to use the free internet.  Well the view was nice and the internet worked in the Moscow train station only.  During the train trip I was able to meet some wonderful young people going to Sochi who just wanted to talk English to someone.

Early Tuesday January 21 approached Sochi at which time I learned that the Train tickets that I purchased were Sochi not Adler where the Olympics are actually being help.  I was able to speak to one of the beautiful train attendants and she was able to let me continue on the last 40 km to Adler.  Upon arriving in Sochi I was amazed by the wonderful train station that was built to accommodate all the people coming to the 2014 Sochi Olympics.  Once inside the station itself I instantly became aware of the security here is Sochi.  All personal belong had to  passed through a scanner and then you proceeded thought.   I then observed two wonderful dogs sitting next to a handler as it sniffed through the luggage.

After passing through this area I went outside and was advised that I could take a few different ways to Vesoyla which is located just outside the Olympic Park area and is the area that will house the volunteer.  The volunteer housing where I am is three recently completed apartments which will be turned in local housing after the games.

On Wednesday I went over to the accreditation and accommodations area and completed by process for getting my pass.  I went into the accreditation area and was quickly advised that my passport was not updated.    I provided them with my new passport and shorty afterwards the completed the documentation at which time I discovered that I am now part of the best sporting event ever.  The whole process took about 5 yrs

Thursday was my first day actually here that I didn't feel completely wiped from travel to Sochi.  I got up and made my way to meet the other volunteer and we made the 2 1/2 track to the Endurance Village.   It was a a nice drizzle on the lower part of the mountain but when we got half way up I saw,, the most beautiful snow covered mountains.  We left at 0800 hrs and we arrived and had a full day of familiarization with the Endurance Village which was very well completed.   I have learned that the staff here  have been outstanding and have seen the security increase slowly but can see  that it will be a very safe and secure.  

A number of officers have learned that I am a police officer and we have traded some wonderful gifts  and I have been able to talk with them which has been great.

 Well the next time we speak I'm going writing about the job at Endurance Village.

Paris to Moscow

Well the trip has begun and I have made it all the way to Moscow.  I got the plane in Toronto and it was very enjoyable as there were two guys the kept me entertained. We arrived in Paris 1/2 hr early so made the connection easier especially since the next plane was smaller and was almost full except for the middle seat in my row.  I had this young lady sitting with me and she spoke Russian and heard me practicing and later helped me prepare to navigate the RUSSIAN METRO system.

Well I got to Moscow and it hit me It's going to difficult talking to people. I got off the plane and I had to take an express train (35 mins) into Moscow which stopped at BELORUSKAYA and once I got into Moscow I had gad to take the METRO.    THE METRO here is amazing as well the people that were willing to help out a stranger.

After taking the last subway I arrived at TEATRAL NAYA and went outside and near froze as it was -20 out.  I walked about 10 mins and walked right past Bolshi theater and was amazed how beautiful it was.  After another 5 mins I arrived at the Marriott Aurora Hotel and the staff was great as they helped me organize ride to train station for the 24 hr rain ride .

Talk to you from Sochi Olympics

The adventure begins.....

Well I work for the last for straight nights and I had criminal court between my last two night shifts.  First think Saturday I had the first time to relax and sit back with JoAnne my lovely wife and just enjoy and lay back and relax.  As I begin this exciting journey I again want to thank my fellow officers who are helping me with shift, DRPS and DRPS and finally my loving wife.   Thank you very much.  I would like all my fellow volunteers to take an opportunity to thank those that made this adventure possible for you.

By 130 pm I was backed and we were off to Pearson Airport.  Upon arriving at the airport I spent a bit of time with my family before heading into secure area.  I was given the opportunity to go to the Air France lounge which was very nice.  To my friends that will understand this "it was a nice upgrade/opportunity " which my close friends will understand



Off to Paris for the second time and it is not with my wife....I think this is wrong but I hope she forgives me.

Talk to you again from Moscow Russia.

ENDURANCE VILLAGE VIEW

So the journey continues....

Since excepting the role as a volunteer with Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics I have began the task of learning any and everything about Russia and the Olympics themselves.  I had to take on- line course to understand the Olympic history, the Coastal and Mountain Cluster as well as gain an understanding is sustainability in regards to the Olympics.  After I completed and passed the above mention areas I then had to work on and pass on-line relating to my venue which is the Endurance Village.

Mountain Olympic Village

The Mountain Olympic Village is situated within easy reach of the Alpine Skiing Center, the Freestyle Center and the Snowboard Park. The competitors will be housed in comfortable rooms, in hotels, apart-hotels and cottages built in the alpine style.

Part of my job at Endurance Village is make sure there is no unauthorized entry into the village and the liaison with both athletes as well as security in keeping area safe.

After being told that I am working EVS -ENDURANCE VILLAGE I then received information that I needed a new passport as my present passport would expire within 6 months and was make impossible to travel to Russian.   Upon receiving my new 10 year passport I then waited for my telex number to be sent to me.  The telex number was a number that was provided by 2014 Olympic volunteer committee and with that it made the process to get a Russian visa a bit less stressful.

Hi David,     

We would like to inform you that the visa support is ready. There has been organized a special reference number through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russian Federation (also called the telex number), which replaces the official invitation letter as well.

The number is 263080 dated December 10, 2013.

We have requested single-entry humanitarian  visas, valid in period 20/01/2014 – 19/03/2014.

Purpose of visit – sport relations

The information has already been sent to the Embassy of RF in Toronto (Canada)

Please find the contact details for your convenience:

Web: www.toronto.mid.ru

Tel: (8-10-1-416) 962-99-11.

Please inquire about days and hours of operation, amount of the consular fee and the exact set of documents at the Embassy before you apply.

You should submit the mentioned number together with the rest of the documents, using it instead of invitation letter

A few gifts from family at CHRISTmas for my adventure

in the Beginning

In Feb 2013 I was sitting around playing around on my Ipad when I came across a website called Sochi2014.com and they were looking for volunteers for the 2014 Sochi Winter Games.  I always wanted to go to Russia and I love the Winter Olympics..    So I decided to fill out the online application and see what happens.  Well I passed the application stage, English First Test ( I am from East Coast so it was interesting) and then came the interview.  My interview was over Skype in March 2013 and it was over 2 hours long and was a behavioral based interview.   I waited and waited and waited and finally in October I heard that the committee was starting the process of picking candidates.

  In early Novenber I heard through I contact that I was close to being selected and then on November 18 th I received the following :

We inform you that your position EVS Team for OLYMPIC has been offered you. 

Please follow the steps below to accept your role within the next 10 days. 

-     Log in to www.vol.sochi2014.com using your email address and password

  -  Click on the “My status” tab to find out your role  

  -   Tick the box displayed on the left hand side and click on “Accept position”.

Attention! Dear Volunteer! On your page you will see the period of your working shifts. Period of stay in Sochi during the Games is longer and includes time required for accommodation, accreditation and trainings. The dates of your staying in Sochi will be announced later.
Please ignore the number indicated in your position title. This information is for internal use only and helps us to appoint shifts in the system.

The first think I did was call my lovely wife and asked " Are you sure" and I was given the answer many of my future Olympic friends were given..."if you don't you will regret it forever".   I said OK and then I spoke to my employer and I was told  " It's a chance of I lifetime and we will manage".

SO BEGINS THE JOURNEY......