Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge: Day Zero
After a long day of travel the day before, I woke up this morning a little tired and slightly confused. However, once I opened the curtains in my room the cob webs shook loose. The day’s events started with a great breakfast and a welcome reception and race brief. Surprisingly all the athletes looked fresh and waaay more awake than I did. These people aren’t human. They are way too nice and good looking to be real people. After breakfast and the welcome the media folk got together to make introductions (they were all better looking than me too) and get the schedule for the rest of the day. At about 10:00 we (the media) were set free to roam the city a bit. And we did. I happen to have a close friend here in the Emirate so we got together for lunch and some phototaking. Long story short… I dunked myself in the sea with my phone in my pocket and left my chaco’s and my wet shorts in the cab that brought me back to the Park Rotana. Awesome. I morned a little then headed to the official media briefing where we received our maps and our daily stage descriptions… and a sweet Salomon waterproof/breathable jacket. The last event and the Opening Ceremony to the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge started around 6 and offered some excellent food, brief entertainment and a small showcase of the Abu Dhabi culture. Racers from 18 different nations mingled, made new friends and visited with old ones. It’s just after midnight now and I’ve just finished configuring all of my gear/bags for tomorrow. I think I brought too much. I hope I can sleep. My body still thinks it’s just after 3:00PM.
