FIRST DAY IN THE STATES

Day 1

Those of you who know me pretty well won’t be surprised the day (and night) prior to departure was far from a quiet day. Had to be at work on Friday morning, handing out the kids’ reportcards, and had a few meetings with school management regarding the schoolguide that needs to be printed for next schoolyear.
So before I could start working on really preparing for this trip to the States it was already well past midday.

Thursdaynight I got home from a few days in Italy with Jubal. That was a great trip too! Not too exhausted from travelling I spent some time checking my email, and sending out messages, chatting to a few friends on MSN,.. you know.. the stuff I usually do when I get home late.
Well,… I’m in Denver now,… and it’s 3:30 AM when I’m typing this!

Some day it has been. Obviously I didn’t get (or “take” I should say) ANY sleep Friday night, drove to the station little before nine, and took the train to Schiphol airport. Checking in was easy, for I had already done so online and had printed my boarding cards. At the airport all I had to do was drop off my two pieces of luggage.

The flight was fine. I didn’t sleep as much as I normally do, but it was pretty relaxing. Saw a few films and chatted with two guys in my row, who were going to take a bike-ride (Harley Davidsons) through California, Alaska and by some of the National Parks. They had their own motorbikes transported to San Fransisco by boat. That’s quite unique!

I first thought my flight was a direct flight straight to Denver, but when checking in I found out there was a stopover in Cincinnati. Not enough time to do anything there though.
Customs and the department of Homeland took forever. I thought I was going to miss my connecting flight,.. and if I made it, I was pretty sure that my luggage wouldn’t make it. It all turned out to be just fine though.

Denver airport

Just before 6PM I arrived at Denver International Airport,.. a huge place!
Toby (driver for the Cheeseball (the souvie-truck) picked me up and we went to the show together a Invesco Field Mile High Stadium. The media credentials (pass) were nowhere to be found, but I had no trouble finding my way to the front sideline. Cavaliers were on just before the intermission.

Met some of the other photographers on the field and quite a number of corps representatives & staff.

Blue Devils’ show was absolutely awesome. I can’t really say much after only seeing then for he first time,… and from eye-level, but I really enjoyed it. New additions to the uniforms with white plumes and some sort of sash hanging down from on the waist on the left leg. The members are clearly having a good time on the field! It’s a fun production with lots of crazy stuff and funny moves. They took first place!!

Invesco Field Stadium

After the show I had two options: either travel back to the school with the corps, or hang out at a bar across the street with the staff. Well… that was an easy choice!

Brooklyn’s Bar was packed with corps staff. Unfortunately the kitchen was already closed. The Molson beer on draft more than made up for that though! Talked to Nash, one of the locals – and frequent visitors of the bar. The staff bus started rolling shortly after we were all kicked out of the bar at closing time. Some night to tart this tour with!
I’m off… the videographer just got out of bed and walked by. He can’t sleep and is going to the store. Would I say NO to going to Walmart??? Not even at this time of day (almost 4 AM)!! You bet!

Enjoy,

HK