This plane is Going to China!!

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As a massive West Wing fan, "this plane is going to China" (and hence the blog name) , has been one of those things that I always wanted to say, and while I did go to Beijing many years ago, it was literally just to get on a train to Russia, so there was no real chinese experience. Hanging out in Hong Kong is always interesting as I have done many times, but mainland China is a completely different experience, and it will be an eye opener I am sure.

Nanjng where we are heading is a more modern area it seems from the small amount of research I have managed, so it may not be as difficult with regards to food and language, as some of the more "traditional" areas of China. My friends at emirates weren't able to get me anywhere near China in a practical sense, so the experience on China southern airlines will also be something to take in. We leave late on Tueday night August 29th, which is almost exactly a month from when I write this, its about a 10 hour flight a 2 hour stop over in Guangzhou and then finally a two and a half hour flight to Nanjing. We arrive the following day about 10.30am.

This is the third year in a row now I have had a skater at world championships, and every year has been a different experience with regards to the selection process. In 2015, there was no real expectation so the selection was a bonus, and very exciting. 2016 while never taking anything for granted, there was an expectation and the enttire year ran very smoothly (up until just before we left) selection was completed without too many issues. This year was different, it was very much a maybe , maybe not type of year, and while Junior up until there last year always have the "there is always next year" mindset, which can sometimes be a consolation for non selection, we were always very keen to minimise expectations so not to have too large a disappointment. The trepadation was well founded, litterally scraped through the selection process, while always happy to take opportunities when they present themselves, it almost didnt happen. Because of all these reasons there was zero discussion about this trip and what it entales (didn't want to increse pressure or expectation), it is only just now that I am starting to investigate what we are all in for.

I have only four skaters and very limited time, two Juveniles who are reasonably straight foreward and two olders skaters - less straight forward. Snoopsta who has been taught by me since she was nine or so, will be attending her first world championships. Debby and my subsequent wedding after national championships, and some car issues meant we had an extended break in training (skates - both mine and hers, were stuck on a transport truck for a 10 days, on top of the week we had off on Farser Island) so we both felt very refreshed last wednesday (26th) when we could finally get back to training. While I would never have suggested we have such a break, I really don't think it has caused any harm, as we are straight back into it, with a renewed sense of purpose and intent.

This year there is "WORLD ROLLER GAMES" all discaplines (inline hocky, Roller Hockey, Derby, speed , agressive, Street dowhill (i think) & artistic ) all on at the same time in Nanjing China. The organisation for when just one discipline arranges a championships, 25 countries attending, speaking 7 different languages attend, is normally quite complex, I can only imagine the madness of trying to arrange what is being attemped here. They seem to be doing a good job so far of keeping everyone updated on what is happening, however I am sure things are going to go monumentally wrong, I can't see how they won't.

A mixed team of inexpereinced Juniors , and fairly experienced seniors, will sure to ensure plenty entertainment for all. The abilty to watch some other sports on quiet days when competiting is over will make this a very different championships. My intent is to try and update what is happening and how things are travelling in the next month until we go and while we are in China. Should hopefully be an interesting experience.

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