October 10, 2005
I finally got myself back on track with school and I can now sit down to write my journal. Well Bulgaria was very fun! The city was quite interesting and I met a lot of new people. The saddest thing was to see stray dogs everywhere. On the day of the short program Marcus and I got a sandwich for one of the dogs who became our friend. He was so happy and in the gallery you will be able to see a picture of this dog.
We also became friends with the Puerto Rican team. Lynette, the president of the Puerto Rican skating association, is a lady full of life and enthusiasm. After my not too great short program, she was there by my side cheering me up and motivating me for the next day. I performed an element in my short that didn't count...I did a flying camel instead of the flying sit. I was so upset to learn that it was not the required element after I skated. Well I guess that two weeks notice doesn't give enough time to catch all the changes from a senior program to junior.
After the long program Marcus, the Puerto Rican team, me, Jeff, and Ricardo went to a small restaurant in downtown Sofia. When we got there we met a French man who was a diplomat and who had no idea about figure skating. He must have quickly learned that figure skating people are really loud, sensitive, and outgoing. It was full of laughter and tears that dinner. All in all a whole lot of great memories!!!
On the way back, we had some difficulties with the airplane. Marcus and I were the last ones to get home. The plane from London to Toronto was a little delayed. When we got on the pilot told us there were some difficulties reading the fuel tanks. We would have to stop in Iceland before returning to Toronto. I was so scared because anything with fuel and problem on the plane doesn't sound so good. Anyways we got home safely at 3am with worried to death parents waiting for me in the airport.
Next week is Octoberfest. A couple days ago my skates started to really break down. So before the long weekend, Marcus took them to get rebuilt. I'm a little nervous about the whole thing because they probably rip open the skate to put some glue or something in it. I wonder if I will be able to move when I start skating again. I have 3 days before competition to get myself together again. I'm hoping that everything will work out according to plans.
I'll keep you posted about the results from Octoberfest,
Signe
