Great sleep! And I had a samosa left over from the airport in Vancouver which really hit the spot as breakfast. After a judges meeting at 10am, the day could begin. The judges who got in yesterday had already been to the ATCO Place and headed downtown, but those of us who got it late yesterday went to check it out. The locals told us that it is exceptionally cold right now (-37) so Kristy and Julie and I bundled up.







Can you tell that's me and Julie? Anyway, inside the tent are all kinds of amazing artisans around the stage where the opening and closing ceremonies are taking place, as well as on going cultural entertainment. This was one of my favorites. It's clay that she then fires and carves:



And let's not forget the food. I had an elk burger and would love to go back for the bison stew. I bought some amazing dessert sauces that Jeff may even get to sample if he moves fast enough. And they had a sugar shack with maple taffy. Yum. This is where we found Carolyn and Anne.





Of many performances during the day I particularly wanted to see the Throat Singers. I had heard of throat singers but never heard them... They are in traditional dress and they explained how the hoods held their babies and kept them warm and they showed how the babies would just be brought forward, within the jacket, to nurse, as it would be too cold to take them out of the clothing! They didn't explain their posture while singing. It seemed important that they hold each others arms...



After a trip to the grocery store, which is conveniently right next door to the hotel, we were off to supper at Georgio's. Delicious food and generous portions:






Followed by an Officials Mixer. This everyone who isn't MIA from the East Coast (Erika is as far as Calgary at this point but there's been no word on Guylain), or who isn't a diligent Tech Panel member attending practices:



(Sorry the pictures aren't my usual quality but I still haven't figured out how to make the Mac do everything I want it to)

First day at the rink tomorrow!