Sacre Brun! Jason Brown blogs from JGP France
Jason Brown gets patriotic with fellow American Vanessa Lam in Courchevel, France
(08/21/2012) - Reigning Junior Grand Prix Final champion Jason Brown shares his adventures from Courchevel, France, where he competes in the Junior Grand Prix France event.
Tuesday, Aug. 21
Bonjour! It's Jason Brown here in Courchevel, France, blogging for the first time ever. Hope you enjoy!
Travel day fun...
Kori, my coach, and I travel together so often that by now I know exactly how to pack; weighing in at about 44 pounds, I know Kori's luggage will ALWAYS be about 56 pounds. So, as usual, we reorganized for Harold, our super friendly sky-cap, and were through security (skates and all) with no problem.
Big week for the Brown family...
I'm super fortunate that my my dad and sister are making the trip to France tomorrow, but my younger brother is starting high school this week, and it's just one of those big milestones that no mother would want to miss; so mom and Dylan are homebound. It will be my sister's first time coming to an international skating event, and I can't wait for her to experience this unbelievable event and to see her proudly cheering me on from the stands throughout the week. It means so much that some of my family could come.
An unusual take-off...
Just as the safety video was coming to an end, an announcement was made that an additional passenger was joining us ... so they said that -- due to airline rules -- they had to play it again; that was a first for me. Then, long after the 12 or so announcements to turn off electrical devices were made, and as the plane was moving to the runway, a phone started ringing, loudly! Rather than the usual shame, fear or embarrassment that most people would feel, the passenger next to me answered the call and continued to talk as we accelerated toward our ascent. So, for all of you wondering what happens if a phone goes off during takeoff ... I can tell you first hand ... it's NOTHING! (please do not try this yourselves :-)).
The flight itself was great; watched two movies -- Tower Heist (with Eddie Murphy and Ben Stiller) and Big Miracle (with Drew Barrymore...the one about the whales being trapped in ice in Alaska). It was a very good tale of perseverance and courage and a perfect pre-competition choice.
Dinner and breakfast were served on the flight, but nothing beat the breakfast croissant; I would have eaten the whole plane's supply! For anyone traveling to compete internationally, or at altitude, or internationally at altitude, DRINK WATER! I really hope that the two gallons I typically drink on flights is what helps me combat jet lag quickly. I'll be drinking tons more throughout the rest of the trip.
Arrival in France...
We shared our 3 1/2 hour ride with the team from Spain and found out that our driver was an ice dancer on the French national skating team in 1978. Part of what makes international competitions so amazing is the people you meet and the histories they have with skating. I was trying my hardest to stay awake for the beautiful drive from Lyon to Courchevel, but I must not have succeeded because the driver made fun of my efforts when we got to the rink.
The rink is incredible...
I was fortunate enough that I got to come to this event in 2010, and I could not be happier to come back! It is so unbelievably gorgeous here. The rink is beautiful; not only is it warm, but there are windows on one side that face the side of an amazing mountain.
TEAM USA...
After a quick and delicious dinner at the famous Le Chabichou with Vanessa Lam, we all met up in the lobby of our hotel for our team meeting. All but three of the skaters had arrived at this point. Laurie Johnson, our awesome team leader, made us all goodie bags with USA flags, USA berets, pins, pom-poms, clackers and more red, white and blue goodness. We will definitely be the most spirited team at this event!
Day one has come to an end.
Tomorrow's preview...
Let the official practice ice and draws begin. Au revoir for now! |