And so life in Russia begins!

World University Games 2013, Kazan Russia

After returning from a training camp with England U23s, we had less than 24 hours before we were all reunited in London ahead of our early flight to Moscow. Meeting at the Holiday Inn near Heathrow we had time for a team meal and catch up before an early night – I say early, that was the intention – but come 11pm I was still wide awake in excitement at going to Russia. I just wanted to be there! Finally my body gave in and off I drifted with the 5am alarm ever approaching. Before I knew it the sound of my phone was waking me up and we were Heathrow bound all set for the day of travelling to Moscow. No-one enjoys the sight of 5am but on rare occasions it’s acceptable, and that could be said of today. A flight to Moscow awaited us as finally our journey to represent Great Britain at the World University Games was upon us.

A 6:30am meet to check in, followed by a brief snack and onto the plane we boarded. On landing, the heat which we had heard so much about, soon made itself apparent as we were overwhelmed by the sheer humidity that struck us as we left the plane. The size of the event was evident through the number of volunteers which greeted us and welcomed us into Russia through every step of the arrival process – for those who had the opportunity to travel to London 2012 this arrival echoed my experiences felt when I arrived at the Olympic Park, although not quite of the same magnitude. Despite one visa issues arising we all thankfully made it through passport control and it was official, we had arrived in Russia!

Driving from the airport to our base in Moscow was quite the experience as it allowed us the opportunity to embrace the local culture. Travelling through sparse countryside with the unfamiliar sight of locals sunbathing and paddling in the local river; something that would be a pretty crazy sight in England. Just imagine on a sunny day travelling to the River Severn and going for a bathe; it is definitely something that would not happen. To then somehow spontaneously driving past the City life of Moscow, where tower blocks were ever developing and taking shape. 

Room 36...

Onwards from here, we tackled the rush hour of Moscow and 2 and half hours later of what should have been an hour’s drive we arrived at our base for the next few days, CSK Moscow’s training ground. Quick bag drop in our dorms, where I discovered my roomies for the next few days were Naomi, Victoria (aka Trev) and Kasia, and off to dinner we went. Room 36 was where the party was at!

Based on my previous experiences of food in Russia my expectations were next to none but it is fair to say I was pleasantly surprised as we were fed a mixture of steak with pasta, vegetables and tomato sauce. A definite winner and something I would happily eat everyday whilst here as it more than done the job.

Before bed it was time for stretching session and an opportunity to loosen our legs after a day’s worth of travelling. Despite nearing 10pm and after a 5am alarm the whole team were pretty much wide-awake and struggling to sleep. But tomorrow life in Russia fully begins and I am excited for what the next few weeks ahead of us holds!