Figure Skating Competitions in Europe
I was in Europe for the three adult figure skating competitions, which were held on three consecutive weekends from end-May to early-July 2006. This was dubbed the "European Triathlon" and there was a handful of skaters (myself included) who competed in all three!
It was a long trip for me, and I had to be flying from one country to another (pretty much across Europe!) every week. Just planning for it tired me out - trying to find the best airfares, accomodation, ground transport, practise ice times, etc... ARGH!! AND although I have been to Villard five times before, this was the first time I was travelling there alone! The previous times, I had my boyfriend or my partner or my sister with me.
I started out with trepid anticipation. Travelling alone, I did not rent a car, as I always had done, but instead took a bus up the mountains - another first for me. When I arrived at Villard, I prepared to pull my suitcase up the road to "Le Diamant" - the apartments that I was going to stay that week. To my surprise, I heard someone call my name, and turned around to see Bill. He had heard I was coming on this bus, and had driven out to fetch me. Oh how sweet of him - that totally made my day.
I know why I always make the effort to make that long trip, once a year, to these competitions. Okay, I admit I am the competitive type, and thrive on the thrill of winning (or at least thinking I have a chance at winning). But over and above that, it is the warmth of friendship - the joy of meeting all my friends again, meeting new people and forming new friendships.
Destination 1: Villard-de-Lans, FRANCE
Mountain Cup 2006
Destination 2: Tallinn, ESTONIA
Vana Tallinn Trophy 2006
Destination 3: Oberstdorf, GERMANY
ISU International Adult Figure Skating Competition