LoyalistTV Blogs

So I finished my first day covering women's hockey. It turned out that I wasn't needed so much as a runner, so they had me AD the first game! I was very excited because it's something I am interested in and it would give me more experience. I sat beside the producer in the control room and I was very nervous. Since it was the first game and we didn't know what to expect, we had to wing it for parts of the game. I felt I did a pretty good job! Besides counting down the show, I also photocopy and hand out team rosters and runsheets, I help the producer out with anything he needs, and I make notes so we can improve each game. I have met many new people, some from France, some from Kazakhstan, many from England, and of course people from all over Canada. 

Tomorrow is my day off, so the girls are going out shopping. I can't wait to see what I can find because there are many interesting things here. And if anyone has been to the pacific mall in Canada, it's a lot like the malls here.
 
Since being here, I appreciate a lot more of what I have back home. Most bathrooms, you need to pay to use them, also the air here isn't as clear as it is back home. It's very smokey and smells like car exhaust everywhere which is giving me a sore throat! The military also goes through our hotel rooms and the rooms we use at the arena which is kind of scary, but the Kazakhstan people are very nice and they seem very interested in what it's like in Canada. 

I read my comments this morning and it means SO much to hear from everyone, I really appreciate it.I'm still keeping my eye out for Borat, but haven't found him yet!


Oh yes, and did I mention the vodka ranges from $4-$12 american? :) 

I MADE IT!
So after the 8 hour plane ride to Germany, a 4 hour wait in Frankfurt, another 7 hour flight to Almaty, and 2 days later, I am here. Let me just say I have gotten little sleep, but I'm very excited to be here. 

I showed up at my hotel at 2am (Friday) and woke up to beautiful mountains outside my room. (which is an awesome room by the way!)

So today we have our first orientation at noon today (which is 1pm in Canada) followed by a quick rundown of our jobs while we are here. After that we get to go back for a few hours and then back again to start our first game at 5pm. I have been told we are covering another game on Saturday night and then on Sunday, I get a day off.

I miss everyone already, my parents, my sister, my boyfriend and of course everyone at school! Thank you for the support.

"Kazakhstan is the greatest country in the world, all other countries are run by little girls. Kazakhstan is number one exporter of potassium, Other Central Asian countries have inferior potassium." - Borat Sagdiyev

I'm sorry, I had to start this blog off with a Borat quote. So it's the night before I leave and I know I probably won't sleep much. CBC Sports has asked me to be a runner/program assistant for the Asian Winter Games and join them in Almaty Kazakhstan.This is my first time leaving North America, my first time flying by myself but not my first time being a runner/program assistant. I shouldn't be nervous right? Wrong. I am super nervous, but also very excited because I've worked for CBC Sports before and I know how much fun it's going to be.
 
I have learned a lot this year working for the Canadian Broadcasting company. I enjoy being a program assistant because I am able to see how everything is done behind the scenes. Whether I'm in the studio, the control room or with the editors, I always observe my surroundings. Dean was right referring back to the Asian Games in China - Preparation is everything! Everyday is a new learning experience and I STILL cannot believe I am this lucky to go to such an interesting country.

Honestly I never imagined myself going to Kazakhstan, I mean you all have seen Borat right? Who would want to go visit a deserted land full of Gypsies and hairy men with weird lime green swim suits? Well for the record, Kazakhstan is no where near that! I hope I get a chance to soak in the culture while I'm there and take tons of pictures.

It still hasn't hit me yet, and I know it won't until my two feet are standing on Kazakhstan ground.  

See ya'll in 10 days!

Watch this Space for Alison's Blog from Kazakhstan