DAY 2 Thursday, August 1st

Wow, we are already into August. Shower is pretty decent in terms of water pressure and hot water. It has a wand so that is very practical. Glass sink in the bathroom. Meditated for 30 minutes on the couch. About 10:20 am already and haven't left the apartment. Ran into Donal and Debbie at the intersection and went to Bar Cavour for a light breakfast and of course ate outside under the shade of an umbrella.

Donal and Debbie

Fruit pastry and peach juice to start the day. Very nice sitting outside enjoying the warmth and in no particular rush to get going. Walked a half block to Carrefour grocery store to stock up on supplies. Bananas, watermelon, peaches, pears and large water. I needed to meet with them after I returned from my apartment, but given I don't have wifi and my cellphone would only work if I used expensive data roaming I was at a disadvantage. I need to purchase an Italian SIM card for certain. For calling any Canadian cell numbers or landlines you add 001 to the Canadian number. For calling an Italian number from outside of Italy you add 0039 to the phone number.

We decided to walk to the Games Centre to complete our registration and accreditation. The centre is located near the Po River and is huge. Turin has hosted the Winter Olympics so is ready for an athletic event of this size. We walked on side streets mostly and took our time. Came across this open air food market where the locals shop for fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses etc.

 off San Francesco Da Paolo street

When walking the streets of Turin we learned quickly to pay attention to the cars as they don't care if you are in a crosswalk. The streets belong to the cars here. Very hot here and when in the direct sun you will be sweating. We arrive at the Games Centre and get in a long queue to receive our accreditation and receive our ID tags. Prior to arriving you need to have your family physician sign a form confirming you have had heart tests and lung tests proving your fitness for the games. Plus show proof of medical insurance. They take a photo for your ID tag. This ID gets  you on public transport for free inclusive of buses and subways. We all receive a welcome athletic bag full of swag and goodies and an official Games shirt.

We walk up to a small caffe called Casa Del Caffe for a late lunch. A beer (the heat man!) and newly made sandwich of chicken, tomato and cheese. Hit the spot perfectly. Joined by Jose who is staying close to the Games Centre. We are meeting as many of our teammates as possible at 4 pm at the Games Centre. Seven or eight of us collected over the 1/2 hour after 4 pm. Good to see the guys, although many of them I don't know very well as we play on different teams. With the larger group of guys returned to Casa Del Caffe for drinks and eats. Good team bonding opportunity and get to know each other better. Spent a couple of hours chatting and enjoying the sun. Some of us headed to Donal's apartment for wine before dinner.

Four of us went to a local restaurant called Primosenso for dinner and red wine. Again, el fresco dining. Our Italian waiter interpreted the chalk board menu and recommended red wine pairings for our meals. Great fresh tasty Italian food. Average price was 10 - 12 Euro per plate for a good serving size. As you can see my meal looks good and tasted better. My glass of Barbera d'Alba was fantastic.

Left the restaurant around 10:45 pm. We are eating late, just like the locals. Back to my apartment around 11 pm. Turn on a/c and put on my MacPro music library. Do some crosswords and read the International Herald Tribune for news. To bed around 12:30 pm.