How many of you envision the athletes living in sparse dorm rooms, eating school type food, and working out constantly?  Well - just forget all that.  They are living the high life at CLUB MED!  I couldn't beleive it when we drove up this AM.  A security guard checked us in at the gated entrance.  We walked to our meeting, which was in the Taverna, passing huge swimming pools (which noone was using because recreational swimming is not allowed at Special Olympics events), beautifully landscaped gardens, & happy athletes lounging around everywhere.  Ana & the girls were waiting when we entered the Taverna.  Mal from Great Britiain and Maria, Gizela & Emilia from Slovakia were there, too.  Happy reunions!   This was the first coaches meeting for the competition.  We didn't have alot of business so the meeting was short & sweet.  Chris left right away to go back to the gym to work on her presentation for the artistic judges training tomorrow.  She got everything done & is quite relieved.  Eleni, who was taking Joey, Paulette, Ed & me back, had work to do , so we got to have lunch with the team.  What a treat!!!!  A huge buffet with anything you could think of eating.  The girls made excellent choices (because Ana hasn't let them get near the pizza or dessert tables).  They all had their hair French braided & looked very happy & relaxed, as they sat at their big round table chowing down on salads & grilled chicken.  After lunch, they went back to their rooms to pack for Opening Ceremonies tonite & training tomorrow.  We welcomed Katelyn Brenda & Mathilda from Norway as they arrived.  Another happy reunion.  Great visit to the village!!

Arnetha & Linda went on a sightseeing excursion in Athens.  Arnetha almost got arrested for taking a picture of the tram.  There were 3 policemen standing by it & apparently it's against the law to take pictures of uniformed officers here.  They deleted the photo & let her off the hook.

Danny has had a leisurely day - breakfast, a swim, a long walk, salad & a free dessert.

We're all waiting in the lobby to head over to the Opening Ceremonies.  More later!