Don't think outside the box: Hurry hurry, hurry, to wait, wait wait!

Yesterday we flew in to Vienna. Just by accident, we met the German judge Sabine at the same time in arrivals hall and after couple of hours of waiting, we met more and more judges. Together we waited about 7 hours for our ride and eventually, all 10 of us hopped in the bus and drove to the airfield for registrations.
After visiting airfield and meeting many old friends, we headed to the hotel, me, Kimmo, Irma and one Austrian pilot - just to find out, they don't have our reservation. After few phone calls we got to the next door hotel for that night and decided to sort rest of the things tomorrow - since it had been a really - really long day.

Had a quick bite to eat and headed to get some sleep. Thursday (today) we had breakfast in the morning, then got our luggage, walked to the hotel Elizabeth and left our luggage there for the evening. The rooms were said to be ready then. And the bus left to the airport.

So, judges briefing was the first thing - meanwhile the pilots had their opening briefing. We went through all the questions from the judges evaluation test and had a nice time with PIK, who is in the jury this time - but knows the software in and out. After briefings, we were taken to the judging line and we actually had the warm up flights and ONE pilot - and then the rain came! So, after lunch, we waited a couple of hours for transport and headed to the hotel.

Got to the room, and after some refreshing we had the opening ceremonies (nice and short, thanks CD) and a nice gala dinner. Me and Kimmo sat with South African judges and after CJ and his assistants joined us, we heard quite a lot of stories about South Africa, it's nature, politics, animals (including warthogs, elephants, hippos, snakes, lions, spiders etc) and now I just want to go the South Africa to see all the amazing elephants and lions and all!

Oh well, transport tomorrow 7.20, so better start sleeping.... Briefing at 08:00.