February 7, 2002
Hello Everyone,
Today was our first day off, but we were as busy as ever. Finally had a chance to get into downtown Evanston to do some shopping. I discovered the people here are extremely friendly, helpful, and glad to have us here. To give you an example, another driver and I were standing on a street corner waiting for the bus to take us back to the motel. A man in a pick-up truck came around a corner, stopped in the street, rolled down his window and asked if we needed any help. We told him we were waiting for the bus. He said, " Come on, hop in, I'll take you back to the motel." So we did. That is the typical kind of behavior we are finding from the residents here.
This afternoon we were taken into Salt Lake City. The SLOC gave us all tickets to the dress rehearsal for the opening ceremonies. They did the whole program that will take place on the 8th, including all the stars that will be there and all the fireworks. I can't tell you anything about it, they want to keep it a surprise, but I can tell you not to miss it! It will be a spectacular show! If anyone reads this that will be there for the opening ceremonies, I have two suggestions. Go early and dress warm. They are very serious about the security. Everyone has their bags searched and has to go through a metal detector. They even check all cameras by taking one picture to make sure it is actually a working camera. I also now know how a popsicle feels. The ceremony is in an outdoor stadium and the temperature here in Utah is not exactly balmy.
I have another day off tomorrow, so more exploring is on the agenda. Hope all at CATA and in Lansing are doing fine.
Till next time, Len
