We had a great time in Tokyo and loads of fun at the gala even if it did mean missing the only day we had to see the city. In front of a huge packed arena we went out to enjoy and not worry about what scores we should get. The closing banquet was also great with bingo being replaced for a raffle but as always great hi tech prizes, and as ever we didn't win anything but the runner up prize they give away at the end. Although the top 5 competitors did 
get Klose make up sets, but our real prize was to get another personal best and achieve 4th place at a grand prix.After all our troubled flight across the flight back was just fantastic, we were upgraded to business class. A remote controlled chair (with massage button) meant we got the best sleep we'd had all week! Good job too because in 3days we would have make the long trip south for the joint Polish, Czech and Slovak nationals in Trinec, Czech Republic. 6:30am the bus rolled up at our door (why is it always early starts?) Stacey and i were cramped up close and personal to our mini bus driver for the next long 10 hours. We stopped for Chinese but otherwise straight there.
Trinec is just over the Polish border and the Hotel Steel where were staying is right in the 
middle. We had a draw quite soon after arriving which was very professionally done in the local cinema. Not understanding too much of what was going on we drew 4th to skate which was 2nd in the second group and received an alarm clock as welcoming present. Unfortunately neither of the top 2 Czech men are here Tomas Verner and Michal Brezina but we have no time to watch anyway. We sat and enjoyed the entertainment, some nursery school kids who had rehearsed all year singing and dancing for us and waving to their embarrassed parents and to finish we had local ballroom dancers who gave an exhibition. After there was a fantastic carvery, very fine for a national championship.
middle. We had a draw quite soon after arriving which was very professionally done in the local cinema. Not understanding too much of what was going on we drew 4th to skate which was 2nd in the second group and received an alarm clock as welcoming present. Unfortunately neither of the top 2 Czech men are here Tomas Verner and Michal Brezina but we have no time to watch anyway. We sat and enjoyed the entertainment, some nursery school kids who had rehearsed all year singing and dancing for us and waving to their embarrassed parents and to finish we had local ballroom dancers who gave an exhibition. After there was a fantastic carvery, very fine for a national championship.
The rink wasn't as to be desired for but ice is ice and we got to business. 5 pairs on morning practice meant we only just got everything done, chaos. Luckily the warm up groups were split into 2. We scored 51.22 which is yet another personal best, really enjoyed the skate. No pressure and like Mariusz said before we went on 'show our skating has improved'. We did, it was clean, and I haven't got result sheet yet but we must of got most our levels. So leading the short we drew 5th to skate in the long. Unfortunately due to the strange schedule we have practice at 11pm tonight for our free programme at 11am tomorrow... Almost unheard of but they do have a busy schedule! I will let you know how it goes.
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