Monday - just walks and training session with Kataja.

Another day spent in a hotel/abroad - first it was breakfast on the top floor of the Hotel, with nice views across Izmir in the morning sunshine. Then a walk to the Arena (not the easiest as I had to walk on a Motorway, over some road barriers and dodge the traffic as I ran across the road. But - that's how the locals seemed to do it, so why not! (I'll try to take some pictures of the walk today!).

Talking about my walks - it seems I once again look like a local person, people tend to stop me and ask 'something'. Shame my Turkish is non-existent so I can't help them.. but at least I blend in.

Walk to the Arena takes about 35-40minutes - and unless I figure out the non-numbered local buses, that is the fastest way to get there. 

Afternoon was spent, once again, by the pool and in the Sauna and Steam Room... I do make this traveling sound really hard work don't I?? Talking with locals, sitting by the pool, relaxing in the Sauna.. it's harder than you think ;-)

INTERVIEWS WITH COACH TOIJALA -  and from the players COLEMAN and KANERVO

TurkeyTraining

The team only arrived to Izmir late last night, so it was straight to the training - and as always, I was there waiting for them as the team coach comes in a police escort to the Arena. Quick 'hello's' and smiles as the team find out that I am once again here to cover the game.

The arena looks NICE - looks like a proper basketball venue, couldn't ask for much better to be honest. Very light training for the team, just to get the stiffness out of the legs - before they head to the hotel. Unfortunately they are NOT staying at the same hotel as I am, so it means a mad dash across the dark motorways to the hotel and get pictures quickly edited and sent to the newspaper.

No other choice than to order Room Service, going for the hotel speciality 'Anemon Kebab' - not bad meal that late in the evening. And while eat my meal, the video interviews render next to me on the laptop. Put the videos to upload to the clients - and then there is just time to read for a quick while.. and time to call it a day.

Tuesday is Game Day !! Perhaps a little sightseeing to start with (not the touristy bit, just the local neighbourhood) - another visit to the Sauna and the game tips-off at 8pm.