Report from Singapore 1

Hey folks!

Welcome to the first update to this blog from sunny Singapore! The Austrian delegation, comprising of 16 athletes, their coaches, a physio therapist and the Young Ambassador arrived at Changi Airport on time at 4pm yesterday. Everything was really well organized, so from the airport, we went straight to the Youth Olympic Village (YOV). By the way: The have an own lane for YOG buses during games time - how cool is that? (Well, I guess it's only cool when you are the one on the bus)

At the YOV, we had our accreditation (the plastic tags everybody wears around his/her neck, indicating where you should and should not go) validated and also received the first highlight of the Games: Our very own Digital Concierge, loaded onto a Samsung Smartphone. With those nifty gadgets, we can update you in real time from the Games via Facebook and other platforms. I think that's really a cool thing, since there are so many funny, extraordinary and special stories you want to share with people throughout the day, however, it just takes too long until you reach the next computer.

We also had two meals at the huge (i.e. comfortably fitting 1,600 people) dining hall. Depending on who you ask, the food is "very good" (I tend to support this fraction) or "absolutely awful". However, I really enjoyed having a nice chicken curry for breakfast :). Oh, and sitting on the same table with people from Aruba, the Vanuatu and the Bahamas (I'm very impressed if you can find those on a map within 5 seconds) for lunch just gives you a very good impression what the atmosphere here is like: Colorful, friendly, international.

Speaking of nations: We spent this morning with appropriately decorating our two floors. Please refer to our Facebook group "Youth Olympic Team Austria" for the pictures. NB: Since there are so many information channels, I will solely upload any picture or video material on Facebook, so please check there, thanks.

That's all for the moment from Team Austria in Singapore. We are always happy to hear your feedback and would like to thank you for supporting us!

Best