NEARING THE FINAL CURTAIN

After returning from the breakfast buffet at the Koningshof  (actual site of the tournament),  I retired to my room for what has turned out to be my favorite, relaxing activity – following Bobby on BBO – unfortunately playing off Poland beginning this morning for the consolation Bronze.  Can’t win ‘em all but he should be happy with his eleven world championships at the age of 79.  As of last night no one (even the staff) knew whether this was a one or two day event but I am sure they have had a meeting of the minds by now (and they say women can’t make up their minds).   In any event we will have the pleasure of Jose Damiani’s International Mind Sports Association dinner gala at the hotel in their sumptuous dining room on Friday followed Saturday by President Rona’s Closing Banquet and award dinner – then off we go at 5 am. the next morning (after almost 20 days away from Sin City which I miss).

I must confess this was the most exhausting WBF function I ever attended because the playing spaces, rooms, reception rooms, desk, hospital area,  vu-graph rooms and dining facilities were sooooooooooooo spread out.   It took its toll on me even with the luxury of a motor scooter most of the time.   I just could not negotiate the distance four to six times a day excepting  the consolation of the fun most of the time watching Bobby on my room computer.  It was interesting going to either the open or closed room on the screen (depending where he was) to see the comparison of his opponents   In about five minutes the session begins – so I’ll take a break for a while …………………………

WELL, HERE’S A SHOCKER:   After all my raving about BBO, I just learned Bobby’s match was not considered important enough to have on camera and it is too late (after the doors have been closed) for me with my badge to enter either the Open or Closed.   Fie on them who made the decision!!!.  All the matches had been on BBO before today during the quarter and semi-finals.

Back to Heldover and the trip to Holland.   I saw neither a windmill, tulip or wooden shoes – but saw enough sparkling water to last for a lifetime.   Apparently regular water is a luxury and must be ordered and paid for.   A tall glass of bottled water (remember you have no other choice) is $10 U. S. money.  And, I thought I had seen everything.   Can’t wait to get back to the States to buy my little case of bottled water (minus the sparkle).   The first time I ordered iced tea (and last) I thought they had spiked it, as it had such a bitter taste.  As the ice melted, it relieved the sting of the sparkle.   Live and learn.

The schedule is so hectic, we never got out of the hotel except by bus twice to dinners.   NO SHOPPING FOR JKW.   THAT IS A FIRST – but there are two souvenir booths in the huge anteroom of the Open and Closed – so it’s not over till it’s over!

Will be reporting on today’s scores when they are posted.