Day 1 In Atlanta WBC 2009

So finally the big day arrived and we set off for Atlanta. The biggest surprise was we didn't have any excess luggage, infact we had room and weight to spare. I guess its really an indication of the style I have been heading towards this year.

I guess good chunk of this posting goes something like.... a plane trip is a plane trip. This one was quite long though, took us about 31 hrs door to door. There were 9 of us in this first wave, so plenty of time for us all to catch up.

We eventually arrived in ATL, all bags accounted for by some small miracle for which I am grateful! By the time we got checked in it was after 1am, but still only 5pm NZ time, so we were all wide awake. I spent most the night tidying up some work, and chatting on skype with sleep only coming about 5am.

Atlanta greeted us with the greyest of days not really inspiring our ventures into the outside world, but, alas, we did go.

It was surprising enough to get a nice photo of Chris who manages to pull a face anytime I come close to him with a camera. It was somewhat of a miracle that this one turned out well seeing as how tired he was.
The first coffee and trip saw 9 of us pack into a minivan and head down to Octane. I have been chatting to John Cole from Octane for a few weeks now, Sammy suggested that they are using some great milk. So we bowled on in in our most subtle of styles (picture bull/ gate).

The first coffee of the trip was wicked thanks guys, a great El Sal press was a good way to see a headache off! Pictued above is John who has been a massive help helping us source a few bits and pieces that I need. Nothing major, but having some local knowledge on the ground has been great. The BGA has also arranged a "Barista Buddy" for each competitor, someone local and on the ground, to help source the myriad of weird requests that WBC baristas sometimes have.

We darted down to Counter Culture Coffee and managed to interrupt Tim Adams from Australia who was having a bit of a practise, sorry about that mate, but good to see him again. Tims a really nice guy whom I met for the first time at the Australian Nationals back in Feb. He has been through a lot to get to this point, and I am sure he will be strong on showday.

With the help of John and Jordan we ploughed through the few remaining tasks we had, which freed the afternoon for touristy thing which Ienjoy ever so much.

While Scott and I were getting bits finished, the rest of the crew went through the Coke Museum, I was bitterly dissapointed I missed out on that, but was beside myself with excitement at the opportunity to take my photo beside this old kodger holding a glass of Coke. (My knees are trembling with excitement)

After a healthy lunch we headed to the Aquarium where Chris had "Fish Love Moments" such as the one above with a Pirahna.

Of course Emma will always find an opportunity to hassle the local mascot. In the Coke factory it was a Polar Bear with sly fingers, and the aquarium had this enchanting fish that wasn't actually smiling by the time Emma (aka Where's Wally) had finished. In the picture with her is David Huang who is one of the two competitors that NZCRA brought with the team as a prize for making top 3 in the Champs back home. David finished 3rd. This picture was exciting for him because its the first time all day he put down his video camera. Hide Kono finished 2nd in the nationals but claims he has dignity so would not join the photo.lol. Its been great Having David and Hide along with us this year. Its an amazing opportunity to see what is expected at the WBC that they otherwise would miss, and a sign of the commitment of NZCRA who organise our championships, to developing depth in our pool of baristas.

But back to the fish....

Some of the tanks are huge, pictured here are 4 distinctive silhouettes from the team. From far left Bernard Smith, Where's Wally (aka Emma Markland-Webster), David "Camcorder" Huang, and Chris White.

As much as I enjoyed hauling my cynical arse through crowds of screaming children and adults who have never seen a fish which hasn't been frozen and coated in breadcrumbs before, it was time to leave. While some of the tanks were genuinely amazing through their magnatude, I was dissapointed we were not allowed to feed the Pirahnas. I think if I were to go back to the aquarium my experience would be enriched by a line and hook, wedge of lemon and a frying pan.

We then had a chance to have a wander around town. Atlanta has some really classic styles going on and I enjoyed having a look about some of the buildings. We were drawing a few odd stares as we were the only people actually walking, not driving, but we had an enjoyable stroll.

After grabbing a few supplies for the night... (only in America!)...it was straight to the poker table fo game one in the World Series of WBC Poker. That went a bit of okay. Out to dinner with the team to a micro brewery. We discovered why it was "he only place in the whole world" you can buy their beer, but the staff were friendly and it was great having some laughs. We then caught up with Sammy Piccolo (Actor from award winning movie "Black Gold" and 4 x Canadian Barista Champion). Great to see Sammy, he is a great sport and was brave to come with us.

Back in the room I heard the latest of news (to me anyways) that Cindy Chang has been appointed as Executive Director of the WBC. Its a great posting for Cindy, and one I am sure she will do an incredible job with.

More action tomorrow!