Countdown to Torino

This past weekend, I went to Italy to prepare myself for the Olympic Games. Due to the travelling that going to the games will entail (for my specific situation), I thought it would be best if I visited the city first to get an idea of what the town was like, how to get to various places and in general, familiarize myself with what would be happening in 18 (!!!!!!!!!!!) days.
I had my first couchette experience. I didn't really know what to expect out of it, but as I walked beside the train toward my car, I saw youngish people laying on beds, drinking booze and making lots of noise. That creeped me out. When I entered the car, it looked like any other Italian more-sketchy-than-Switzerland 6 person car, except near the top of the car there were two beds. I said hello to the three gentlemen who were already chatting up a storm in the same car as me and skeptically sat down, unsure how the night would unfold...and how four more beds would magically appear. A would soon find out that the bench seats (2 total, three people on each, each set facing each other) were two beds and that their back rests would fold up and rest on latches to create two more. I was to wedge myself into the middle bed on one side. They were close enough that I could not sit up on my bed. There was a ladder if it was needed and sheets, a blanket, pillow and fizzy water were also provided. We all settled into our beds and since I wasn't the last stop on the ride, I was a little concerned about falling asleep and not waking up in time. The conductor also had my ticket and passport, so I would be able to leave without seeing him again. I ended up taking little naps throughout the night. I woke up every time the train came to a stop and would look at my watch to see where we were on the itinerary. I also woke up to a lot of loud snoring. Half an hour before my scheduled stop, we arrived at an unknown location (I couldn't see any signs) and left again 15 minutes later. I lay back down, keeping my eyes open waiting guessing that the next stop would be mine. The next time I opened my eyes, it was 15 minutes after my scheduled stop, and I was ready to freak out. I paced around the car, unsure what to do (knowing full well that there was nothing I could do if I had missed my stop), but almost sure that I didn't sleep through any other stops and knowing that a train wouldn't leave a station early. Finally, after sufficient freaking out and running into a passenger who could speak English (multiple language skills shut down when one is extremely tired) we found a conductor who told us that we were running late (it was pretty snowy outside). An hour and fifteen minutes late to be exact. I should have known as much - I'm too used to the perfect Swiss train system...nothing against the Italians, but you know... - so I ended up staying awake the rest of the time, getting a boxed breakfast (also included) and preparing myself to miss my next train. I get off in Verona at some ridiculous hour and luckily don't have to wait very long for another train. My final destination that morning is Milan.
Yes, Milan. Yes, the Olympics are in Torino. Let me explain.
I decided that I needed a little "break" from it all and decided that I wanted to spend a morning shopping in Milan. Isn't this crazy? I decided to "go shopping in Milan", just cause. My life is ridiculous.
So I wandered Milan (sadly, no purchases) and then after grilling Trentitalia with questions regarding their fares and schedules I proceeded to train to Torino. It was now the middle of the day and my tiredness hit. I planned it well. Might as well be tired while sitting on a train for an hour and a half.
Upon arrival to Torino Porta Susa, I am faced with huge sculptures of Neve and Gliz and a bunch of construction. I would soon realize that the city is still undergoing a lot of construction to prepare itself for the games. Most of the construction is just setting up little things, but there are some other things that don't look like it would be finished in time. Who knows though? I guess I'll find out in a little while.
I would say that all of the sporting venues are under construction (just little things on the outside) as are housing and hosting areas and presentation/large public events areas.
One construction site was for the Live NBC Today Show stage. I don't understand Italian, but all the people who were standing near me reading the sign sounded like they didn't know what it was. It'll be neat to see though.
I can't even imagine what the place will be like once the games begin. Even before that. The hotel I stayed at said that they were fully booked even a week leading into the games. The city and its people were definitely excited for what would be happening soon.
I'm really excited for it. Every young athlete dreams of going to the Olympics, and while that idea disappeared from my mind quite soon after it arrived (at least as an athlete - I'm still working on other ways to get there, not including as a spectator) I'm so excited to go and experience it for myself. I hope everything is as fantastic (if not better) than I imagine it to be. I hope everything works out the way I see it, because if you know anything about me, I definitely have had a master plan for quite some time now.
Whatever. Eitherway, it'll be (another) once in a lifetime experience (although, I won't rule out the fact that I won't get to the Olympics again) which I'm sure I will learn a lot from.

WHEEEEEEE!!!

--picture courtesy of www.torino2006.org