12-09-2011, 07:18 AM
We all arrived safely, with only a minor problem or so. The main one being the greedy mafia taxis at Bourgas airport who wanted 62 pounds for running us 1km to our hotel in Bourgas for one night, so we walked it, 3 in the morning, cases dragging behind, and back again in the morning ! Accomodation and location in Albena is excellent. Everyone getting on great and terrific squad spirit. We didn't get off to a great start pointswise, Andrew and Anna drew, everyone else lost but that is a misleading result to how we played overall. We were effectively in the bottom half of all sections so played players much higher rated in round 1. We also got 6 blacks and 4 whites which wasn't helpful. I am very confident that our results will improve as the tourney progresses. On a personal note if you think playing in Benidorm, Italy or the Czech open as I have done is nervewracking, try being a head of delegation here. Yesterday games started at 3pm. Everyone including parents were allowed in for 10 mins to take photos etc then at 3.10 it was everyone out of the arena till 4.30 until only heads of delegation were allowed in. Staring at that door for 1hr and 20 mins praying for one of your team not to come out upset seemed like an eternity. Welcome to International Junior Chess !
Robin.
Robin.