specs, I so agree with you - that it is a once in a lifetime experience. However, when you are 9 years, apparently you have your whole life to get to the Olympics... but you lose that theme park thrill as each year goes on. He is anxiously measuring himself so he can ride the 'big' rides.

We actually debated having our 13yo go with me - alone. But we decided it probably isn't a good idea and we have more fun as a family doing stuff.

I'm going to keep looking for hotels and if I stumble on something good, I still may just bite. But for now, looks like we're out.

Avoid wearing rainbow flags or you may be jailed for "homosexual propaganda".

I'll be wearing my Canadian red mittens. When in doubt, go Canadian and keep 'em guessing.

<i>I'll be wearing my Canadian red mittens. When in doubt, go Canadian and keep 'em guessing.</i>

Doesn't matter. Your footwear, swagger, and loud voices will give you away.

Hello, Im from Russia, sorry my english. Im just interesting what people are talking about our 2014 olympic games) And I finded your forum.
Im living in Rostov-na-Donu, it's comparatively far of Sochi. I was in Sochi twice when I was child) Today, as I know, that city was fully reconstructed. Im afraid they may not finish all objects to deadline because corruption... Im working in telecommunication company and my boss was deny all contracts to working in Sochi because it was a mess. All city are big construction yard, no coordination among any building companies, workers are low-qualificated migrants, looks like big money for reconstrucrion was stolen and other like that. Boss afraided that other firms who work in Sochi's reconstructions will not finish all objects, it will be a scandal and then Putin will say to find who is responcible and our company may be one of innocent victims. Then, Im sure that it will be big prices in Sochi in that days. Simple russian people (workers, teachers, students etc) can't go to this Games because it not cheap) Maybe for american tourists that prices will not so big. And some else. Near of Sochi there are Kavkaz mountains, it's russian territory but russians are almost not living in that places like Chechen, Dagestan and near. There are living nations that very different culture to russians. There are one of center of world terrorism and Im not sure that our police will can stop all of them. Please do not travel in that places like "wild tourists" and by little groups. If you want to see Russia more than you'l see in Sochi, visit Saint-Peterburg. If you have money You may go to other russian cities, to Baycal lake. If you want see Kavkaz, go to Kislovodsk, Essentuki, Dombai and other "russian" cities. And, go to russian forums (for example, every city have internet-forum and site), register and ask people about you want. Many russians can speak english and helps you but be danger of trolling)) Thanks.

Interesting.

My son will be going. Providing the Dutch TV coverage. He has his visa and is all set. He's looking forward to it.

He'll also be going to Brazil next year and in another two years, with a bit of luck.

Where is he staying? I am still on the fence about going. lodging being the main determining factor.

So my daughter is doing a volunteer/internship program at the Paralympics in Sochi. SHe has to be there 2/26/14 to 3/17/14. We are going together but she is staying on in Europe. I would like to travel to Austria first (from Chicago) and then rail travel to Sochi. I can't find any rail travel or flight travel without going thru Moscow, Istanbul,Tel Aviv, etc. without being costly! ANy suggestions? Does anyone else have any family volunteering at the Olympics

There are direct flights from FRA-AER on ORENAIR.

Hello

I will be a volunteer during Sochi 2014 Olympic Games as well and I'm trying to figure out to get there by train or bus from Poland where I live.
There is an option to go with direct train from Kiev or direct bus from Odessa.
Was thinking also about gettin to Georgia - Kutaisi with Wizzair and then take a bus but I'm quite complicated to travel from Georgia to Abchazja and then Russia.

Does anyone knows how much is the train ticket from Kiev to Sochi?

Try this: http://www.seat61.com/Russia.htm#Buy...ckets%20online

so no boycott then?

https://www.facebook.com/BoycottSochi2014

This is the first that I have heard of the "Olympic priority" program.

The turn around time for a visa is normally 5-10 days anyway...

sparkchaser, My bad, this is not a particular "program" - it was said that those who provide tickets and spectator passes for the Olympic events are going to have their visas issued first and faster than usual.
I would be very glad to hear at least how the procedure goes, the details from someone who is going to the Olympics.

Maybe you could help me with the interview? That would be just great! I'm almost desperate already and I've got to meet the deadline.

Very interesting thread. I had heard they were not where ready for the games. What is the update or will the public be kept in the dark about it all?

http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2...as-i-know?lite

Well what about this? No gay people live in Sochi according to the Mayor of the city. I guess he doesn't know very much about his city!!

The photo of the Mayor on the BBC shows a very sad man (not gay at all ;-) )
I just love the homo-phobia shown by these people, so indicative of hidden desires.