Galway; Way To Go

Friday, June 5, 2009

Day Five - THE GREEN DRAGON

Hello world,

Time flies. . . Its day 5 already! Scorching sun and cooling breeze embraced us, what an awesome combination. Woke up pretty early today and headed to the Media Centre. Met Colm there, did a simple poster and got it printed at a printshop nearby. It totally feels like Xorex back home, in school, aww, what a surreal moment!

Lunch was at Trisha's, again! The cheapest cafe we can find but food was good though. The shopkeeper recognised us immediately and greeted us with the "OMG YOU AGAIN, HIIII" smile.

Headed off to the Pavilion after lunch. We attended the Media Crew Members' press conference - there were 3 MCMs there. One from ericsson, another from Puma and lastly, Telefornica.

They provided some insights into their role as the one and only crew member in their teams who are responsible for connecting the outside world about the team's progress and encounters. They perform a one-man-show for anything media-related - photography, videography, reporting.. and if technology should fail them, they most probably would have to resort to "poetry, watercolour and sketches". LOL.

To be honest, we all walked into the press conference without much interest. But listening to these tough, committed people talk.. they brought enlightenment to us (even though it only lasted 2 hours or so) Whatever they've shared - it was very relevant to what we do in the media and design field and we were INSPIRED! We even wanted to take part in the next Volvo Ocean Race, design our own yacht, receive professional training, and show our pretty/unique/eye-catching yacht to the whole world. And we will name our yacht WELM LOST (Wnycy;Eric;Larry;Mallory Low;Ong;Sim;Tan). Isn't that a brilliant plan? Ha

We met Ian Walker, the skipper of 'The Green Dragon'. He's the man that has to spend hours and hours below deck plotting strategies and courses with the navigator but has to be able to take over on deck at any time.

At sea he has to be both the one of the guys but in authority enough to take control. Ashore he is the public face of the whole team in front of the cameras and microphones or visiting the local mayor and talking to digitaries - and greeting the guests brought into the compound by the sponsors.

We took a few photographs with him and we had the greatest surprise we've ever had in ages.. HE INVITED US ONBOARD 'THE GREEN DRAGON' ! As we boarded The Green Dragon, we sensed dagger stares of envy from the onlookers circling above us.