The Drive was not bad at all; in fact, time flew by. Julie and I talked the entire way there and back, developing (temporary) sore throats. It would have taken us about 6 hours each way if we hadn't stopped for James Dean and food. Upon arrival we self-parked the car in the hotel parking ramp, which was reasonably priced, and each wrote down 2B so we would be able to find the car again. Upon departure, we confidently took the parking garage elevator down to Level II and stepped out only to find that the entire floor was flooded and empty of cars! "They couldn't have moved my car," Julie mused, "They don't have the key." After a short discussion, we returned to the elevator and this time noted a level that was labeled "hotel parking." This was Level I, and we found the car patiently waiting for us in section 2B.
The People were a mixed bag of interesting, fun conversationalists and weirdos. Most were there with friends from their local bridge clubs, and we were sad that our bridge club buddies wouldn't be arriving until after we were gone. At the same time, I was surprised at the number of people who came alone and found partners at the partnership desk. The directors were incredibly effecient and patient. Our favorite quote comes from a woman who quickly became our favorite tournament director. We were playing in the 49ers group, and most of the players did not seem to know how to put together the computer dealt hands. In contrast, our table had completed the task in record time. The director passed by our table and said, "You girls are fast; at least that's what it says in the men's bathroom."
The City has the Ohio River flowing through it, which was flooding and expected to crest the weekend we were there. The hotel was located by the river, but we could only go a short way along the scenic river walk before the encroaching water stopped us. We did walk around the area and found a charming local cafe where we had lunch. We passed by the Louisville Slugger factory and outlet store, the science museum, the Muhammed Ali Center, and a very cool chandelier hanging from a streetlight. However, the most interesting sights appeared later that evening outside the conference center next to our hotel. I can't even describe some of the outfits worn by the girls on way their to the Lady Ga Ga concert!
The Lectures, as I noted in earlier blog entries, were incredibly interesting and helpful. For example, Jerry Helms inspired us to jump to game bids and to subsequently quote to each other "the one who knows, goes." At the talk by Audrey Grant, we were also introduced to her husband, international player Dave Lindop, who worked the technology for her but also shared his insights. Later that evening, as we were searching for an evening reception, I suddenly heard Julie call out "Hey Dave!" You guessed it, she had spotted Dave Lindop across the hall. "Where's the party?" she asked, and then went on to mention we had met him at his wife's lecture. He smiled and graciously directed us, adding that there was live music and pizza.
Of course Playing Bridge was the focus of the conference. We played bridge 7 hours a day for three days, plus attended lectures and talked talked talked about it. It was great!
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