Lawrence of America Blog Tag Feed for 'utah' http://lawrence-blog.travelchannel.com Lawrence of America is the newest feature program on the Travel Channel. The Travel Channel show follows proud englishman Lawrence Beldon-Smythe as he reports on American subcultures. The Lawrence of America blog discusses his different adventures as the newest travel channel show host. en-us 2008. Copyright The Travel Channel http://lawrence-blog.travelchannel.com/template/loa/images/rss-image.gif Lawrence of America Blog Tag Feed for 'utah' http://lawrence-blog.travelchannel.com Lawrence of America is the newest feature program on the Travel Channel. The Travel Channel show follows proud englishman Lawrence Beldon-Smythe as he reports on American subcultures. The Lawrence of America blog discusses his different adventures as the newest travel channel show host. http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/rss/rss.html PostZinger/r.160 Utah Winter Athletes Episode http://lawrence-blog.travelchannel.com/rss-read/utah-winter-athletes-episode Travel Hello all. Intrepid Englishman here with more tales from behind-the-scenes of my show … which by the way is now eligible for any awards you may want to bestow. So, Utah Winter Athletes. Well, as you'll see in the show, I went to the high... Lawrence Hello all. Intrepid Englishman here with more tales from behind-the-scenes of my show … which by the way is now eligible for any awards you may want to bestow. So, Utah Winter Athletes. Well, as you'll see in the show, I went to the high altitude expecting snow. Alas, I was disappointed. My dreams of tapping into American spirituality, by uncovering the truth about something called "snow angels" was dashed. Now, I may never know if they're similar to the real angels that float above my bed as I sleep … or more like Hell's Angels. Anyway, despite my crushing sorrow, I managed to pull myself together and find some pretty interesting folk to chat with.
Shannon Bahrke was probably my favorite. No disrespect to Derek Parra, and the delightful yet completely insane Lugers, or the Curlers, but Shannon let me hold her Olympic silver medal. I have to go with people who let me fondle their silverware - it's an English tradition.
But I will say Shannon worked me hard. As you may know, my one weakness is a small, paralyzing fear of heights. So standing at the top of that dirt hill near her home, and watching her jump down it with a total lack of regard for her personal safety was … well … scary. The other bits - the running and jumping, and the trampolining were more fun - if very tiring. High altitude didn't agree with me … or some of the crew. My producer in particular complained constantly about being dizzy, or dehydrated, or tired, etc, etc. I still don't really know what these people do to earn their living - but all global correspondents have them, so I do too. He did fetch water, and deal with the fans, so I suppose it was worthwhile.

Here's a secret - after we finished with the trampolines, we went back the next day for "more shots". Yes, we needed it - I think. But it was really an excuse for some additional foam pit time. Jumping into that giant pit of foam was extremely fun. Getting out was almost impossible. It's like a foamy quicksand. The more you kick and fight, the deeper you sink. Only our sound man with the frame of a calcium deficient sparrow was able to float above it and haul himself out.

Thanks must go to everyone in the Park City area. The folks at the Olympic Park were delightful, as were the mad Lugers. Watching human beings whiz past on an ice wall at top speed is a lasting memory. Unbelievably dangerous sport … and my brief taste is all I will ever need, thank you very much.

Thanks also to Gold medalist Derek Parra. For someone who has achieved so much, he was remarkably nice, friendly and helpful. Although, I fear I will never be an Olympic speedskater. It was far, far, far too painful on my legs. Which is a shame, because I really look good in that gold body suit. Don't worry though, I still have it and wear it out to dinner, to the movies, and doing household chores. Actually, I don't do household chores anymore … I have a producer for that.

To see me in my Gold skin tight beauty - watch the show - and feel free to tell me how good I look by leaving a comment.


video utah winter sports games olympic athletes lawrence america lawrence of america blog travel travel video travel channel tv shows ]]> Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:41:05 -0500 http://lawrence-blog.travelchannel.com/rss-read/utah-winter-athletes-episode