Day 1 - Kazakhstan

I got my prediction of the opening game 100% right, score and everything: Japan 10 South Korea 0.

But first, how can BMI fly direct to Almaty? At least twelve of the passangers, including legendary failed ski jumper Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards, were headed the same place as me, the Asian Winter Games, and the flight was still really empty. How can that be viable for them? Still, having a whole row for each passenger made up for the food (bad) and the movies (on screens on the ceiling, not in the back of the seat)

The Social Network was the movie. But I didn't notice it had started and missed the opening scene, and given that the opening scene is probably pivotal, I think I will wait for the DVD. You know how I can't watch a movie if I miss the opening scene. Later someone said that the opening scene was amazing.

Also they showed some cartoons from CBBC. Amount of children on board: Zero.

On the plane they give you this:

At the airport, when you arrive, it gets stamped twice. If it's not stamped twice, we were told this morning "You will not be allowed to leave the country"
Mine is stamped twice.

Lunch was a cliche. Beetroot salad, 'Russian' soup. Meat, Potato and Cabbage. Ice Tea (not iced)

Japan skated all over Korea in the first game and stuffed them 10-0.

Then Kazakhstan played. I predticted a 12-0 win but was well wide of the mark. They beat North Korea 3-0. Really good game, really good atmosphere, North Korea not terrible. 

6 hours time difference from the UK. Body clock is messed up.