Not Quite Top Gear

Our experience of the first ever F1 Korean Grand Prix was a story of ups and downs, much like the race itself. First off, our free tickets did materialise in the end and we even managed to swindle one for Ji, even though she's not actually a 'foreigner'. We got seats in the E-c stand that were actually worth way more than I would have ever considered paying. Great seats, cracking atmosphere, no major hitches with the bus or 4-hour+ journey south (having stayed up all night for fear of not being able to wake up on time...), so everything was looking good. As it turned out, a slight drizzle put a spanner in the works. The track looked a bit wet from when we got there at around midday but it was a 20-minute burst from about 2.30pm that led to the race being started under the safety car. That lasted only for three laps before the cars returned to the grid for a 45-minute delay. Despite the disappointment, it had been an amazing buzz witnessing the speed and sound of F1 cars in person. I have watched the sport for a long time, but I never imagined how exhilarating it would be live. Even the 'slower' drivers at the back of the grid are achieving incredible speeds and appear to be driving to an incredibly high level, considering the challenges they probably face in their less-advanced cars.

The race finally got going as the track dried out and we saw Webber losing it and colliding with the wall before collecting Rosberg and dealing his own title hopes a severe blow. By that stage, we were wondering if the time we had been told to be back at the bus was still valid, as there had been so many delays. Infuriatingly, we did have to still go back at 5pm and missed the vast majority of the actual racing. Catherine, Ji and I still had an amazing time and it certainly whetted our appetite for future F1 action. If I'm still in Korea next year, I think the best option would be to just stay in Mokpo and make a proper weekend of it. There's no real need for me to go into the race in detail here - you can check out the report on the bbc here. Matt (of burnblog and The Outside View fame) will have been heartened, no doubt, by Suwon beating Busan to lift the FA Cup and secure a spot in the Champion's League next season. We had the closing stages of the match live on the bus as we edged through the post-race traffic.

Aside from Grand Prix, we also had a short gig in Itaewon on Friday night. Much like the F1, it was a case of the good and the bad that left a clear set of mixed emotions. I never usually get very nervous before shows, but this being somewhat new led to a few jitters among us all. Starting off the first song with barely audible vocals didn't help... Things picked up, it was fairly tight, people liked it, a few songs were particularly good, but... it's not going to be the way it was for a long, long time. It's definitely a case of re-setting our expectations and enjoying the process of getting back to the level of performance and energy we had in the past. We got straight back to work with a rehearsal on Saturday and took another big step. We need to keep it up because we'll only have two more sessions together before our firs show at Rocky Mountain Tavern in Itaewon on November 6th. We'll be nervous, but I'm determined to enjoy it.

Alright, Monday going ok here and hope it is for you too. I'm starting a new session with two new classes tonight so cross your fingers that I get off on the right foot with them both. I also have a work meeting so let's hope it'll be productive and not unearth any unwelcome surprises...