In the lead-up to the Sochi Olympics, which officially begin on Feb. 7, there's been no shortage of anxiety about the potential problems that could mar these Winter Games.
Major tensions over gay rights in Russia have been one source of concern. The Games' environmental impact — and Russia's honesty about that impact — is also high on the list. Threats from terrorists have worried some. There have also been doubts about whether Sochi's infrastructure will be ready to host the influx of fans, athletes and media the city is about to receive.
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Most of those questions won't be answered for at least two weeks. But reporters just arriving in Sochi have posted a stunning array of photos and tweets over the past couple days. The images are not a good omen for the thousands upon thousands of people yet to arrive.
The photos show toilets that can't handle toilet paper, unfinished rooms, and various accommodations that aren't yet completed with the Games but three days away. At some places, water runs, but isn't drinkable. In one part of the city, at least one uncovered manhole looks like a sidewalk booby trap.
One writer even took to Twitter offering to trade light bulbs for a door handle. Yes, seriously.
The Sochi Olympics haven't even begun yet, but they already look to be off to a disastrous start.
Is there still time to right the ship? Of course. Like we said, the Games haven't even officially begun. Maybe the hotels will get those last finishing touches, and damage to the environment will be minimal. Perhaps the world's attention can bring new freedom to Russia's LGBT population. And, hopefully, those threats of terror attacks will prove unfounded,
But if the reports so far are any indication, don't bet on Russian president Vladimir Putin emerging from the Games without a few black eyes after promising a flawless — if controversial — turn hosting the Winter Olympics.
Sure, these are just some hotels where some reporters are supposed to stay. But, with Sochi's laundry list of anxieties, these early looks don't paint an encouraging picture for what's to come. Friday brings the Olympics' opening ceremony, after which we'll get a better look at how ready Sochi really is.
Now, without further ado, here's just some of what journalists are reporting from Sochi so far:
Made new pal from La Presse as we struggled to find hotel. When we got to our (temporary) rooms his doorknob came off in hand #roadtosochi
— katiebakes (@katiebakes) February 4, 2014
To anyone in Sochi: I am now in possession of three light bulbs. Will trade for a door handle. This offer is real: pic.twitter.com/7AeesqDi8Y
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) February 4, 2014
People have asked me what surprised me the most here in Sochi. It's this. Without question ... it's ... THIS. pic.twitter.com/1jj05FNdCP
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) February 4, 2014
Watch your step @Sochi2014 — I've noticed on walkway and on sidewalks that not all man holes are always covered. pic.twitter.com/a5Nv4wu5iA
— Jo-Ann Barnas (@JoAnnBarnas) February 1, 2014
CNN booked 11 rooms in one @Sochi2014 media hotel five months ago. We have been here for a day and only one room is available. #cnnsochi
— Harry Reekie (@HarryCNN) February 4, 2014
This is the one hotel room @Sochi2014 have given us so far. Shambles. #cnnsochi pic.twitter.com/RTjEkmyan3
— Harry Reekie (@HarryCNN) February 4, 2014
Sochi hotel not quite finished, & has no record of my reservation. I'll go to the bar while they try to sort it. Oh. pic.twitter.com/HQjAm4UMHY
— Shaun Walker (@shaunwalker7) February 4, 2014
The reception of our hotel in #Sochi has no floor. But it does have this welcoming picture. pic.twitter.com/8isdoBuytl
— Kevin Bishop (@bishopk) February 4, 2014
My hotel has no water. If restored, the front desk says, "do not use on your face because it contains something very dangerous." #Sochi2014
— Stacy St. Clair (@StacyStClair) February 4, 2014
Water restored, sorta. On the bright side, I now know what very dangerous face water looks like. #Sochi #unfiltered pic.twitter.com/sQWM0vYtyz
— Stacy St. Clair (@StacyStClair) February 4, 2014
But wait! Late Tuesday night, one writer, Sports Illustrated's Richard Deitsch, offered a slightly more upbeat report on accommodations in Sochi so far.
To answer your Qs: My room is really nice; my colleagues have had a lot of issues with rooms. Stuff broken, water probs etc...
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) February 5, 2014
Perhaps there is hope yet. Stay tuned here through Games' end on Feb. 23 and we'll keep you up to date.
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