*!TW at IW
*
By Jackie, TW Social Director
I'm back! Indian Wells was everything I'd dreamed of ... and more. I must warn you that I'm not quite settled yet, having just flown back from California two days ago. (Post-IW, I visited a friend in LA. The highlight was our Disneyland visit - maybe I'll post a lil' something on that in the coming weeks.)
Since I'm still in a bit of a daze, I haven't been able to organize all of my photos; I'm trying to whittle them down to around 500 so I can get them in a single Picasa album online. Once that's finished, I'll post the link - probably first in the comments somewhere and then again in next week's Deuce Club. Be patient with me! I also haven't had much time to gather my thoughts about the entire IW experience, so what you'll find below is just a smattering of anecdotes and reflections. I'll have more to share in next week's DC. (Programming alert!)
First and foremost, the headline photo is of (part of) our illustrious TW group in IW. This was taken at The Beer Hunter; no Rafa sightings this time around but we did spot Sam Querrey (I know Whitney will appreciate that!). Instead of telling you who's who, I'll make this a guessing game. Most of us are pretty obvious, especially if you're on Facebook, but have a go at it anyway. If you correctly identify everyone, you get a virtual cookie!
Speaking of TWibers, I was thrilled to see so many of them! Honestly, it was the most memorable part of the whole experience. I hung out with Jenn, vetmama, beth (and her daughter Missie), jb, lpb, and Tari for most of the weekend; then, at various points, I met up with C Note, Maplesugar, Hart, Andrew, and greenhopper. (That should help with the guessing game!)
Everyone was exactly as I'd pictured them and so true to their personalities on the blog. And of course, they were all phenomenal people. I'm ever so thankful to Pete and the blog for connecting me with folks whose warmth, intelligence, and beauty (inside and out!) dwarf that of most others I encounter in the "real world." I almost couldn't believe how handily we all got along, too; it was like I was gathering with friends I'd known for years.
I suppose I shouldn't have been so surprised; after all, we know so much about each other just from the blog - and from corresponding via e-mail and Facebook. Still, it was both refreshing and rewarding to see these friends in the flesh (and hear their voices!). I can't wait to do it again ... perhaps in Cincinnati? (I'm definitely attending that tournament in August, so let me know if you plan on being there!)
Most of us stayed at the Esmeralda or Hyatt ... and so did the players. Upon arriving at the Esmeralda, I immediately spotted Jelena Jankovic's mom (dressed in bright pink, of course!). Shortly thereafter, I walked by Jurgen Melzer and Radek Stepanek. Unlike in Cincinnati, I wasn't so keen on asking the players for pictures. For whatever reason, I felt that discretion was the better part of valor and left all of the players alone at the hotel. Okay, maybe not all. I did accost Thierry Tulasne (Gilles Simon's coach) for a picture at the bar. Remind me to tell you more about that later.
Other players that we caught glimpses of at the Esmeralda, often at breakfast: The entire French squad, including Simon, Michael Llodra, Paul-Henri Mathieu, Richard Gasquet, Julien Benneteau, and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga; John Isner (who's a walking garbage disposal); Andreas Seppi (who stayed on my floor and was in the elevator with me what seemed like 35 different times); Jose Acasuso (who was also in the elevator with Seppi, me, and Jenn on one occasion); Igor Andreev; Andreev's lady, Maria Kirilenko; Alize Cornet.
At the Hyatt, jb and Tari came across many a player, as well. Ladies, please share your stories in the comments! (The first morning we were there, I received a text message from jb that read, "MARAT IS IN MY CAFE!!!" 'Nuff said.)
Jenn was our resident bartender and we set up a nifty TWibe bar in our hotel room. (She even created a fantastic drink menu! Sample drinks: "The Rafa" and "Club Fed." I'll have to figure out a way to post it - it can't be missed.) Though Jenn and I were teetotalers, everyone else partook in the homemade libations, and we had an absolute blast. I'm convinced TWibe chicas throw the best parties.
One night, it seems we got a little too rowdy. As we're yakking, laughing, and maybe even dancing (beth was ready to bust a move!), we hear a knock at the door. It's hotel security!
Security guy: Can you guys keep it down?
Perfectly sober Jackie: Oh yes, sir. Sorry about that.
Yep, we got in trouble for all the noise we were making. Who would've thought?! Y'know, because we're such rebellious hoodlums and all. Needless to say, 'twas a proud - and hilarious! - moment for all of us.
