SOCHI - The seaside community known as Sochi stretches more than 90 miles along the Black Sea, but the Olympics are actually happening in nearby Adler.

Our group took a 45-minute train ride today from Adler to Sochi to explore the region and put the geography in more context for us as we report about events. We found ourselves asking, "Shouldn't it be called the Adler Olympics?" The question raised by our reporters and photographers was certainly answered long ago by the Russians and the International Olympic Committee. Still, the location amuses those of us who are aim for precision in identifying events and where they actually appear.

The center of Sochi proper seemed bustling and prosperous on many streets. Though many miles from Adler and the Olympic Park, there is still significant Olympic presence in Sochi due to event ticketing, official television viewing sites and hundreds of volunteers and employees of the games in their bright, color-coordinated jackets, pants, backpacks and hats. There was even a small group of middle-aged female singers belting out songs of praise and pride for Sochi and the games.

 

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