What was your worst moment in the Race? Gina: I really can't say I had a "worst moment." More than anything, I was obviously disappointed not to have gone further in the race. Sylvia: For me, the worst moment came at the end. I hurt myself during (well, landing) skydiving. I felt like I had been hit by a truck! So running to the mat, I felt as if I could barely run. That's a hard thing to watch on TV.
What was the best moment in the Race? Gina: I loved the skydive. It is not something that's a part of my regular world. I don't know if I would ever have had that opportunity otherwise. What a great adventure. Sylvia: Skydiving was a thrill. Meeting the other Teams was incredible.
When and how was your relationship with your teammate strengthened or changed? Gina: I think the experience has brought us a lot closer than ever. This has been an opportunity of a lifetime that I got to do with my best friend. Sylvia: Our relationship wasn't strengthened or changed in any way. The race just added another dimension to what was already a strong relationship. It was really fun to do something with "just" Gina, not Gina and Gerald or Gina and the kids.
Is there any place you'd revisit, or wish you had been able to visit? Gina: I would have loved to have gone to Africa. One day I would really like to see Italy as well. Sylvia: There was and still are a lot of places on my travel "wish list." I really wanted to visit Africa, Peru and Asia.
If you could do the Race over, what would you do differently? Gina: My first choice would be to have gotten on that American flight (it wasn't for lack of trying). Being on the Aeromexico flight put us in the back of the pack. Sylvia: I would win!
Of all the things you packed, what was the most useful? Gina: My money belt. I have never had a need for one of those before, but having everything at your fingertips when things are moving so fast is imperative. Sylvia: A good pair of shoes.
What did you wish you'd brought with you, but didn't? Gina: Despite the fact we packed light, I can't think of anything we would have needed and didn't have. It was more of a case deciding what we didn't need and giving away items as we go. You just don't know until you get there. You're told to be prepared for any climate and any location in the world. Sylvia: Well, since we were eliminated first, I should have brought along something to wear "out": a pair of heels, suntan oil, a camera…etc.
Now that you've finished the Race, what are your plans? Sylvia: Once we were eliminated, I had some down time. As a result, I ended up drawing cartoons of other Teams. It was a lot of fun and everyone seemed to enjoy it. I design note and greeting cards. Now I'm going to try and make a go of it. So check out my cards at www.IllustrationsInc.com.
