EuroSchecky—John's Return to the PokerStars.com EPT French Open

We've arrived after a full day and a half of planes, trains, and taxis. Deauville is charming and quaint, you know, the two words no travel writer is ever supposed to use. Many thanks to PokerStars, who have put us up in a five star hotel connected to the casino. Our room at the Hotel Normandie normally goes for 300+ Euros/night. It has an open window that looks out over the village. Hermes, Hugo Boss, and other high end stores just around the corner.

Last night we attended a cocktial party hosted by Poker Stars. I had a lovely time chatting with the Poker Stars blogger, Howard Swains, who already has some pictures up of our hotel and the goins on. Greg Raymer was also at the party, but thought it was a drag and left early. Marcel Luske showed up after we'd left.

John will be playing today, the first of two Day ones. I'm in the media area with the GutShot crew. Isabelle Mercier is three seats to my right, in a mini skirt and her black PokerStars shirt, typing away on a mini lap top. You can read her recent article, "On the Road," on GutShot. I'll be reporting as long as John is in the tournament.

Here are the dealers, at their station. The room is grand. There are high celings with eight chandeliers. The players are lining up to take their seats. John is at table 15, seat 4. He just walked in and I was able to say good luck before he took his seat.