One of many #SochiProblems photo's that have gone viral (Creative Commons)

NT: When you first arrived in Sochi a week ago, were you surprised that so much work was still being done, or do most of the buildings seem totally complete in your eyes?

LM: Honestly, most of the buildings look fine. I haven't been to every single venue. But I guess I was surprised to see that there is still work being done around here.

NT: Pictures and videos have been pouring in from journalists describing hotels that have not been finished, with water that does not work or is unsafe to use. What is your living situation like? Do you know a lot of people who have had hotel horror stories?

LM: My living situation is relatively great (knock on wood). My water is hot and it looks like water, and that was my primary concern. My bed is fine - I've slept well. My door is intact. My shower works. I don't have consistent Internet in my room, but that's a luxury anyway. It's easy for me to not trip about my living situation. Other people here have had issues with their shower or with electricity not working. Things aren't perfect - but perhaps that's easy for me to say since I haven't had major issues.

NT: Another major issue has been security. There have been security threats from Islamic terrorists in the run-up to the games, and it appears from the outside that security at the games is overwhelming. All cars in Sochi had to be registered in advance, and thousands of extra security guards called Cossacks have been brought in. How noticeable is the extra security? Are there any special security measures put in place that you have had to follow?

LM: The Cossacks are here? I wish Zangief from Street Fighter were here. Kidding aside, traveling through here has been like going through the airport multiple times a day. I have more security checks than meals in a day, and I'm eating well here. God forbid I lose my credential, which I wear around my neck guarded like a gold medal. You need that piece to get through anything or go anywhere. I'm not complaining though, because seriously, complaining about security is like whining about a flu shot.

NT:  Do you worry about your own personal safety being in Sochi, and do you plan on going out and exploring despite the warning from the USOC that American athletes should be inconspicuous at the games?

LM: I'm inconspicuous at USC. I'm definitely keeping a low profile here in Sochi. I'm too busy to do anything reckless anyway. There is enough "exploration" just getting to some of these venues - it took four buses just to get from the hotel to the Rosa Khutor Extreme Park on Thursday, including one bus transition that was solely for security purposes. I worry about my personal safety, but I'm not letting the thought of something happening dominate my experience here. I am from Philadelphia/Los Angeles; I'm used to keeping my head on a swivel and taking care of what I can control.

NT: This is the most expensive Olympics ever with a price tag of $51 billion. Some Russians have voiced displeasure with the games and their associated costs. What is the mood like among the Russians that you have talked to so far? Are they excited to be hosting the Olympics or are they worried about some of the concerns that have been voiced by the Western press?

LM: I haven't been able to engage with many Sochi residents. There are quite a few volunteers helping out as human arrows and checkpoints, and their enthusiasm has been awesome. I believe there is a level of pride in some people. But we're in a very created part of Sochi, Russia. I know that there are Russians who aren't exactly thrilled that the games are here. But it's not like there are civilians walking around here. Everyone has a purpose here, whether they are working in a service capacity or working as media or participating in the games themselves. It's not like, "oh snap, welcome to Sochi!"

NT:  Russia has put in place a program in recent days to cull the amount of wild dogs that are living in Sochi. How prevalent are these dogs? Are they out on the streets, or have you not seen that many in your time in Sochi?

LM: I've seen a few. Man, some of these dogs look like Olympians at night. I've been on buses when I've seen them, so while they aren't all over the place, they're definitely here. 

NT: What is the mood like among the athletes whom you have spoken with?

LM: In general, very excited. I had a chance to talk to a few snowboarders after they were done with their runs on Thursday in slopestyle. I asked Jessika Jenson and Karly Shorr in particular how they were going to spend the days in between Thursday and medal day on Sunday. They're looking forward to the experiences - not just their events, but the other sports as well as the opening ceremony. 

NT: What has surprised you the most about your time so far in Sochi?

LM: My biggest surprise has been the food. Have you ever heard of Russian cuisine? Neither have I. This is my second time out of the country, and my first since I was in Spain in 2003. Spanish food is awesome, so that wasn't a concern. But the food here, while different, has been good. I like to eat, and while there isn't anything that sticks out, the food has been nice.

NT:  What are you looking forward to the most about your time at the Olympics?

LM: Just waking up every day. I'm not on vacation - I'm working. And it's a great feeling to be a part of something like this. I mentioned before how I didn't have experience with any winter sports before this year - I'm all in it now. That's such a cool feeling. That would be like just picking up basketball, and then getting a chance to cover All-Star Weekend. But better. All-Star Weekend is three days. The Winter Games are three weeks.

Reach Staff Writer Russell Simon here or follow him here.

To view Law’s posts live from Sochi go to www.TeamUSA.org/USADaily