Day 4 - Megan Griffin
The day started off great for us because we got to sleep in a bit. It was a little hectic because we had to pack all of our belongings and fit them back under the bus. This was a challenge for some of the girls who made great finds shopping, but ran out of space in their luggage. After a late breakfast full of wonderful fruits and carbs, we took off to catch the tail end of the match between Americana and Societe de Hipica de Campinas.
We got off the bus and it was time to say tchau (goodbye) to AD's family. This was incredibly upsetting for us, the parents, and especially AD. We all became so attached to them. They welcomed us with their kindness from the beginning, and we have loved them ever since. Clara will be missed so much; it breaks my heart thinking about it. We taught her some important American phrases, along with hand clap games (Miss Mary Mack, and pounding the rock). We made funny faces and funny noises together. She even learned most of our names. My personal favorite was Ashley Malone's. We told Clara that she was Smash, which Clara pronounced Smish. Smash say's that it is only ok when Clara says it like that, no one else. Tears were shed during their departure, and I know that we will miss them, (we already do) and we will never forget them or how they touched our lives.
After the match we rolled our jam-packed red travel bags down the hill to the paradise-like swimming pool. It looked more like a vacation resort than a club. We scrambled to get our bathing suits on so we could catch as much sun as we possibly could. Many pictures were taken, as I am sure you will be able to see in the photo gallery. The people there thought we were a little odd as it is winter there, and most of them had jackets on.
After a small time in the sun we had lunch with both teams inside the club, which they generously treated us to. Once again, I don't think anyone could complain because the food was scrumptious. Once lunch was through, a couple of the girls walked over to the part of the club where equestrian competition was taking place. The horses were stunning and it was really exciting to see them jump. We even saw what I would believe to be the largest horse ever. It was so massive it might as well have been a giraffe. While a few of us were being entertained with the competition, the rest of the girls stayed behind and chatted with the girls from the other teams. They exchanged emails, and gave them the Miami website, so if any of you are reading this, obrigada (thank you) once again, we loved playing with you, and hopefully one day we shall meet again!
4:30-Game time vs. Americana (second time playing them) The match was great for so many reasons. Of course being us, we went to five games, but unfortunately this time we could not pull it out at the end. I say it was great because the entire match was played with so much intensity from both teams. Probably the best part of the match was the fact that every team member added to the match. We consistently worked hard and worked together. It was a shame that we couldn't end the match with another "W", but we definitely felt stronger as a team, and we played with a lot of heart. We left the gym after many many photos, along with Ziggy-Ziggy-Za, a cheer/dance that we learned from the other girls. Hugs and kisses on the cheek were shared among all three teams and we thanked them once again for having us. They were so polite, and it was almost as if we had all been friends for a long time.
Now we are on our big comfy bus on our way to Sao Paulo for our day at the beach tomorrow!! Hopefully we will have some sort of tan to show for this trip, well most of us. Some will have a burn, but either way it should be fun!
- Megan Griffin # 15
Tournament Awards:
Carli Reihman #3 - Best Server
Alex Rattcliff #14 - Best Blocker
Andrea Atteberry #4 - Best Setter
Maria Leahy #2 - MVP
