Hi everyone! Kelsey and Kelley here!
Today was a very busy day. The team ate breakfast at the hotel and headed off to finally do some shopping! Our tour guide, Iggy, told us about an enormous outdoor market only a few blocks away from our hotel that happens every Sunday here in Rio. It was a beautiful day and we soaked up the sun while we shopped. There were many stands set up along the sidewalk, each one selling something different. We saw purses, dresses, bathing suits, jewelry, and little knick-knacks. The best part was, almost everything for sale had a negotiable price so many of the girls got a great deal on their purchases! After everyone bought what they wanted, we all headed back to the hotel to lay by the rooftop pool and enjoy the gorgeous day before we left for our first clinic, at the beach!
The beach we would be playing at, called Niterol, was about a 45 minute drive. When we arrived, we knew we would be in for a challenging learning experience! Our instructor for the clinic was Jimmy, a Brazilian national volleyball player. Although he spoke little English, he managed to get his point across through example. We started the clinic at 3:30 p.m. and by 5:30 p.m.; he showed no signs of stopping. The team quickly found out that playing beach volleyball is much more difficult than playing on a court. We played until dark and only stopped when Iggy mentioned the time to Jimmy, but then we found out we would be having another clinic tomorrow before our match… and Jimmy would be our instructor. Although playing in the sand was a challenge, Jimmy was patient and energetic and taught us everything he could in the short amount of time we had with him.
By the time the team got back to the hotel, we were very tired. We are looking forward to a relaxing morning on the beach tomorrow before our second clinic before the game. Miss you all! We’ll have more updates later!
Tchau!
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Hi Girls,
sound like your having the time of your lives. maybe you could open your season over there like the pros do?
Keep the pictures coming
Tim
Thanks for the you tube clip it was fun to watch you play. I hope everyone took advantage of the shopping you need to bring back memories of this unbelievable trip! Good luck with the rest of the volleyball both sand and indoors! We miss you Alyssa stay safe.
Love Mom and Cassidy
HI Everyone and Coach Fred,
I’m so glad to see that you are all having so much fun. What a great experience. Good job on your match the other day. I just want to know if Fred did any shopping!!! ??? or did he just lay on the beach all day. Wish I was there. Love the pictures! Good luck on your next game. Miss you Fred. Everything is good at the ranch in case you were wondering. Be Safe
Love,
Barb
Hi Everyone!
Thanks so much for taking the time to write this blog and post all the beautiful pictures. As a Mom it is so reassuring to see that you guys are safe and having a fantastic time in Brazil!
You girls are so fortunate to have this amazing opportunity. I too, would also like to THANK the Coaches, Athletic Directors, Westfield State University and anyone else who was responsible for giving my daughter and her teammates the experience of a life time!!!
Enjoy your last couple days in Brazil…Can’t wait to see you when you get home.
Have a safe trip home!
Love,
Sharon
To See all you girls have this much fun,we think parents should also be invited ,at least as cheer leaders, which by the way we are good at…. Hope Paul lisa and Fred are having as much fun as all of you ….. ? huh lisa????Can’t wait to see and hear all about your trip. Are we having a get together at schoolwhen you all get back?? hint… till next time keep doing and having a good time. love you KERIN.. Nana and Pop Pop xxoo you too girls..