Monday, June 15, 2009

Up and Rolling

So despite some missed flights and detours everyone made it to Miami and we ended up leaving MIA around 2:00 a.m. Me, Newby, Wheeler, Odie, Timo, and Burgler got bumped to first class. We had reclining chair/beds…shrimp, lamb medallions, grilled chicken, sundaes and probably some other good stuff I forgot. I slept the whole time and the others watched movies and game film. The rest of the team and staff were in the back and we’re not real sure how their rides were J. We landed in Rio close to noon on Saturday. The whole customs process was pretty quick and the people helped get us through quick. Everyone’s chairs got here in one piece. Flea’s luggage didn’t show up so that was the only real drama, good thing he had an extra Jay back on his day chair that Sue swapped out for him.

We loaded all the equipment in an old beater Mercedes van and piled into a bus. The ride from the airport to the facility was an eye-opening experience. We passed through shanty towns and places none of us could imagine living in. Saw packs of dog gangs, at least a dozen soccer games going on, people passing in shoulders, everything was green and tropical. When we got to the facility the first thing we noticed was the crazy triple switchback ramp going from the dorms to the court. It’s so ridiculous that they have a van carrying people all day from bottom to top, of course we’ve all scaled it a few times. The rooms work, we have four or five guys to a room. The first night we had quite an ant population and even a leach. The meals are all the same but they get us fed, if black beans and rice weren’t your thing….they are now. Thanks G for stressing the “fill your bags with food.” We pushed a bit Saturday night before bed and it was all good, no damaged equipment.

Sunday was devoted to helping some of the developing teams out with their game. Argentina and Brazil can get it going but I think Columbia found us most beneficial. Troy instructed and Gabe was the hands-on translator. Seven of us were classified with a couple possible advantageous outcomes in the works. It was a half day event but in the end we had some newly educated international classifiers. We practiced for a couple of hours and then lineups looked better than ever. GB has a few paralympians here but we will definitely be a force. Flea’s luggage showed up and he was like a giddy little school girl. The nights have been real chilly so several of us purchased some sick Brazilian Rugby jackets.

This morning we started the day with opening ceremonies and a gift exchange. It was nice but long since the star spangled banner was the quickest of the anthems. The South American countries’ anthems were upbeat and really different. John Bishop gave a speech and was recognized for being a big part of the IWRF. His work and advocacy for the sport is why rugby is growing so fast. Well more updates to come…gonna go grab lunch and a nap before we play Columbia at 5:00.

P.S.- Not a cloud in the sky and in the 80s…nice winter!

Lando, Trav, Burgler

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