Message from Cristina and Gelson

Hey girls,

How are you doing?

I finally posted the last pictures on the blog. I hope everyone is doing good and having a great summer. Of course, it is not going to be as good as Brazil but I guess you can have fun. :)

Enjoy the pictures. Payday.

Abraços,

Tchau!!!!!!!!!

Day 12

As memorable as it was, the trip was finally coming to a close (with only a day of travel left). As I’m sure you have read in previous entries, many new relationships were formed during the course of this past week, hopefully ones that will last a lifetime. Thinking back, I realized just how much we had managed to accomplish, both on and off the court, in what seemed like such a short 11 days.

On the court, most of our time was devoted to training and playing matches against various Brazilian volleyball teams. We started off a little rusty, as we were learning to play together as a new team. In the end we came together and finished our tour on a high note, having won our last five sets! We also had the privilege of hosting three volleyball clinics. Although we did the same drills, each clinic had its own challenges and rewards. The children varied in age and skill, sometimes making the challenge of coaching them difficult, but that much more rewarding when they learned a skill. In only a few short hours, it was amazing to see how much we had impacted each other’s lives for the better. Not only were we teaching them how to play a game, but we were able to show them that hard work and determination can help them be successful in life. On a lighter note, we were not always the ones teaching. At all the clinics, there was a station where the kids had the chance to teach us a few things. We learned all sorts of new dances ranging from scandalous booty shaking to fight dancing (called Capoeira). All of which I’m sure will come in handy one day.

Off the court, we felt like all we did was eat, sleep and ride on the bus. However, that was not the case. We went on several excursions that resulted in many photo opportunities. Of course taking pictures was never as simple as one, two, three, CHEESE! As every time we posed, the coaches had to take billions of photos. The pictures that we have will be a lasting memento of the times that we spent at: the market (bartering with boob grabbing, bum smacking salesmen), the Christ statue, the Sugar loaf (a.k.a. Candy Mountain), various food parlors (pei dei to the cook) and lastly the beach in Rio. For most of us, visiting the beach was one of the more memorable days. We spent this day bronzing/ baking our b-e-a-utiful bodies in order to prove that we had been to Brazil. We were a little disappointed by the weather in Sao Paulo so by the time we got to Rio, many of the girls were prepared to take drastic measures in order to achieve a tan. To cool off, we went swimming in the ocean. Many of us got our rumps handed to us by the waves and we have the bruises to prove it. When we grew tired of being pummeled by the MASSIVE waves, we returned to the “ridiculously good looking”, soft, white sand and soaked up some more sun.

We want to thank all of the parents for giving us this opportunity, and would also like to thank Gelson and Christina for all of their hard work on this side of the trip. It is a trip that will never be forgotten. We LOVE YOU!!!!!!

P.S. This awesome entry was written by Myrte (a.k.a doo doo) Schon. I would like to holla at my family. I love you so much!!! See you soon.


Myrte Schon

Day 11

Today had to be the best day of our entire trip. Reason being because we went to the BEACH! (but sadly our last full day in brazil) We woke up at 6:45, ate breakfast at 7:00 and were off to Leblon beach at 7:30. There was not a cloud in sight! Most of the girls started tanning at 8:00, Brooke, Jackie and Cristina went for a little run. On their “little” run they noticed some volleyball up the beach. Later on Brooke, Mike, Jelly and Jackie went to go check it out. It was a three time world champion training with her partner (1 u19 world championship and 2 u21 world championships). Her name was Barbara (20 years old) training with her partner Viviane (age 28 years old) and they were both very fit. Their practice was two players to six coaches. We watched the rest of their practice in pure amazement of their skill (it was at that moment that Mike and Jackie decided we are coming back in December to train for beach). During one of their water breaks we introduced ourselves, and we asked what their training schedule was like. This team trains every day from 8:30 to 10:30, than they follow practices with an intense conditioning circuit and then they go to the gym with their trainer. We are going back to watch them practice again tomorrow morning. (Might I add that Brooke and Jackie beat Mike and Jelly in actual beach volleyball 21 to 15)… the court might have been 9 by 8 but it was still on real sand therefore real beach volleyball!!!

Other than the large amounts of beach volleyball, we also went into the ocean with MASSIVE waves, which completely worked every one of our girls. Susie got a bleeding nose, and Cheryl was leaking salt water out of her nose for hours. But none the less it was a good time. Mike saw a MASSIVE crab in the surf! (so he claims…)

We went to another steak house tonight that was basically in another country because it was so far away. But the food was fantastic and we were not allowed dessert. And we are now very full!

It is bedtime now… 2 more sleeps till we are home with family. You are all greatly missed ( that means you mama and papa Tait!)

PS. dad you are welcome to come to BEACH volleyball Brazil 2008 coming this December! I will be there…

PPS…LOVE YOU MOM AND DAD… Jenny and Brian!

Tait out!


Jakie

Day 10

The tour has been going very good so far! We’re coming home soon but we still have many things to do here in Brazil.

Today was our first day in Rio de Janero. We visited the Christ Statue and saw the Sugar Loaf. Then after we went to the market to do some shopping! Yes parents we spent, maybe, a lot of your money, but be learned how to barder!

The Christ Statue was pretty sweet. Christina told us it’s bigger then the statue of Liberty but I’m pretty sure that’s not true. We took a train up the mountain so we would only have to walk half way. I liked that idea A LOT! When we got to the end of the train thing there was a lovely 5 flight of stairs waiting for us to climb them. From the top of the mountain you could see all of Rio. Some lady was talking and old us (well the people that she was showing around) that on the north (I think) is the rich side and on the south (I think) is the not so rich side. The view was so beautiful. On our way back we had some entertainment on the train. There were 4 guys singing and making music for money. One of them pulled up Jackie to start dancing. They got no money out of her.

The Sugar Loaf was pretty sweet. The ride up the tram or whatever you call it was a nightmare though. WIRES OF DEATH! Haha jk we made it back just fine as you can tell, I’m just afraid of those tram thingys. When I thought that traumatizing ordeal was over I found out there was another on we had to take to get to the top. But once we were there it was like being at the top of the Christ Statue. We could see all of Rio just at a different angle. We walked a little down the hill through the foliage and encountered some cute monkeys. Yes mom I was tempted to take one home, but I held back. I know it wouldn’t be the best for us. We were standing just watching one of them, and then one behind me and Tracey decides to jump onto the tree behind us. Unfortunately the branch the monkey jumped onto was too flimsy so it pretty much landed on Tracey’s shoulder. From what I hear they’re very soft creatures.

The market was pretty sweet. It was outside just on the sidewalk kind of. There were so many pretty things to buy. I had so much fun arguing with the people that were trying to sell us stuff. Myrte wanted this really nice purse but this guy wouldn’t give it to her for the price she wanted. She was arguing so much for it because he wouldn’t lower the price 2 reals. Like come on what is that! But anyway we left and saw some other shops then went back. She made a compromise. She offered what was between her asking price and his, they both agreed. Myrte left with the purse she wanted and the guy sat with content on the sale he had made.

When dinner came around none of us were too sure about what we were going to eat. We walked around the area of our hotel and eventually, with some interesting events, found the restaurant that would satisfy our appetites. We obviously ate but a surprise came when dessers came around. Tracey got a cake with trick candles and sparklers! Happy Birthday Tracey! Yes dinner was a good time. Good food, good dessert and everyone is happy J.

Miss you mumseys and can’t wait to see you when I get home. Peace sistuh!

Justine Moore J

Day 9

Today was our last day in Sao Paulo. Although it is sad to depart from the hustle of the city, we were all looking forward to the beaches (some of us more the sites) of Rio.

To start our final day we headed for the food market. However the whole team thought we were headed for a clothing /jewelry Market. So to the dismay of some and intrigue of others we wandered the halls in search of an interesting find. The market smelled of a ghastly salted meat stench that burned your nostrils, I don’t think anyone was in the meat section for long. Most of us spent our time treating the exotic fruits. I had a personal insight into the way a hot dog can be eaten. For lunch I went to one of the restaurants inside the market and received a hotdog on a toasted bun covered with mayo, mashed potatoes and chips. It looked horrible but the hot dog tasted great. After much time spent in the market we headed to the outdoor shops on the street where sandals and purses were purchased.

When the time came we headed to the airport where we checked in and did the yadayada and arrived in Rio. Cool story from me while in the airport. We were rushing to the gate when some of us had to pee, so we all went to the washroom. I put my ticket down on my bag and did my business. However I forgot it when I left and when I returned to the stall to retrieve it I waited ten minutes for a women to leave the stall!!!

So now in Rio we dropped Tasha off and went to our next hotel which is exactly the same as the first.

Love to my friends and family letting you know I am having a better time than you ;)

Cheryl Windhorst

Day 8

The day today started off good just because we got to sleep into 9:00. All of us definitely liked the sleeping in. After breakfast, we drove to another park, where we had a lot of fun. Once again we were tanning in the winter, we got some funny looks but it was hot to us! Some people didn’t put on sunscreen and paid for it later with harsh sunburns. But I am smart and used sunscreen. Unfortunately I missed putting on sunscreen in a spot and got a random burn. At the park we also played some beach volleyball. I’m not gonna lie to you, it got pretty intense.

After the park we stopped at the grocery store and Gelson and Christina got us some delicious sandwiches. We then drove to our last game in Brazil. We played against Hebraica and we won all of our games! Over all of our games we have greatly improved and finally showed it today. We were all really glad that we could end our playing by winning. It felt like we had finally come together and were able to work as a team. Playing volleyball in Brazil was such a great experience and I think that everyone improved in at least one skill area. I think I can say for all of us that we would like to come back and play again some day.

After our game, we went back to the hotel and actually had enough time to shower and get ready to go out for dinner. Dinner was one of the best so far on the trip in my opinion. We went out for Japanese food. All the food was delicious and there was so much of it! We ate as much as we could, but there was still quite a lot left. I normally wouldn’t try as much food as I did, but I did and found that I really liked it.



Tomorrow is our last day in Sao Paullo. Although we are really going to miss it, we are really looking forward to Rio where we can lie on the beach all day long!

Hi Family!! Love you and miss you!!




Chelsea Wand

Day 7

We started off the day with another early wake up call at about 6:45am. We hopped on the bus and drove about 20 minutes to our next camp. Today’s camp was different from the other two because we were working with older girls that were from ages 12-14 and it was just as fun. Their skill level was higher than we were used to and that allowed us to further challenge them. At the end of the camp, we handed out mini volleyballs to everyone and jackets to the two birthday girls. For the next 15 minutes we signed the girls’ volleyballs and the shirts on their backs. It was so good to see them so happy to have us at their school helping them.

Once we got back to the hotel, we walked across the street to the mall and ate our first recognized meal; subway. As always, it was so good. After we ate we headed back to the hotel and got on the bus and headed to the park. When we arrived, we found a patch of grass, and even though it’s winter, layed in the sun to tan. We had some good experiences seeing a lot of people showing their “public display of affection”.. or as we like to call it, “fighting.” We also saw some interesting people dancing around with the birds, and circus performers who were practicing in the park. Then we walked around the park, with a stray dog following us the entire way, and then got back on the bus and went back to the hotel to eat some dinner.


I would also like to tell my mom and dad I miss and love them. xoxo


Christa Waddington