Diary of Lauren Grice
8/25/2003 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Aug. 20, 2003
August 20th
So it is now our fifth day away from home in a foreign country where nobody speaks English. But ask anyone on the team if they're having a good time and you're sure to get a positive answer.
Our days spent here have been eventful to say the least. Who wouldn't be worn out from hours of playing soccer, eating and sleeping?
Today was our day off and what better way to enjoy it than relaxing at the beach?
Minus a three hour bus ride climbing mountains with sheer cliffs on one side and a five hour ride home due to a broken belt in the engine. We had to switch buses and then hit rush hour traffic in Sao Paulo on the way home. Despite the setback, the day was a huge success!
We saw "really attractive" people stuffed into tiny Speedos and tight spandex. We drank the milk from fresh coconuts and bought inexpensive jewelry from walking vendors. And believe it or not, we actually got in the water to jump waves.
We had intended to go to a soccer game after leaving the beach, but that was replaced by shopping, which was replaced again with sitting on the bus for a couple extra hours. If there is one thing I've really learned on this trip it's to learn to be flexible and I think that is one reason why this trip has been a success.
As a team we have made decisions and have been open to change depending on the circumstances. I look forward to see what the days ahead bring us because, as we have learned, anything is possible and you must always expect the unexpected.
