Hi Everybody,
Well, today is almost over and that is the best thing I can say about it. PHEW!!! 8 teenagers + 19 days halfway across the world from home = 1 tired team momma. (and possibly one greying 19 year old team captain.)
The RO athletes told our kids about a nearby town that had a Nike/Adidas/Puma outlet and a KFC, and our kids have been dying to go ever since. Today, Coach Zebet arranged for his driver to take Susan, Sheaffer and I to this town. Our driver arrived about, oh, 3 hours earlier than we thought he would, so we were a bit disorganized getting away. The town was only about 20 km away and it only took us a few minutes to get there, but it was very different than Orsova. Think the difference between Rabbittown and Gainesville. The town was beautiful to look at, and we really enjoyed the drive. Apparently, there is a big difference between the RO and American definitions of outlet.
Our driver/host, Pedro, and his daughter, Roxana, graciously took us to a number of stores that carried the above brands, but we couldn’t find RO soccer jerseys or any spandex for Tanner. We did manage to find a tiny bakery that had the most divine pastries and pretzels. Sheaffer and Susan went for the pretzels, but I had a fabulous, fresh-baked chocolate croissant. My mouth just waters thinking about it.
It was a good thing we had a snack, because we missed lunch at the club. The three of us went for lunch when we returned at our favorite pizza joint. They know us so well there, they just asked if were having cheeseburgers, fried chicken, or pizza. Today it was the chicken cheeseburgers. I love sitting there on the patio, sipping either a cold drink (yes! They have ice there now) or an espresso. Susan and I agree that we are beginning to feel like rich exiles. After all, a full meal with coffee or drink is only about $5, less than one Starbucks’s venti breve cappuccino.
The kids are tired of being away from home and everything familiar. They have enjoyed their visit, have made good gains in their practice, but they are ready to see something familiar. McDonald’s is the most requested site, followed by their pets and Moms. Tempers are a bit sharper than earlier in the trip, and tears seem to come easier. Still, I think everyone is looking forward to France and a bit of new scenery.
Take Care,
Marcy
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