VARSITY ATHLETICS

August 21, 2007

LIFE ON AN ISLAND AND A BOAT

By Steve Martin – Sophomore Forward – Bedford, OH (St. Peter Chanel)
Tuesday, August 21, 2007

I was informed yesterday that I would be the one writing the next blog. It came in the middle of a heated pool tournament in which the team of Coach Todd and I lost in the championship. I was having the time of my life here in Brazil without even knowing it.

Traveling out of the country was something that I never imagined would happen to me. We arrived yesterday on a private island by way of boat. I had a lot of time to think on the hour boat ride. The trip began with a few interesting games with international competition. That was an experience in itself. Playing under different rules and circumstances, such as an extended key, courts with many confusing lines, a different shot clock, and a game officiated different than ones in the States. Overall it was a great way for our team to come together before the season just as I thought.

Our team grows closer together as the days go on. Along with being out of the country for the first time, I surfed for the first time. That was a lot of fun. That day began with a trip to a beach that was near by our hotel in Guaruja. The beach was beautiful and it was a beautiful day. I was nervous about surfing at first but excitement began to build inside me. There was a surfing school on the beach who taught us the basics of surfing in a couple minutes. The concept wasn’t that hard to grasp. You would lie on your stomach, push yourself up, and then balance yourself on the board. I’m sure that sounds easy but as the saying goes, “it’s easier said than done.” Nevertheless I had a ton of fun. Not too much success surfing, but I had great success having fun.

On another day we went snorkeling, another first for me. Once again nervous energy was inside of me. We were on the boat half of the day by the time we got to the snorkeling site. There were plenty opportunities for me to jump in the ocean before then with my teammates, but of course I made excuses to avoid jumping. The time finally came for us to jump in and I had to man-up and jump in especially if Anthony Durr was going to. Well there we were swimming with the fishes and anything else swimming in the ocean.

So here we are, on a private island. It feels as if we are superstars. We have a beach to ourselves that include kayaks. We can swim anytime we want and we were provided with more opportunities to snorkel. We took every opportunity available also. Yesterday we split up. Some went snorkeling, some on a hike, and the rest kayaked. It was a fun day that ended with our first annual pool tournament. Today we took another boat ride to a beach. We took a hike through the woods that took about an hour and a half both ways. I’m not a big nature guy, but it was a great way to get the blood flowing for the day. A cold front came through which made everyone very chilly. The boat ride was very breezy, but relaxing. On our way back to the island we stopped to snorkel again. Less than half of us went today because it was so cold. When we got back we had another great meal including some very tender steak, chicken, fish, rice, beans, and salad. The food here is unbelievable.

Well we head to Rio for some tourist activities tomorrow. I think I speak for the team when I say that I am highly anticipating the trip to Rio. Well good things come to an end at some point, but great is one of many words I will use to describe this trip. For now it’s back to the pool table.

FIVE QUESTIONS WITH ANGIE AND LIZ...
Angie is Coach McDonnells’ wife and Liz is his mother-in-law.

1) What is it like being the only two women traveling with 17 men?
“It’s great. The looks that you get walking around Brazil are unbelievable because the guys are so tall and handsome.”-Liz

2) We have heard throughout all the blogs how great and plentiful the food has been. Have you gained a lot of weight eating three full meals a day for 11 straight days?
“For starters, never ask that question to a woman. However, since I am eating like a 6’5” college basketball player, of course I have gained weight.”-Angie

3) Who is your favorite Spartan travel partner to date and why?
“All of the guys have been complete gentlemen. Wild man Steve Young has certainly made an impression. He is so outgoing and his singing has awoken me plenty of times during this trip.”-Liz

4) If you were to come back to Brazil where would you return?
“Not Santos where the fans, players, coaches, and referees were all crazy, so I would definitely say Paraty. I liked the historic feel and friendly people. Even though there was no beach, I enjoyed walking around looking into the shops and restaurants.”-Angie

5) What do you think about the private island we are on and your bungalows overlooking the ocean?
“I’m disappointed we have not run into any 90-pound gorillas…just joking. This is one of the most beautiful and secluded places I have ever been.”-Angie.
“If someone were to tell me two months ago that I would be sleeping 10 feet from the ocean in Brazil I would have not believed him. I am I thinking about retiring here.”-Liz

Posted by: Creg Jantz August 21, 2007 08:24 PM | Category: Brazil

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