And home is where I am! Finished my trip with hiking, a wine tour in the Hunter Valley, some fabulous dinners out with friends and a good old fashioned, backyard barbeque for Kim's birthday (not me...the other one!). A few pics are posted below. Oh, and there was the whole getting robbed thing, but we'll just try and forget that portion of the program.
A final thank you to CheapAz Travel in St. Kilda for being sooooo helpful to Vicki and I while we were there...you two are bloody hilarious! To the staff at the Capitol Hotel who helped me out when I had my brush with the Sydney underworld, my trip would have surely ended on a far more sour note without all of you. And most of all to the Amazons and the Chorney entourage for making this a very memorable trip indeed! You are focusing awesome :-)!
Final kisses from the Red Baron...off to sleep in my very own bed again!
XO
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Now What?
It's been a bit of an emotional ride, getting to the end of the Worlds, having won a medal, but nevertheless coming to the end of something that we were all working on and planning for for the last couple years. It left me with a distinct feeling of 'Now What?' All of that spare energy spent preparing is now available for...something else.
For now, I'm decompressing and relaxing in Clifton Beach, near Cairns. We're in tropical barrier reef land, and it's hot! Our 'Tropical Homestead' vacation home is beautiful and spacious. All of the girls who stayed with us in Ingleburn will appreciate that there is a dishwasher, a full-sized refrigerator, lots of towels, two showers and one bathtub, and a bedroom for everyone. In fact--Kim, if you're still looking for a place to stay, you should fly up here--we have a guest house that is currently sitting empty, with its very own wine rack, bathroom/shower (not included in the bathroom/shower listing mentioned previously) and a queen sized bed! All in its own separate building on the property. Might be just what the doctor ordered. Currently 29 degrees, slightly windy and sunny. Lovely.
Amazon out.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Oh, and as for the other teams...
If anyone cares how the rest of the tournament shook out--Brazil did end up winning gold in three games (of five) against the Funky Moas from New Zealand. I can honestly say that they were the better teams, and while we held our own against both of them (and only lost by three points in one of our games against Brazil), we truly were the third best team there. And we got third place. I'm very happy with our standings. And very VERY happy to have played with such a great team of fantastic women. I love you guys!
Amazons Win Bronze!!
At noon today, we started the bronze medal match. We were lined up against a team from Manly, the first team that we played in the tournament. We lost to them in three games on Thursday, while we were trying to get to know each other on the court. Having now gelled, we were ready for them. We completely dominated the court in the first set, winning 25-12. We kind of fell apart in the second set, and ended up losing that game. I figure we do that just to keep things interesting. How boring would it be to just win in two games??
We headed into the third match swinging (loud cheers, singing and huge support from the bench, several Australian men and several Canadians from upper age divisions), and again, just to keep things interesting, once we got to 9-2, we missed three serves in a row (yay, me, Lori and TJ!!). We stayed strong in spite of that though, and finished the game, 15-7. And we had won the bronze medal!!
It was pretty emotional to have come all this way and work so hard, and squeak into a playoff spot with so little room to spare, and to come home with a medal! One of the Manly girls (strangely) started to sing Oh! Canada when we were getting photos taken, so we ended up singing the whole anthem (well, not me, because I can't sing the anthem without getting choked up, and since I was already choked up, there was no hope) after our win.
I wimped out going to the closing ceremonies, because it would have meant another three hours on the train (we're staying WAY far from downtown), and believe it or don't, I'm TIRED. Most of the girls are still out, and I'm sure we'll hear lots of great stories about their adventures. Hopefully some of them will be appropriate enough to share on the blog.
There are many many many more pictures to be seen, and we will post them when we can. For now, anyone who is interested can look at professional photos on-line. They're posted until October 30. Go to www.melbastudios.com.au, click on Sydney 2009 World Masters Games, Volleyball icon, then Womens 35+, and you'll see shots of us in action.
Time for bed. Amazon out.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Crossover Day--*SQUEAK!!*
I'll spare the suspense and say right off the bat--we're in the bronze medal match tomorrow (Oct. 18) at noon our time (Oct. 17 at 7PM Saskatchewan time; 6PM Vancouver time). Think of us!
Today we played three games in the crossover round robin--so we played the top ranked teams in the other pool today. We were starting from behind the eight ball, since even though we were 2nd in our pool, the other two teams that advanced with us had beaten us, and since you bring your points with you, we were starting off with two losses. We won the first game (against an Australian team) fairly handily. The next game, we were matched up against Brazil, the tournament favourite, and a team well-known for being very talented volleyball players. We had a slow start in the first game and lost quite handily, but the next game we gave them a great run, and took them to 22 points (and then we lost). Fantastic game, though. They actually had to sweat!
The last game of the day was an easier go, although we couldn't always pull it together, and ended up giving them too many points. We won in two games, and then when all point calculations were counted, we were BARELY in fourth place. But close only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades--fourth place is fourth place, so we are in the bronze medal match tomorrow. We play against the team we lost to in three games at the very beginning of the tournament. We can TOTALLY BEAT THEM!! We have really gelled well, and we will be a different team when they meet us this time.
Very tired, but very determined to come home with a medal. We'll keep you posted!
Today we played three games in the crossover round robin--so we played the top ranked teams in the other pool today. We were starting from behind the eight ball, since even though we were 2nd in our pool, the other two teams that advanced with us had beaten us, and since you bring your points with you, we were starting off with two losses. We won the first game (against an Australian team) fairly handily. The next game, we were matched up against Brazil, the tournament favourite, and a team well-known for being very talented volleyball players. We had a slow start in the first game and lost quite handily, but the next game we gave them a great run, and took them to 22 points (and then we lost). Fantastic game, though. They actually had to sweat!
The last game of the day was an easier go, although we couldn't always pull it together, and ended up giving them too many points. We won in two games, and then when all point calculations were counted, we were BARELY in fourth place. But close only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades--fourth place is fourth place, so we are in the bronze medal match tomorrow. We play against the team we lost to in three games at the very beginning of the tournament. We can TOTALLY BEAT THEM!! We have really gelled well, and we will be a different team when they meet us this time.
Very tired, but very determined to come home with a medal. We'll keep you posted!
Friday, October 16, 2009
2nd in our pool!!!
In spite of our rough start to the games, losing our first two matches, as Lori mentioned, we did move on to completely dominate the next team, which had us on the upswing for our last match of the round robin. This was the one that would determine our placing, so we needed to win. We started off well, although it was a close game, and ended up having to play catch-up for the last few points, winning 26-24. The second game of the match started much better--we pulled ahead easily, played really really well, and took the game 25-17 (or something like that).
First statement: FINALLY, after FOUR matches, we have gelled! As Kelly says, "NOW, I recognize this team!" We're playing like we can, which is a relief.
Second statement: It was touch and go whether we would advance to the higher ranked pool or not, since we were 2-2, and the top three teams advance to the higher pool and the bottom two teams go to the lower one. Mom and Lori checked out the results and came back looking crestfallen. Turns out there was a tie three ways for second place, and when they figured out our wins and points, we came...SECOND! Mom and Lori put on the sad faces just to stress us out. Lovely surprise to come in second place after starting off losing our first two matches.
So tomorrow we have to play a cross-over round robin, where we play the three top-ranked teams in the other pool. There's at least one tough team in that pool--Brazil is big and strong. But so are we! We play at 9AM, and then again at 12:45 and 3:15. Another full day of hard games.
They have massage therapists on site for $10 for 10 minutes. My 20 minute massage today between games was a VERY good choice. I may have to do that again tomorrow.
Back on the home front, Daniel is traveling very well, and Eugene is holding down the fort at home, doing the 'wave' in the bleachers (all by himself) and then heading home early to make supper for the team. We have had lovely meals hot and ready for us when we get home from play, which has been fantastic.
Currently, we're sitting around after supper sampling hibiscus flowers in sparkling wine, followed by mango sparkling wine, a la Lori (from a winery up by Cairns). Delish. Early to bed tonight, for early games tomorrow.
Go, team!
First statement: FINALLY, after FOUR matches, we have gelled! As Kelly says, "NOW, I recognize this team!" We're playing like we can, which is a relief.
Second statement: It was touch and go whether we would advance to the higher ranked pool or not, since we were 2-2, and the top three teams advance to the higher pool and the bottom two teams go to the lower one. Mom and Lori checked out the results and came back looking crestfallen. Turns out there was a tie three ways for second place, and when they figured out our wins and points, we came...SECOND! Mom and Lori put on the sad faces just to stress us out. Lovely surprise to come in second place after starting off losing our first two matches.
So tomorrow we have to play a cross-over round robin, where we play the three top-ranked teams in the other pool. There's at least one tough team in that pool--Brazil is big and strong. But so are we! We play at 9AM, and then again at 12:45 and 3:15. Another full day of hard games.
They have massage therapists on site for $10 for 10 minutes. My 20 minute massage today between games was a VERY good choice. I may have to do that again tomorrow.
Back on the home front, Daniel is traveling very well, and Eugene is holding down the fort at home, doing the 'wave' in the bleachers (all by himself) and then heading home early to make supper for the team. We have had lovely meals hot and ready for us when we get home from play, which has been fantastic.
Currently, we're sitting around after supper sampling hibiscus flowers in sparkling wine, followed by mango sparkling wine, a la Lori (from a winery up by Cairns). Delish. Early to bed tonight, for early games tomorrow.
Go, team!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Hello all,
This morning was a very tough game. We played very very well, but just couldn't seem to finish through to a win. It was very good and we still felt good about how we played. We did our "duties" and had to minor officiate the next match and then headed to play our second match of the day. We came out with all pistons firing. We beat the team 25-8 and 25-6. We were pretty pumped. Our first match win of the games. We play again right away and we will see where we stand. We must win this one to place well. Love to everyone at home and we will try our hardest to bring home something other than fatigue.....:)
This morning was a very tough game. We played very very well, but just couldn't seem to finish through to a win. It was very good and we still felt good about how we played. We did our "duties" and had to minor officiate the next match and then headed to play our second match of the day. We came out with all pistons firing. We beat the team 25-8 and 25-6. We were pretty pumped. Our first match win of the games. We play again right away and we will see where we stand. We must win this one to place well. Love to everyone at home and we will try our hardest to bring home something other than fatigue.....:)
Finally...a game!
Well...we finally hit the court! Won the first game, but went down swinging in three. First team was a group from Manly Beach...nice ladies on the whole and we all went for a beer after. Watched a couple of the mens games (Canada won their games...yeah!).
Three games tomorrow, hopefully with better results :-).
The Red Baron
Three games tomorrow, hopefully with better results :-).
The Red Baron
Sunday, October 11, 2009
First Days in Sydney
Well...Vicki and I arrived back in Sydney a few days ago after a few airport fiascos. We didn't get to the house until 1 am, however if we'd actually arrived on time we would have been absolutely soaked in a rainstorm that had come through earlier. Oh, I forgot to mention that our plane was struck by lightening on the way into Melbourne. Gosh I love flying...
Day 1 was spent at the aquarium which was pretty cool. I spent yesterday finally getting the rest of my uniform (think they might have noticed if I was playing with no shorts???) and was thrilled that I finally found a new pair of vball shoes! Then I walked back into Chinatown and consumed a delicious meal of vaguely recognizable seafood, spicy coconut broth and noodles. Yum! Wandered through the biggest market I've ever seen (take everything on Granville Island and put it under one roof the size of a city block. They're closed on Mondays and Tuesdays so at the end of the day, in the food section, there was frantic shouting in various asian dialects as the vendors tried to unload everything.
I then went out to the neighbourhood that Sherry was staying in when I first came down to meet up with her to travel for a few weeks all those years ago (holy crap...it's been 20 years!). Glebe is a backpacker mecca that's full of young travellers, cafes and restaurants...oh my God the restaurants! Everything was there...Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Morrocan, French, Italian and on and on. This was also the place that I met my beloved Bill. Bill, I tried to call to share the moment, but the damn pay phones were not cooperating!
Off to do a giant walk through many of Sydney's parks and then off to the Mikado at the Opera House tonight.
All of the Amazons have now arrived with Deb and her husband arriving just a few hours ago. Everyone is off doing there own thing today and there seems to be something missing...oh yeah...I think we play volleyball sometime soon!
Kisses from Kimbo
XXXXXX
St. Andrews
City hall clock
St. Andrews (there's one in every city!)
Da dun...da dun...dun dun dun dun dun!!!!!!
Lion fish
Sea horses
Sea dragon...it really does look like a dragon!
Related to the manatee, I think this is called a danedong
Little ray with a very long tail!
See through fish are cool!
Who's watching who?
Path created for the olympic games
Don't know if this will be readable, but it's at the foot of the multicoloured path that was put in for the olympic games.
Five of nine
Day 1 was spent at the aquarium which was pretty cool. I spent yesterday finally getting the rest of my uniform (think they might have noticed if I was playing with no shorts???) and was thrilled that I finally found a new pair of vball shoes! Then I walked back into Chinatown and consumed a delicious meal of vaguely recognizable seafood, spicy coconut broth and noodles. Yum! Wandered through the biggest market I've ever seen (take everything on Granville Island and put it under one roof the size of a city block. They're closed on Mondays and Tuesdays so at the end of the day, in the food section, there was frantic shouting in various asian dialects as the vendors tried to unload everything.
I then went out to the neighbourhood that Sherry was staying in when I first came down to meet up with her to travel for a few weeks all those years ago (holy crap...it's been 20 years!). Glebe is a backpacker mecca that's full of young travellers, cafes and restaurants...oh my God the restaurants! Everything was there...Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Morrocan, French, Italian and on and on. This was also the place that I met my beloved Bill. Bill, I tried to call to share the moment, but the damn pay phones were not cooperating!
Off to do a giant walk through many of Sydney's parks and then off to the Mikado at the Opera House tonight.
All of the Amazons have now arrived with Deb and her husband arriving just a few hours ago. Everyone is off doing there own thing today and there seems to be something missing...oh yeah...I think we play volleyball sometime soon!
Kisses from Kimbo
XXXXXX
St. Andrews
City hall clock
St. Andrews (there's one in every city!)
Da dun...da dun...dun dun dun dun dun!!!!!!
Lion fish
Sea horses
Sea dragon...it really does look like a dragon!
Related to the manatee, I think this is called a danedong
Little ray with a very long tail!
See through fish are cool!
Who's watching who?
Path created for the olympic games
Don't know if this will be readable, but it's at the foot of the multicoloured path that was put in for the olympic games.
Five of nine
8 down under, 1 to go!
As of Sunday afternoon, we have connected with the three Amazons who were touring elsewhere in Oz. Ran into TJ trying to hail a cab at the train station on our way back from downtown, and then Lori and Char walked around the corner holding coffees. So we briefly found each other before they took off to get accredited/register and we went shopping for groceries (and 6 bottles of wine--buy 6, get 30% off! 2 bubbles, 2 whites, 2 reds). It's currently 10PM, and Kim has been out on her own all day (resetting with some quiet time...or booking into a hotel so she doesn't have to put up with us anymore, one of the two), TJ, Lori and Char are still out, presumably at opening ceremonies, and the rest of us are off to bed.
Tomorrow, we're heading for the Taronga Zoo in the morning, and then getting ready to go to the Mikado at the Sydney Opera House. With one hour of travel each way to get downtown, we have to allow a lot of time for train travel (although the trains are very pleasant--fast, comfy and clean).
The team has also been humouring my urges to cook strange things--I raided the fish market today and brought home kingfish, fresh sardines and mackerel steaks. No one is too chuffed about the sardines, but I'm glad I got to throw some on the grill. With a Semillon Sauvignon Blanc from the Barossa Valley, it was quite enjoyable.
We're also hoping to arrange some practice time for the team before we start playing on the 15th. Hopefully that can happen at some point. Would be nice for us to get our hands on the ball and see if we can play as a team, before we head into competition. Kelly says he can feel us starting to get pumped as everyone arrives. I know I am!
Tomorrow, we're heading for the Taronga Zoo in the morning, and then getting ready to go to the Mikado at the Sydney Opera House. With one hour of travel each way to get downtown, we have to allow a lot of time for train travel (although the trains are very pleasant--fast, comfy and clean).
The team has also been humouring my urges to cook strange things--I raided the fish market today and brought home kingfish, fresh sardines and mackerel steaks. No one is too chuffed about the sardines, but I'm glad I got to throw some on the grill. With a Semillon Sauvignon Blanc from the Barossa Valley, it was quite enjoyable.
We're also hoping to arrange some practice time for the team before we start playing on the 15th. Hopefully that can happen at some point. Would be nice for us to get our hands on the ball and see if we can play as a team, before we head into competition. Kelly says he can feel us starting to get pumped as everyone arrives. I know I am!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Gorneys and entourage arrived at 42 Albert
We have successfully arrived at our house in the 'burbs, after having successfully met Terra and Therese at the airport. So we have three of the Amazons in one place; three are apparently arriving on Sunday (TJ, Lori, Char), and two others heading back at an undetermined time (Kim and Vicki).
Wifi is hooked up at the house, our phone is functional as of 11:30 this morning, and while I was putting Daniel down for a nap (although he thinks it's nighttime and is expecting to go down for the night) and then had a lovely bath in the two-person soaker tub. After 14 hours of air travel, all I can say is Ahhhhhhhhh. Soooo gooooood.
We've got a grocery store, restaurants, etc., 10 minutes walk away (hence the shopping cart charmingly parked outside our rental property), and now have some food (and beer and wine) to have for lunch. Speaking of which--I'm starving. Gotta go!
More pics...
Mmmm...leaves!
Awesome spot to have really, really big hair!
I'm sure there are pirates in there!
Ooooohhh....ahhhhh...
No doing anything...
Twelve apostles...but only six of them...doh!
More apostles...
No kidding
Rain Forest
My boyfriends car
Coastline trees
Kookaburra
Baretta bird
I swear he's belching (he ate a LOT of leaves while I was taking pics)
Awwwww...kissing cockatoos!
Sleeping
King parrot
more...
No...it didn't poop
That's all for today folks~! Off to Sydney now.
Love from the Red Baron
XXXOOO
Penguins Accomplished!
Well Vicki and I sought and found the aforementioned penguins (damn they're cute) and today spent a great day out on the Great Ocean Road. Lots of pics, but no time tonight to download.
When is everyone arriving at the house? Please advise asap as I don't want to high tail it back to Sydney if nobody is there!
The Red Baron
When is everyone arriving at the house? Please advise asap as I don't want to high tail it back to Sydney if nobody is there!
The Red Baron
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Yes Noelle,
You should panic. I was not able to find any. Just wear black shorts and it should all be good. Tj Char and I are in Cairns right now and we are heading down to Airlie today with stops at Josephine Falls, Mission BEach, and Paranella Park. We survived the Bates motel here and have a few stories to tell later as a result. Needless to say. It was no 5 Star hotel. See you all on sunday.... Looks like I will have a technical meeting to attend at some point. Not sure. just getting the details. See youse guys later :0
Lori
You should panic. I was not able to find any. Just wear black shorts and it should all be good. Tj Char and I are in Cairns right now and we are heading down to Airlie today with stops at Josephine Falls, Mission BEach, and Paranella Park. We survived the Bates motel here and have a few stories to tell later as a result. Needless to say. It was no 5 Star hotel. See you all on sunday.... Looks like I will have a technical meeting to attend at some point. Not sure. just getting the details. See youse guys later :0
Lori
Touring the Inland Empire
We arrived safely in Los Angeles yesterday, and have been touring around Claremont and Redlands, visiting the San Bernardino County Museum, where I've been working for the past few years, seeing old friends, eating great Italian and Mexican food. I got more than 2 hours' sleep last night (unlike the night before), but not enough. We leave tonight at 10:35, so not yet enough sleep. On to Australia!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Arrived safe and sound!
Vicki and I arrived in Sydney this morning and then flew right back out. Air Canada held us hostage while they sprayed the planes interior with an insecticide...really, there are noooo health risks with THAT at all.
Day one was spent in Melbourne and currently, we're in St. Kilda at a "charming" little hostel. Yikes! We're going penguin hunting tomorrow. Aiming to arrive back in Sydney on the 9th.
You'll come a waltzing Matilda with me...
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