First Day of The Trip

The journey to Arao was long and took its toll on all of us, yet everyone is in good spirits and happy to be here.  There were no difficulties with flights or luggage - all was smooth sailing.  Getting on the plane in LA at midnight was toughest for the two youngest in our group, Bailey and Cameron, 9 year old siblings of Trebol players. In order to get us onto the right schedule the airline served us dinner within an hour of take-off.  That was at about 2:30am for us.  The lights stayed on through the meal to keep people awake.  Most of us were starting to doze as soon as the meal was over.  Then we tried to sleep.  The flight was full so there were no empty seats (except for the one that Tom Dieter gave up so some players could sit near each other).  We were woken at about 3am Korea time so they could serve us breakfast and we landed at around 5am.

After a short flight from Korea to Fukuoka we took a chartered bus to Arao.  Since the bus trip was an hour and a half, our new friends from Japan took us to a rest stop with shops and food about half-way to our destination.  We were able to get out and walk around in the fresh air and that was important to all of us.  We also got a chance to use some Japanese language, try the many, many vending machines and food from something like street vendors.

We had about 40 minutes to freshen up and then go to a reception at the mayors office in town.  It was a nice ceremony and official greeting.  Maudi stepped up to the plate and gave a short speech!  Then it was back to the hotel where we waited for the host families to arrive.  All the Trebol players and Sanvino players, the coaches and the families enjoyed a meal together in the hotel conference room.

I'm writing this at 7:50 pm Arao time and I am exhausted.  We have pictures to share, but right now the bed is calling me and can no longer be denied.  For those back home, we are safe and sound and the adrenaline rush is fading.  We are in good spirits and excited about the days ahead after a long nights rest!