The last few days have been a whirlwind and I haven't been connected to the internet because of traveling and they don't have free wireless here (which I take for granted in the US). So now it is time to do some updating.
Sat. 11/26 - I had a little bit of time before the women's final and since I had packed my tennis racquet too, I went over to the tennis club and played in a round robin. It was really fun and I got to play on the astrocourts which play like clay but have great footing and the ball stays a bit lower. Had a great time.
The women's croquet final lasted 6 hours with the 22 year old Brit, Rachel Rowe outlasting Jenny Clarke of NZ in 5 games. Rachel had such terrific placement on her shots, that Jenny had to keep trying to knock her out of position from incredible distances. The concentration and mental endurance was remarkable, not to mention that it continued to be incredibly windy as it had been the entire tournament.
The Egyptian Team watching the finals.
Right after the final, everyone rushed back to get changed for the Closing Ceremony and Awards Banquet. We each received a medal for competing and a gift of a beautiful paperweight with a New Zealand symbol inside of it. I had an early flight to Auckland to catch in the morning, so I had to say my goodbyes and go back to pack. After spending more than a week together, our entire group from the referees, to the volunteers, to the players had formed a really neat bond.
The Aussie team heading into the Awards Banquet
Amir Ramsis, the WCF President announced that the next Women's Worlds will be held in Cairo, Egypt (I believe it will be in 2013).
Sunday, 11/27/11 - Instead of taking the bus back to Auckland which would have been a 3 1/2 hour trip, I took a flight from Tauranga to Auckland (just 35 minutes) and it was very scenic.
Auckland is an awesome city! It is modern and clean and the harbor is just beautiful. After finding a place to stow my things, I roamed around the city for hours. It was an absolutely beautiful day and they were also having their Christmas parade down Queen's Street, the main street in the city. Interestingly, throughout the country I didn't see a lot of Christmas decorations like I would in the US. The parade was really the only thing that made me realize we are in the holiday season.
Downtown Auckland
These girls were so cute hanging out down at the port.
That evening, I took a ferry across the harbor to Devonport, which is a very cute little town. I met up with Emily and Paul (friends of friends of mine from Vermont) who are now permanent residents in NZ.
The next day Emily took me on a tour and a little hike to see the sights.
Paul and Emily
Beautiful beach in Devonport.
Monday, Nov. 28th - Flew from Auckland to Los Angeles and have a red-eye tonight to Fort Lauderdale. Because of crossing the international date line, I get to live Monday twice (just like the movie Groundhog's day).
It has been an amazing trip!
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