Home At Last

I landed in Pensacola yesterday around 11:30. Scott was there to meet me, but as predicted, my luggage wasn't. The last I had seen of them, was in customs at JFK, as I rushed in hopes of catching the flight. Delta said they would be delivered to my house last night. Sure enough when I woke up this morning they were on my front porch. I finally made it to Santa Rosa Beach around 1:30. Needless to say, my dogs were beside themselves when I came in. Mom did a great job with them. I never would have been able to relax and have such a great time, if I wasn't sure "the girls" were being well taken care of. I slept a solid 9 hours last night, and woke up this morning excited at the thought of going to work. Sounds crazy, doesn't it? I was so looking forward to being on the court again and getting back into a routine. I had a great morning of lessons, and a good hit with Everett this afternoon. Mind you, it's been almost 2 weeks since I'd hit a ball. My legs were a little shaky at first, but the more I was out there the better I felt. Each day I'll continue to feel more settled and off my high. I've already started thinking about my next tournament and what I need to do to prepare. I'll be going to Philadelphia to play the grass court nationals in July. Phil and Renee have also already started to plan what I need to do to get ready. The response to this blog has been unbelievable. So much so, that I intend to keep it going so everyone can follow my progress with the upcoming tournaments through the rest of this year. Check back periodically and I'll be updating. Thanks again to everyone!

Looks Like I Made It!

I'm in Atlanta waiting for my 11 flight to Pensacola. Three days after starting my journey home, it looks like I'm going to finally make it. I haven't slept much the past few days, so I know it'll be catching up with me. I've been able to finally start posting some pictures from my trip. Scroll down below the posts to see some of them. Thanks again to all of you who have been following my trip, commenting and giving me your support. It's meant the world to me. Looking forward to sharing more with you! Enjoy the pictures. And for those who keep asking who Phil is....there's a picture below from Managvat....

The Saga Continues

Tonight I'm in hotel compliments of Delta Airlines. This time I'm in New York City. I left Athens on time, landed ten and a half hours later, on time in NYC. We sat on the runway once we landed for over 45 minutes. By the time I made it through customs, my flight to Atlanta was long gone. Delta had already re booked me for tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. to get to Atlanta, then on to Pensacola by noon. I'm just so tired. I know these things can happen when travelling. I'm glad it's all happening on this end of my journey rather than the beginning. I'm still dreaming of my own bed and shower. Tomorrow night for sure!

Trying Again

I'm up early and ready to try to come home again. Some things I'm most looking forward to in no particular order:

• showering in my own shower
• sleeping in my own bed
• drinks with ice whenever I want
• kisses from my dogs
• of course hugs and kisses from my Mom too
• of course hugs and kisses from everyone else too
• seeing Lance run circles when he sees me
• hitting the tennis ball
• riding my bike
• reading the newspaper
• television in English (thank goodness for the BBC)
• sitting on my back porch
• driving my car
• getting back into a routine
• knowing exactly what time it is when I think about calling someone
• using my washer and dryer instead of hand washing in the sink
• getting my hair cut and nails done
• eating at La Paz
• eating identifiable foods, especially meats

The Best Laid Plans....

Here I sit at a beautiful beach hotel in Athens, compliments of Olympic Airlines. I got to the airport in Rhodes nice and early today as planned by taxi. We were a little late boarding our flight to Athens, but no worries because I had a good 90 minutes in Athens before catching my Delta flight to JFK. For some unknown reason we sat on the runway in Rhodes for over an hour before finally departing. The hour long flight landed in Athens and I sprinted to the Delta counter, as I needed to get my boarding pass. There were already a couple of other passengers, not from my flight, at the counter. I heard the agent telling them it was too late to catch the flight. UGH! I went to the Delta ticket office, where I learned there were no other flights I could get today and that my ticket would be reissued to leave on the same flight tomorrow. Since Olympic Airlines was responsible for the flight delay, and causing the missed flight, they arranged a hotel and meal voucher at a hotel on the beach in Athens, about 30 minutes from the airport. The adventurist in me said, "cool, now you can take the afternoon and check out the sights of Athens". The realist in me said, "cool, now you can relax by the pool, read, rest and get ready to leave again tomorrow". I'll let you decide for yourself which option I chose. HOPEFULLY I will be arriving in Pensacola late tomorrow night. Scott Harrison will take me back to Destin on Monday morning. I am disappointed to be missing Mother's Day with my Mom, but we'll just have it on Monday instead. I'll try to post again along the way home tomorrow. If not, I'll let you know when I'm safely home again.

Some Final Thoughts

My last night in Rhodes. I just returned from a late dinner with Eleas in Old Town. Or should I say feast. It was just the two of us. I met him at his shop at 9:30 pm, and again for those who know me well, that might as well be 3 in the morning. We went to a great little spot and he asked what I wanted. I hadn't had moussaka yet, so that's what I requested. Little did I know before the moussaka arrived there would be Greek salad, garlic bread, meatballs, saganaki (fried cheese),tatziki, stuffed mushrooms, wine, and then moussaka. Probabaly more food than I've consumed in the last week combined! Needless to say it was all wonderful. The atmosphere, the company, the conversation....it was all just great. I waddled out, hopped on the back of his motor bike for a ride back to my hotel. I insisted on taking a taxi to the airport tomorrow, which he very reluctantly agreed to let me do. I promised I'd let him know if I had any problems. We said our goodbyes, wistfully for me, and away he went. Again, these are memories of a lifetime for me. I'm all packed and ready to head home.

Back in Rhodes

There were no more ferries back to Rhodes yesterday afternoon, so I found a room in Kos Town and stayed the night there. I was really tired. I walked the town, had a bite to eat, a hot shower and good nights sleep. I arrived back in Rhodes mid morning today. I dropped my things at the hotel and started walking. I'm missing the exercise and fun of hitting the tennis ball, but I'm making up for it in walking! It's a beautiful, cloudless day. I've just been taking in the sights, smells and sounds one last day. The aromas are so familiar, especially the spices. I've also caught a whiff of incense that reminds me of being in the Greek Orthodox Church with my Yiayia. I will pack later and prepare for the long trip home tomorrow.

Leaving Kardamena

I'm off on a bus today at 2 to head back to Kos Town. Hopefully, I can spend the afternoon there, then catch a late ferry back to Rhodes. I'm starting to feel a little run down. I think all the excitement and adrenaline is wearing down, probably because I know the end of my trip is fast approaching. Kardamena has been great. I saw the church where my grandparents were married. My second cousin, Stergos, took me around today to see family property that has been passed on to me, my brother and three other cousins. He also shared stories of our family history here and how influential my Yiayia and Papou's (Greek for grandmother and grandfather) families were to the villages. Being able to experience first hand a life that I'd only heard about has been wonderful. I will feel sad leaving, but I know this will not be my last trip to Greece. There is so much more to see and do.

You're Probably Wondering....

Yes, I made it to Greece. I'm missing the convenience of the Internet cafe of Ali Bey in Turkey. I've had trouble finding a wireless connection, plus I've been soaking up the sights, smells and sounds of Rhodes and now Kardamena. I arrived in Rhodes as scheduled on Monday. It was a fairly uneventful trip. I've discovered that even if you don't know what you're doing, act like it, read signs and don't be afraid to ask questions. My second cousin, Eleas, met me at the airport and dropped me at the hotel I'm staying in just outside of Old Town Rhodes. He then later picked me up on a motor bike (no cars allowed in Old Town) where I spent the rest of the day walking around checking things out. I was pretty tired from my journey, having had no sleep in almost two days. I was early to bed on Monday night and yesterday I spent the entire day in Old Town walking all the shops and going through the Grand Master Palace. Mom will be happy I did my first cultural thing. I so much more enjoy watching and being around the people. Last night Eleas took me to his home, again on the motor bike, and I met cousins from second to fourth. Wow! Picture my Big Fat Greek Wedding...lots of people talking in Greek and me sitting there understanding none of it, but feeling like I belonged! It was awesome. Today I caught an early ferry boat to the island of Kos, where I then found the city bus station and took an hour long bus ride to the town of Kardamena. Here is where our family has a house a few blocks from the beach, which I'm staying in until Friday. Then back to Rhodes and leaving on Saturday to head back to the States. I can tell already this is a place I will be returning to sooner rather than later! I'll try to post again before I leave, but if not know I'm having a great time!

Leaving Turkey

I leave in just a few hours (2 a.m.) to head to the airport to catch a 5 a.m. flight to Instanbul then on to Greece. It's been a magical two weeks here for me. The tennis I played and the friendships I made will stay with me forever. I loved being part of the USA team, and am also very proud to have represented the US in individual play. Like I said before, I now know that I can play at this level. I have great incentive to practice hard and play well so I will be invited back to play on the 2008 team. I've packed my racquets away now and am so looking forward to my next adventure in Greece. I'll post again once I'm settled.

Just Watching

Today, like yesterday, will be spent watching phenomenal tennis, soaking up the sun and enjoying the atmosphere of Club Ali Bey in Manavgat. There are quite a few Americans playing semis and finals today in different divisions. The women's 50 singles is an all American final, as well as the men's 55 doubles. Phil and his partner play at 1:30 in that final. Should be great match. The weather has been just perfect. Warm days, cool mornings and evenings. The moon and stars seem to shine a little more brightly here. There is a dining area directly on the beach here that provides an unbelievable setting. Fortunately, since many of my matches over the past couple of weeks were late starting times, I've been able to stay up past 9:00 many nights! For those who know me well, any bedtime for me past 9 is very late! I'm planning to do some sightseeing over the weekend before heading out of Turkey on Monday. I may not post again until I get to Greece. Thanks to everyone for your love, support and kind words. I'll never forget this trip.

The Longest Day

I was excited about the upcoming day, getting to play the #2 seed. Noon couldn't get here fast enough for me. I warmed up twice yesterday, once in the morning and again right before I went on. I knew this girl hit big shots, but would get on a roll of missing too. She started banging winners, but I hung in and didn't get discouraged. She broke and won the first set 6-4. The second set I found a better groove, started mixing some balls around, some topspin, some slice. She also started missing a few more. I was able to get a break and win the second set 6-3. I was really pumped up through the whole match. The USA players are really good at watching and supporting each other when they're not playing. Marianna, my roomie and doubles partner was cheering me on, as was my new friend from the men's 55's team, Phil Landauer from Ohio. The third set was so close and so tight. The points were unbelievable. I moved well and kept telling myself that "I had to believe"! I knew this was my chance. I got off to an early break in the first game, then she broke me back. She then went up 3-1. I broke back to get to 3-3. She held to go up 4-3. We had a long hard game on my serve and she broke me to go up 5-3. I broke back to get to 4-5. I had an add to even it up to 5-5 but couldn't convert. After holding off 2 match points she won 6-4 in the third. I'd be lying to say I wasn't disappointed about the loss, but on the other hand I know I left it all out on the court and have no regrets about the way I played. I made it to the quarters of my first Worlds. I say first, because now I plan to return and do even better. I can compete with the worlds best players in my age group! After my 3 hour singles match, I had to get phyched for doubles. Marianna and I were playing two tough girls from Great Britain and Germany. After being up a break in the first set, we dropped the set in a tiebreaker, 7-5. We fought back and won the second set 6-3. Once again I faced another must win third set. Our points were fun, fast action doubles points throughout the entire match. We battled to the bitter end and come up short, losing 6-4 in the third. It was an exhausting day. I felt a little let down because the tennis was over for me. I was playing so well, I wanted to keep going. It only makes me hungry to return and do better next time. My training on and off the court has paid huge dividends for me. Now I can relax, watch some great tennis, and maybe catch an ancient ruin or two before heading off to Greece on Monday.

I Miss Everyone!

Wow, I didn't know that I'd caused such a stir by my list. I truly do miss everything and everyone back home. If I didn't mention you by name, please know that I really do miss you all. Okay Mommy? hee, hee, hee
I did finally play today. The girl was from Russia. I played well and won the first set 6-1. I was in total control of the match. I won the second 6-3. Luckily the wind died down today. Tomorrow I play the #2 seed, a player from the Chech Republic. I've got nothing to lose, so I plan to go out and play my heart out. Doubles will start tomorrow. Still haven't done any sightseeing yet, but I know I will when I get some time off. Ready now for dinner to order my nightly cheese pizza and coke lite.