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.