New Pics and Video Up...

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"Baxter, you know I dont speak spanish, in English please...:"

So today I got to do what I do best...COACH! It was so much fun! I was a bit nervous going into it (which I never am coaching a new group of people). Why this change? Well, maybe it was because I was going to be along in a gym with 15 kids from ages 10-13 who speak GREEK! Yeah, that’s right...Greek. Keep in mind I speak hardly any. I know my numbers 1-20 and a few phrases. That is about it however.

Well, luckily for me I always coach with a lot of body language and demonstration. I really had to use that today. I didn't even develop a true practice plan because I needed to first asses their skill level. We did some basic ball control drills and games and then, while the girls were getting the balls and on break for water, I decided the rest of the practice.

I was a bit uneasy because there were a group of parents watching the end of practice. I am never a big fan of parents while I am coaching, because I just always assume the worst. I figure it is better that way, because if I get a compliment than it is a pleasant surprise. Anyway, after the practice one of the parents came up and introduced herself. She told me what a great job I had done with the girls today, how they looked like they were having so much fun and learning a lot. Then I heard that one of the kids asked if I could stay as their coach (I am just filling in while their coach is on vacation).

I guess that is a good sign that I am in the right profession, considering that I don't speak the language but was still able to teach. What a new and challenging experience, but it is one I am so thankful for! I loved working with the kids today and can't wait to work with them again tomorrow!

Some Days You Gotta Dance

When you live far from home for a long  period of time there are certain things your truly appreciate...

How easy it is to get things done

How a package is delivered in a timely fashion (kels I got it TODAY)

How people don't randomly park in the middle of the street to go into a store

How you don't have to drive a stick shift car

How you don't have to drive a car that is older than you

How people show up to practice

How people work hard, even when it is not asked of them

How you can watch the Olympics without a Greek announcer talking over them

How you can watch TV that isn't on yer PC, with headphones on

How you can dry your clothes in the dryer

How you can put your dishes into the dishwasher

How it doesn't cost $10 to make a 4 min phone call

How you can talk face to face with friends and family rather than over skype

How a taco at Tbell is less that $1 rather than 2 Euro

Its the little things about America you begin to miss and love..

So America... I confess my love to thee, You shall always be my one and only...and yes there may be the allure of other countries and lands far away with their seemly magical ways...but you America you are my true love... the one I will always be proud to be from and want to go HOME to.

And back to our regularly scheduled program...



Yes that's right it was Carnival here in Cyprus! This is the European version of Mardi Gras, but honestly reminds me a bit more of Halloween than what our typical opinion of Mardi Gras is back home on Bourbon Street. The parades were held of Valentines day which was also the night of our "I Love America" date with the American Basketball players (Trent and Brandon). OF COURSE we had to have dinner at TGI Fridays in order to show our Love for America! After some tasty Burgers, Fries (not chips as they say here), and Chicken Fingers...we went out on the main street down by the sea to watch the late night Carnival festivities!

 

Me, Brandon, Trent, Berks

Crazy Car Sufers!

 

Berks Running In The Streets With The Other Crazies

 

Best Group Outfit Of The Night!

With a volley update... Yesterday was our last regular season match. Now its onto the playoffs and cup. However play offs are a bit different than our single elimination bracket play we are used to in the US of A. We are some strange point system based on how many matches we won in the regular season and we can earn more points in the playoffs (which consist of the top 4 teams). However due to how the teams finished in the regular season we are stuck in 4th with a miracle run only placing us in 3rd.

We do have a (fair) shot at the cup finals however. We are in the semis and will play a two match series consisting of best of 5 set matches. AEL is currently 2nd in the league but are extremely strong. Our team is capable of beating them, but considering we have been averaging 6 people at practice (two of which are players who cannot compete with the team) it is... an up hill climb... to say the least. However, anything is possible and who dosen't love a good ol David and Goliath type fight?

Berks and I have been trying to stay on the chill end lately because we are saving up for a trip to Egypt! We are so super close and seeing the Pyramids is literally #1 on my list of things to do before I die, so its kinda essential since we are like a 30 min flight from there! I hope we can save up enough to make it work!

Anyway, I hope all is well back home (ENJOY THE USA! ITS THE BEST) I will try harder to keep the blog going at a faster pace. Love you all! Miss yall!

She;ll be comin round the mountian when she comes....

I am too lazy to write a new blog so check out Amandas....


www.amandaberkley.blogspot.com

hehe

Now that we're here... so far away...

Okay so I know I have royally sucked at updating my blog since new years, but my computer was in the repair shop and I just got it back, so I am sorry to leave you all waiting. Hopefully this will help stop the harrassing emails and facebook messages.

Well lets see, there have been quiet a few exciting things happing here. A few weeks ago while I was exploring the island I found an amazing little beach out in Agiya Napa. I was on my way to have dinner with Kendra and Loizos so I didn't have much time to hang out there, but it was amazing and the water was the clearest I have seen. (Don't feel too bad, I went back the next week with my roommate krista for a swim and sand castle building competition). For dinner we went for a traditional Cypriot Meze. I unfortuanatly brought my camera so you will have to make due with these pictures from google...

For the meze you sit down and course after course is put out on the tabel. We started with a greek salad and then had some bread. More and more food kept coming out and I could hardly keep up with them, seriously the plate was never empty till the end of dinner.  In fact, as a main meal the Meze usually consits of somewhere around 20 plates of food. (this is for the whole table keep in mind).

 An example of the traditional meze... however its never all on the table at once because you eat it as it come out...plate by plate

Tahini is similar to a humus spread made from sesimi seeds and oils. You do not need to use a lot of this however, because it is a very very strong spread with a ton of flavor.

Loukanika are sausages that are tasty, but remeber to always add salt and lemon to the meat! Yum!

Sheftalia are made of pork and mixed with yummy spices (one of my favs)

 AND OF COURSE HOW CAN I FORGET.....

SNAILS!!!! Yes yes... I did eat one... it may have taken about 5 mins to prepare myself while their 3 year old daughter was downing them across the table but I ate one. Now for those of you that don't know I will try about anything, but I am a HUGE texture person. You take the snail out of the shell but digging it out with a toothpick. Well the thing is rubbery and slimly which my texter weary  mind was not handeling to well. Water glass/ chaser in hand... I ate it!!! Much to my surprise it wasnt too bad and kind of tasted like a mushroom.

-------------IN OTHER NEWS----------------------

We have a new teammate! AMANDA BERKLEY from wisconsin!! She is over here as a practice player, and let me tell you the level of play at practice has instantly increased! It has been super fun to have her here and really awesome to show her around the town. 

Berks was diggin the baskets at the store that turn into a cart.

Our team has been struggeling lately and now we are know locked into 4th place with 3 games left of the regular season and also league play offs. However, we are in the semi finials of the cup game and will play AEL who is currently second place in the league. It is nice to know that we still have a shot at a championship in the cup series! 

It is super exciting that Amanda is here, but kind of sucks that we can't go on as many road trips because a few days before she got here, I was in a car accident that totaled the lancer! Sadness. I was extreamly lucky and walked away from the crash with a few minor cuts on my foot and neck, along with a bruise on my head where I hit the steering wheel since there were no air bags. I am hoping the club will get me a new car but I am not 100% sure about it. Kind of tough having 4 players to one car and an awesome island with so much to see and do. If the car doesn't work out I  think we are just going to rent some mopeds! Either way, super fun.

Well I think that is about it and we are all caught up now... Oh sloan and izzy are almost potty trained and doing super well they are cute a can be!