“Volete andare a ballare!”  This is my token phrase that will get you many places in Italy.

The people in Italy are very friendly and hospitable.  Socialising with the teams we play after the games shows us not only the differences between volleyball programs and lifestyles in the two coutries but also the many similarities in attitudes and humour we share. 

Our diets consist mostly of pizza, pasta, fanta, procciuto, cheese, bread and water. Although having Italian pizza for most meals seems like a luxury at first it makes us appreciate the diets we have back home and the variety of food that we have access to. One thing that isn’t different here is NUTELLA, and for that I am grateful.

We have been to a different stadium each day and experienced many hard floors and wierd poles. Yesterday we visited Modena, the home of volleyball, with a huge stadium set up like Rod Laver Arena. Seats were all around the focal point-a volleyball court!

We have met mayors and volleyball presidents, volunteers, referees, players, physios, translators and fitness association members and every single person makes us love Italy more and more each day.

We are getting better and better as a team and each opposition team we play seems to be higher skilled as well. The days are tiring but the tight bond our team has formed enables us to push through competatively.

 

Until next time, Skipper.