September 2, 2006

8:00 AM (EST ) 5:00 AM (PST)

Woke up for breakfast to discover the rain is still coming down but not as hard.  It’s time to head back to Victoria today but first we decide we will drive around Washington, DC to look at some of the sights.

We do this for a little will and then decide it’s time to drive to Philadelphia for our flight home.

There is construction and car accidents everywhere.  By the time we return the rental car and get to the terminal we are very late for our flight home.  Fortunately everything has been delayed due to the rain.  The ticket agent is able to reroute us through Dallas, allowing us to be able to make it home to Victoria today.

By 4:30 PM we’re on our way to Dallas.  It’s a light flight at only 20% full.  The next flight in Dallas to Seattle is a little delayed but not enough to affect the next flight.  In Seattle we are on time for our flight to Victoria.  We are ready to get home.  The Seattle to Victoria is a smooth flight, but once in Victoria we discover our bags have not arrived.  It’s midnight in Victoria there’s Mi Ran, a welcome face.  A short ride home and we are asleep.  Bags arrive the next day with a broken wine bottle, ohh well!

August 31, 2006

6:30 AM (GMT ) 10:30 AM (PST)

We’re up at 6:30 and eating breakfast by 7:00 AM.  At 7:30 AM we are in a Taxi heading for the Airport.  Check in and only one carry on back to Philadelphia.  A quick repack and we’re checked in.  Up to the Lounge for some snacks and juice. Then we board the plane for a smooth 8 hour flight to Philadelphia.  After arriving in Philadelphia at 1:30 PM (EST) we wait 2 hours for our bags to show up.  Somehow US Airways lost all the bags on the entire plane.  Finally the bags are here.  We catch the shuttle bus to Hertz tp find our rental car wait.  We head straight into rush hour and construction but after 2.5 hours we make it to our hotel in Baltimore.  Change cloth and drive to the Fredrick Keys Tripple AAA baseball game.  It’s the second inning so we haven’t missed much.  It’s fan appreciation day so we receive a tee-shirt, sports bag and backpack each.  More stuff to take home.  The Keys lose 4-1 against the Lynchburg Hillcats.  Drive back to the hotel and bed.

August 30, 2006

6:30 AM (GMT – 1) 11:30 PM (PST)

Avery and I share a Taxi ride to the airport with Taylor and Jane.  Although our flight is actually at 9:35 PM we want a chance to see Lisbon so we try to go standby on the 7:45 AM flight.  We make it so we are on our way to Lisbon.  At Lisbon we catch a taxi to the Hotel Alif, clean up and head out in to Lisbon.  First we cross the street to see Bull Fighting Ring and the mall below for a late lunch.  Avery probably had his best meal here.  It’s a stand where you choose the type of fresh pasta you want along with a selection of toppings (cheese, chicken and extra cheese), then a final selection of sauce (tomato for Avery).  The pasta is sauce and toppings are cook in front of you.  Avery snorkels it down.  I have Sopa (beef), I wonder if the bull lost last night.

We look through the mall then take the number 45 bus to Rossio.  Shopping meca. Statues and some incredible buildings.  After 6 hours of wondering the streets of Lisbon we take the blue metro line to the orange line to home.  A very nice day but we are are tired.  More packing, blogging and bed.

August 29, 2006

9:00 AM (GMT – 1) 2:00 AM (PST)

Today is the last game so we decide to have the bus pick us up at 4:30 PM.  That gives us most of the day to explore Ponta Delgada.  A quick breakfast and its out onto the town.  After hours and hours of looking an asking for a sports shop that sell jerseys.  Final we find the Confronto discount shop, and everyone is there.  Last chance for jerseys. Back to the Hotel for a 2:00 PM team lunch but everyone has other plans so we have lunch at the hotel anyway and then some of the team takes one last swim.

4:30 PM (GMT – 1) 9:30 AM (PST)

The bus is here and it’s a short trip to the last game against Santiago in Agua de Pau.  We present the driver with gifts (by this time he is part of the team too), Mucho Obragado. 

Before the game we present the host team with some gifts from Canada.  Great choices Mi Ran.  They love them. Game on.

Game 8 - Lakehill Euro Versus Clube Santiago

14:06 Lakehill Goal –  Taylor, Assists Tyler and Adam
18:18 Santiago Goal – #7

Halftime

33:23 Lakehill Goal – Taylor, Assist Avery

37:14 Lakehill Goal – Anthony, No Assist

42:50 Lakehill Goal – Jeremy, No Assist

Final Score – Clube Santiago (1) vs. Lakehill Euro (4)

With game over Carlos makes a Presentation to the most coachable player (he did everything that was asked of him) – Taylor! Congratulations. Taylor is presented with a crest that was given to Carlos from the city of Agua de Pau. 

Everyone says good bye to Carlos and his family as well as our goalie Rul and Ludgero.  The team heads back to the hotel. Terri and Dillon get a ride from the Gardeners to the airport they have a 9:35 PM flight.  See you at home. 
Anthony, Tyler, Jeremy, Avery and families go out to a local restaurant for a final dinner.  Nice meal.

Back to the hotel for more good byes, Packing, blogging and bed.  Its going to be an early morning

8:30 AM (GMT – 1) 1:30 AM (PST)

We have a long ride today so its hotel pick up at 8:30 AM.  By 8:45 we are on our way to Capelas to play against Santo Antonio.  This is our first morning game so the players have fresh legs.  I have finally found out that our Bus Driver’s name is “Durval”, his wife is also on the bus.  Her name is “Aprosinka”.  There are some great sights along the way.  This is a beautiful place.  We arrive at 9:45 in Santo Antonio. Awesome soccer pitch, over looking the ocean. Some light warm ups and its game on.

Game 5 - Lakehill Euro Versus Santo Antonio

5:08 Lakehill Goal – Scott, No Assist
10:47 Lakehill Goal – Tyler, Assist Avery

13:07 Lakehill Goal – Jeremy, Assist Avery and Aedrean

16:27 Santo Antonio Goal - #10, Assist #9

20:36 Lakehill Goal – Adam, Penalty Shot

Halftime

31:17 Lakehill Goal – Adam, No Assist

35:37 Lakehill Goal – Goirdano, Assist Anthony

40:38 Lakehill Goal – Tyler, No Assist

45:15 Santo Antonio Goal – #17, Assist #10

49:47 Santo Antonio Goal – Penalty Shot

50:25 Lakehill Goal – Aedrean, No Assist

50:45 Santo Antonio Goal - #10, No Assist

55:02 Santo Antonio Goal - #10, No Assist

60:03 Lakehill Goal – Goirdano, Assist Brandon

53:36 COD Goal - #2, Assist #6

Final Score – Santo Antonio (5) vs. Lakehill Euro (9)

After the game its off to Sete Cidades and the twin lakes. The story behind the twin lakes is that a blue eyed princess and a green eyed shepherd fell in love, but the king wouldn’t allow the relationship. The couple then cried so much that the two lakes were formed - one green and one blue.  Great photo ops from the look out.  Afterwards we head down to the village of Sete Cidades for lunch.  Lunch consist of chicken, or hamburger, or fries and salad.  I elect to have what I though were Portuguese Blood Sausage.  It turns out to be a form of Hagus cooked in blood.  Its not bad. 

After lunch its back to the hotel.  The bus gets us home by 4:00 PM.  Its been a nice day.

August 23, 2006

1:30 PM (GMT – 1) 6:30 AM (PST)

Bus arrives at the hotel to take us to the Lagoa City Hall where it has been arranged that we will lunch with the mayor.  As it turns out the City Hall is not aware of our visit, but they are nice enough to arrange free swimming at the local pool.  The Pool is great!  It is a combination of  ocean pools and regular swimming pools.  Unfortunately the kids developed a nasty rash do to beach swimming to days ago.  As it turns out when you swim in the ocean the sand, in the water, chafes the inner thighs.  In it self this is OK until a day later when you enter the ocean again.  Most of the kids are out of the water fast and into the chlorine pool to try a wash away the sting.  By this time the team is walking bow legged.  A game in 3 hours Hmmm.  A few more hours of relaxation at the pool and were ready to walk to the soccer pitch.  I light warm up and our tired players are ready to play.

6:30 PM (GMT – 1) 11:30 AM (PST)

                        Game 3 - Lakehill Euro Versus Operario

13:00 Operario Goal – #7

14:14 Operraio Goal - #13

17:33 Operario Goal - #13

Halftime

36:56 Lakehill Goal – Dylan, Assist Adam

58:33 Operario #14

60:03 Operario #5

Final Score - Operario (5) vs. Lakehill Euro (1)

8:00 PM (GMT – 1) 1:00 PM (PST)

Back on the bus heading for the Hotel. Diner at Parque Atlantico.  Update the Webpage.

August 21, 2006
9:30 AM (GMT – 1) 2:30 AM (PST)

Bus arrives at the hotel and we load up.  Arrive at Agua de Pau Soccer Pitch and leave the boys for a one hour practice with Carlos and Yos.  Bus takes us to a look out point over looking the swimming area at the Fishermans Feast.  We spend ten minutes here then it’s off to the beach.
The beach is beautiful and sandy.  Great for swimming once you get past the breakers.  The sand is Hot Hot Hot.  Shade please.

11:30 AM (GMT – 1) 4:30 AM (PST)
The Boys arrive at the beach and hit the water.  They stay in the water for two hours having a great time.  Swimming, Surfing and Getting Crushed by Waves.

1:30 PM (GMT – 1) 6:30 AM (PST)
Cars shuttle us up to Carlos Seniors home for Brunch.  Great food!  Salads, Bread, Hamburgers and Spicy BBQ Pork.  Mmmmm!

4:30 PM (GMT – 1) 9:30 AM (PST)
Bus takes to Lagoa for a game against Clube Operario Desportivo (COD).  Warm-up from 5:15 PM until 6:00 PM.

6:30 PM (GMT – 1) 11:30 AM (PST)

                        Game 2 - Lakehill Euro Versus Clube Operario Desportivo

29:50 Lakehill Goal – Dylan, No Assist

53:36 COD Goal - #2, Assist #6

SHOOT OUT

COD                            LAKEHILL

#5 – Save                     Jeremy – Save
#11 – Save                   Dylan – Save
# 4 – Goal                    Dillon – Save
#7 – Goal                     Jordano - Goal
#8 – Goal                     Anthony – Save

Final Score - Clube Operario Desportivo (4) vs. Lakehill Euro (2) Shoot out

8:30 PM (GMT – 1) 1:30 PM (PST)
Back on the bus heading for the Hotel.

August 20, 2006

9:30 AM (GMT – 1) 2:30 AM (PST)

No game or practice today so most families make the most of it by visiting friends, family and the remote corners of the island.  Others baby sit the kids while some serious shopping take place.  Buffet breakfast to start the day the Azorean way.  Avery and I check out Ponta Delgada.  Most of the shops are closed today, which is good for us or we would be broke by tomorrow.  We head over to Parque Atlantico shopping mall.  Just like any other shopping mall but its fun to look around.  The coffee, capacino and galao are better then Starbucks but at McDonald prices.  Whoa too much coffee for me, I have to slow down, 7 cups a day is my limit.

We pick-up some supplies at the Sol-Mar he head back to the hotel through town.  Another mall by the Ocean Front. But its to the ice cream shop first.

Back at the Holiday Inn Avery and Dillon join the other kids in the pool.  Teri and I head back into town and I show hear the waterfront mall (where’s my commission visa/master card).  I head back to the Parque Atlantico to have some team photos printed for the kids to give out.  Pictures are not cropping correctly so its back to the hotel for some photoshop editing.  OK I think I got it right this time.  Walk back to the mall and do a test running at the mall.  Yes it worked.  I’ll take 15 copies please.  By this time I’m showing the Camera Shop owner how to run his machine.  Back to the hotel for a bit of down time.  Dinner time and nothing says dinner like Pizza Hut, so its back to Parque Atlantic to pick up some pizza.  At 20-30 Minutes (one-way) trip to the mall my calves are lookin’ toned and the locals are noticing.  Or maybe the white legs just glow in the dark.  With pizza in hand its back to the hotel by 10:30 PM at 11:00 most everyone is asleep.  So its time to check email and update the blog.

August 19, 2006

11:00 AM (GMT – 1) 4:00 AM (PST)

The bus is here to pick us up at 11:00 AM and take us to an arranged Pizza Lunch at Casa Benfica.  The kids chow down an are ready to burn off some energy.  A quick team meeting outside the restaurant.  Fact 1 – The second leading cause of death in the Azores is car accidents.  Fact 2 – This island is filled with crazy drivers.  Thus RULE 1 – be extra extra careful of traffic. 

We have a little time to kill before our first game so we head for the town square.  This is a good time to pick up some oranges for the game.  Fransico is just around the courner.  So I pick up oranges, a plastic container and a knife.  (I’ll get a cutting board later).  I also grab some watermelon.  We eat up one water melon and the other is saved.  I reget buying two melons as I carry the second around everywhere for the next three days, only to end up at Yos’ dance. 

2:00 PM (GMT – 1) 7:00 AM (PST)

                        Game 1 - Lakehill Euro Versus Clube Santiago

8:28 Lakehill Goal – Adam, Assist Anthony

18:12 Lakehill Goal – Taylor, Assist Brandon

Halftime

34:02 Santiago Goal - #2, No Assist

37:52 Santiago Goal - #3, Direct

43:30 Santiago Goal - #2, Assist #5

45:19 Lakehill Goal – Brandon, Assist Adam

46:18 Lakehill Goal – Brandon, Assist Dylan

51:50 Lakehill Goal – Jeremy, Assist Dylan

56:50 Santiago Goal - #4, Assist #9

58:06 Santiago Goal - #7, Direct

59:47 Santiago Goal - #2, No Assist

61:20 Lakehill Goal – Adam, Assist Dylan

Final Score - Clube Santiago (6) vs. Lakehill Euro (6)

With the game over its time to go back to the village square to relax before we watch an exhibition senior men’s game between Clube Satinago and Clube Operario Desportivo.  It was great to see the men’s game -  the ball control is awesome.

After the game it’s a walk (with my watermelon) to the Fisherman’s Feast.  We enjoy another great swim and some good food.  I’ll be buying some pimento before the day is out.

 9:00 PM (GMT – 1) 2:00 PM (PST)

The bus picks us up and returns us to the hotel for a relative early night.

August 18, 2006

9:00 AM (GMT – 1) 2:00 AM (PST)

A bus and driver has been provided for the team.  Thanks Lagoa and team COD.  Bus is here at 9:00 AM and the kids are ready for their first practice.  We arrive at the village Agua de Pau to find a beautiful turf field in the middle of this small farming/fishing community.  The stadium is incredible.  The team is introduced to “Rrrrooo” our goalie.

The team gets in a good practice while the parents discover Agua de Pau.  First stop is the grave yard beside the soccer pitch.  When you get cut from team Santiago they mean business.  Next its up to the lookout for a complete look at the surrounding area.  Nice views.  There is a small church up here because this is the spot where someone spotted a vision of the Virgin Mary.  Back down from the look out we head to the village park where all the older gentlemen sit and well just sit.  Beautiful flowers.  Back to the soccer pitch and pratice is over. 

Now we head over to a restaurant for an arrange lunch.  Chicken, hamburgers, bread, fries, pop, beer and wine.  We are stuffed but the food keeps coming.  Apparently they were expecting 40 people.  Desert is fresh pineapple Mmmmmm!

Now Carlos gives us a tour of the village, church, town square, the lookout and his grandmother house.  A lot of history in this town.

The bus now takes us to the Fisherman’s Feast.  A great swimming location with a saltwater pool or just jump in the ocean.  The Fisherman’s feast is an event that occurs once a year, where by the local fishing fleet gives back to the community by providing free BBQ sardines, Potatoes with Pimento and corn bread.  Good eats.  Yos was that a sardine head you just put in your mouth?

Its been a long day so we arrange to have the bus pick us up at 9:00 PM instead of 11:00 PM.  We head back up the hill to the spot were the bus will be.  No bus.  9:30 no bus.  Time to call the Almeida house.  Carlos is at the airport picking up the Trembly’s.  10:00 no bus.  10:30 not yet.  11:00 the bus is here.  Our evening driver has been enjoying the Fisherman’s feast.  Apparently he did not get the message about 9:00 PM pick up.  By 11:30 PM we are back at the hotel.  Zzzzzzzzzzz.  Final note: Don’t lean on any sign posts in Agua de Pau.  Ask Yos.

2:20 PM (GMT – 1) 7:20 AM (PST)
Deplane and collect our bags.  Everything is here!  Unfortunately Jordano’s Soccer bag did not make it.  Through to the terminal to meet Carlos senior.  We will wait for the next flight (Jane and Taylor), this will save a trip for Carlos.  Jane and Taylor arrive but not Jordano’s bag.

4:20 PM (GMT – 1) 9:20 AM (PST)
Carlos senior drives to the Holiday Inn and give us a tour along the way.  He points out the Sol Mar (Super Store of Portugal).  Check into the hotel and up to our room.  Nice Hotel!! 45 Hours later and WE MADE IT.  Now do we sleep or check out the Sol Mar.  Sleep Ha.  It’s to the Sol Mar to stock up on food and a Kettle.  Back to the hotel to find out we that we have Soccer Practice tomorrow.  The bus will be here at 9:00 AM.

7:00 PM (GMT – 1) 12:00 PM (PST)
Dinner buffet with the Team.  Kids eat free so fill up Avery!!

9:00 PM (GMT – 1) 2:00 PM (PST)
Up to the room – clean-up and bed!  Out like a Light.  Zzzzzzzz.

August 16, 2006
5:11 AM (CST)  3:11 AM (PST)
Wake-up to wonder where are we?  Oh Yah, Dallas, TX.
Get off the plane and start looking for the next gate, no rush we have 3 hours.  Tried to get into the American Airlines Lounge.  No agreement with Alaska Airlines in Dallas so Get Out!  Wander the airport for awhile and eventually set-up camp at the gate.  MacDonalds for Breakfast.  I have coffee, I'm not very hungry at 3:00 AM (PST).  No cable for the camera and no wireless internet access!  What can we do?  Of course read one of the four books I brought.

8:25 AM (CST) 5:25 AM (PST)
Board our flight to Philidelphia.  Liberty or Bust!  I bust and fall asleep.  Avery plays nintendo for 50% of the flight and then crashes!
Another smooth flight.  No delays.

12:30 PM (EST) 9:30 (PST)
We made it to Philly!  Half way there after 15 hours!  First stop is the US Airways lounge to get tickets for Lisbon.  Stop! Wait!  Is that a computer store.  Yes I have a card reader to download pictures from the camera!!  Chicken strips and salad for lunch.
Hit the lounge.  Nice digs.  It's a good thing too because we have 8 hours to kill!

8:25 PM (EST) 5:25 (PST)
Board our flight to Lisbon.  Seven long hours with very little sleep.  Avery is starting to look very run down!
Wake up in Lisbon.  Looks like a nice city from the air.  Maybe we can check some of it out.

August 15, 2006
4:00 PM (PST)
Avery and I checked our bags in at the Victoria Airport and received our tickets.  Tickets are good through to Philadelphia.  From there we will have to get our tickets to Lisbon at the US Airways ticket counter.  That’s OK because we have eight hours to kill in Philadelphia.

5:00 PM (PST)
Thai dinner with the family in Sidney.  Mmm good food!

6:30 PM (PST)
Back at the Victoria Airport to clear security.  Security catches Avery off guard when they ask if he is travelling on business or pleasure.  Security Guard are allowed to joke but not the passengers.  Forgot the cable for the camera.  I will have to pick up a cable or card reader in Philidelphia.

7:11 (PST)
Board flight to Seattle.  Great weather, you can see forever.  Smooth flight no Bumps!  Let's hope the rest of the trip is this smooth.

8:00 (PST)
Arrive in Seattle and clear customs and immigration, no problems.  Smooth sailing so far.
We head for the Alaska Board Room Lounge to kill a few hours.  No luck picking up a cable or reader for the camera.

11:30 PM (PST)
Board Alaska Airlines flight to Dallas, TX.  This flight is only 70% full so Avery and I have lots of room to spread out.  We are both asleep before the plane leaves the ground. Zzzzzz Zzzzzz