The time has seemed to slip through my hands since the last time I sat down to write a new blog. The departure from Beijing was sad, but I had no time to think about the reality. My new reality was beginning so fast that I found it hard to catch my breathe.
After landing into Philadelphia International Airport on August 23, I could not wait for my head to hit the Marriott pillow. It was my first night in an American hotel, but there was many more nights like this to follow.
The alarm soon sounded and it was time to get up because Junior FC was flying in from Barcelona that afternoon and I wanted to make sure we had everything organized. I was excited to tour around the U-18 club team for the next ten days. We would see Washington DC, Philadelphia, and end with 5 days in New York City.
Our first stop was Bethesda, MD where we would stay for the next few nights. The time in the DC metro area was packed with lots of hockey, sightseeing, and of course, great meals. We played the University of Maryland, Georgetown University, and American University. It was fascinating to watch the eyes of each player as we toured around the campuses. They were in amazement at the enormity of the school’s athletic facilities, dormitories, and mainly the cafeterias. They have never seen so much food in one room in their lives. A common phrase often slipped through the lips of each girl, “this is like the movies!”
Much fun was had in Washington DC as the team was split into groups and sent off for a treasure hunt around the White House and monuments. Pictures were taken and the staff would evaluate the photos and decide on the ultimate champion. The kids were exhausted from chasing the prize and we were awarded a great laugh just peaking at their pictures.
No rest for the weary! It was off to Philadelphia to take a look at Constitution Hall, the Liberty Bell, and of course, more hockey games! We played Drexel University upon arrival and at Temple the next day. The Temple hockey team gave us a wonderful tour of the city. It was nice for the two teams to interact and great for the Spanish players to learn about the city from “the locals.” The next day, we would make a pit stop at the Philadelphia outlets so the players could spend their dollars wisely with the hopes of topping off the shopping in New York City.
Our next five days were more then the group could imagine. It was all smiles as they won the Big Apple Hockey Tournament (granting them a $5,000 check), explored nearly every inch of Manhattan, and took their first ever Limo ride through the Big Apple. It was an exhausting trip for me, but worth every minute of it to watch the excitement on their faces.
What can I say?……it’s time for some rest! Until next time, Take care!
Keli #13
It is 10:00 am here in Beijing and this is my final hour in the athlete village. The vans will arrive soon to pick up our luggage and away we will go. Back to “normal” life in the states. Leaving all of this as nothing but a vivid memory.
We have been warned that many athletes experience bouts of depression after the Games and I can certainly understand how that happens! It has been one of the most exciting months of my life. As half of my teammates departed this morning for the west coast, only eight of us still remain. Waiting for our United flight to head back to eastern standard time. A time zone that I have not lived in for quite sometime.
A lonely feeling is sitting in the pit of my stomach, as I already miss many of my friends. My teammates have become my second family and in some ways, they know me better then anyone in my life right now. Some of them have decided to retire from field hockey and others will continue on. One thing is for sure, this group of people was special and as a whole, we will never be the same.
I am excited to return to central PA and see my friends and family back home. The support that I received from everyone has been overwhelming and I can never thank you enough. It is no secret that I would not be here if it weren’t for all of you!
After a brief visit on the east coast, I will head to Barcelona, Spain to play for a club team. It is time that I learn some Spanish and take the year to reflect. I look forward to keeping everyone updated on my field hockey experiences abroad.
I will leave you with just one last photo from the Games. Enjoy and take care!
Keli #13
Nearly three months ago, I recall flying home from the Olympic Qualifier in Russia and trying to grasp the fact that I was about to embark on an Olympic Journey. I imagined what it might feel like to walk into the Opening Ceremonies. I tried to envision what the athlete village might look like. But the truth was that I had no idea! That reality seemed so surreal.
One morning, I woke-up and started my normal a.m. routine. I turned on the coffee pot and changed the television to the Today Show. In a moment’s time, it dawned on me! I might get to meet Matt and Meredith. I grew up watching the Today Show every morning with my Mom. Therefore, I knew that during Olympics they broadcast from the hosting city. In a weird way, I associated the Games with the Today Show.
I had since put the idea of meeting the show’s crew in the back of my mind. Until Sunday’s practice when Tiki Barber showed up to hangout. He walked onto the pitch, with the cameramen in toe. Mr. Barber stayed the entire practice, collected balls, and even threw football with the coaching staff while we warmed down. For something that would have seemed so exciting a short while ago, it was all too normal that afternoon. He was soft spoken and blended in like part of the staff.
As we departed on the bus, I remember thinking that it was cool to meet him and unfortunate that I did not have my camera. But, back in the village just minutes later, something more unexpected happened! I met Meredith Vieira in the doorway to my apartment. There she stood just waiting for the elevator as I walked in with my stick bag in hand. I did a double take, and then pinched myself to see if I was dreaming. By the time I woke-up, the elevator door was closing and all I could do was wave good-bye.
As much as I wanted to wait for her to come back down, I restrained myself. I jumped into the shower and joined a few teammates for a little game of wiffle ball in the front lawn.
It was strike 2 with only 1 out, when she walked out the front door and yelled, “I am up next.” I do not think I could pick my jaw off the freshly cut grass as Meredith Vieira swung the bat, hit the ball, and started running the bases in her three inch heals. As she rounded second base, she flung the stilettos off her feet so she could get to home plate without causing an out. It was going to be close, so she dove into home without getting grass stains on her white linen top.
I know that it sounds like I am writing a bad fiction book, but I swear to you that is the truth. Meredith Vieira came to interview an athlete on the sixth floor of my building and stopped to play wiffle ball, have a quick chat, and tell us how proud our country is of the American athletes.
I have always loved the Today Show, but now I have a deeper admiration for the program and the people that NBC hires to be in front of their cameras. If it is not your program of choice, it’s ok. But, on Thursday morning you might want to tune in. Tiki Barber will be interviewing our own Tiki (Kate) Barber. And, our entire team will be on the Today Show, with a special interview with our captain.
From China to the USA, I hope you have a wonderful “Today”
Keli #13
