Miracles can Happen

Just to give an idea of where we are.....we qualified for the World Champs. This is the biggest event of the season. We had been on the reserve list for the Paris, Norway and Berlin Grand Slams....which means we do not get to play the qualifier. Very low points. So, we watched the Paris event, bypassed even going to Norway, and rested during the Berlin event. While in Alaska, as I nonchalantly checked the entry list for the World Champs, I saw our name on it. We have only played 5 events ever and qualified 2x, finishing 25th and 17th.....and that got us into the Gstaad, Switzerland event. Triple money, triple points......wow! we are pretty excited.
But, we also get to play the Klagenfurt, Austria event. Which is supposedly the best event ever. So, our plans of playing the Challengers during these two events changed and we now get to go see what it means to be "Big time"! Will let you know how we do.

Montreal to Bern

Okay.....my bad...no update since Montreal. Well, after that wonderful event, I headed on a little holiday to Alaska. That was awesome. Probably need to go back and see more of that state. It only took 28 hours from Montreal (I went the long way-around China).
Alaska to Paris. Paris to Marseille -for the next event. Met up with Heidi and Steve there.....another long day of travel, but all part of the experience. Train had no seats so I rode on the train, between the cars..make sense? where the luggage is stored. Good stuff. Got there and thats all that matters. Life could be worse:)
Marseille, France is beautiful to look at, but kinda gross to stay there for a week. Dog doo everywhere. Well, we lost in the qualifying round to Germany-#1 seed in 3rd set 16-14. BUMMER!
So, to cheer us up a little we had a panini on the walk home and realized the Tour de France was in town. That was pretty cool to see. Guess I can add that one to the list.
From France, we took the 420 train to Bern, Switzerland. Friends, Dave and Nadine live here and invited us to stay before the World Champs. Good to have friends!

Montreal.......

Good times in Canada. So there were a total of 24 teams in the qualifier for this event. Therefore, we had one match to win to qualify. And, of course we played Japan...Asao/Take.....this is our third meeting with a Japanese team. However, this time we beat them. so, we qualified. Our first match Thursday happened to be Australia Barnett/Cook again....and second match was vs. France....not sure what their names are. And, we beat them in 2 games. We had one of our best serving matches ever, in addition to just playing smart and having fun......it was great. And, next match up was Brazil. Lost in 2........

Happy 4th of July

In Montreal Canada.....qualifier is today!Great City. So we arrived Monday afternoon from Spain. After we took 2nd in the Satelite event in San Sebastian, we hopped a train to Paris, then hopped a plane to Montreal. 21 hours later, we arrived in North America..ahhhh!!!!! How nice. We found Starbucks not shortly after:) It is 7:49 am here and it's the 4th of July. But no fireworks here!. So that's where we are, and we play Japan this afternoon at 1 pm.

San Sebastian, Spain

After a 2.5 hour plane ride on Vueling airlines from Amsterdam to Madrid...then a 4 hour layover in Madrid...then a 5.5 hour bus ride to San Sebastian/Donostia...we made it....This Spanish town is located on the northern coast of Spain, just kiddy corner to France. It is considered Basque country, and they speak both Spanish and Basque. It is amazing how little Spanish I know, but how far it can get you in Spain. So, after arriving via Continental Bus Line in San Sebastian, we hoofed it to our hostel (approx 2 km) away to Hospedaje Kati.....
The hostel was on the 5th floor of an old building. Very quaint and very cheap for a night's stay. We are going cheap from here on out. This morning we woke and taxi's it to Hotel Palacio de Aiete. This is the Main Draw hotel for the Satelite event we are here for. We are seeded 6 out of 16 teams, so we pray for the best and go out and play hard. Adios.

Heineken experience

Visited the Heineken brewery while in Amsterdam with our good Kiwi friend, Nikki. It was a blast. Very informative.....check out our video while on the tour of the brewery.
http://bluescreen.bitmove.tv/bitmove/cgi/receive.jsp?uid=FABD76BE49E6AF0BC438AC2625021B99&format=wmv

Amsterdamn'd

So we experienced the nightlife in Amsterdam. Wow....quite an eye opener. First, we did not leave the house until midnight (so tired.....) and then we made it back by 3:30 am. Guess it was not too late, but nonetheless, a unique experience.