Local Time 10:15 pm –
The last few days have been pretty awesome. Although we are unfortunately out of the San Marino Cup, there are still plenty of fun activities in San Marino. On Wednesday night, we went go-karting, which was followed by a day at the water park. Both excursions were a lot of fun, and we even had some time to relax afterwards.
On another note, it has been very interesting to see the cultural monuments that Italy has to offer. So far, we have visited four Catholic churches: One in Rimini, and three in Ravenna. The paintings and architecture are a sight to behold. Of course, the culture of Italy is also all around us, in the people, food, and everyday interactions. That is also quite a sight to behold. Overall, we are having a lot of fun, and I am looking forward to the days that lie ahead!
Nicholas Dudler #11
Italy is awesome! Love the energy here when the town lights up at night. Even though we were eliminated from the tournament the trip has been very fun. Seeing all the churches was great… so much history in Italy. The other activities such as go-karting(which I did take first place in both races) , going to the water park and hitting the beach have all been to great success and fun! I feel bad for all you parents missing out on this delicious food. Looking forward to swedish pancakes and the Gothia cup. Let’s do it velocity!
Avery Lawrenson #5
Italy has been a pretty up and down journey so far. Our injuries and slightly poor performances in games were unfortunate, but the group is still having a lot of fun. Today we made our trip to the water park, which I really enjoyed. It was less crowded than the water parks back home, and I think we all had a good time. One thing that I am noticing is that the Italians are not shy at all to show their love or affection of one another. They are fine with kissing in public, which is not weird but is still a lot different than what I’m used to. Also, at least between the players, it seems that everyone is getting along. Players that usually only hang out with a few other people are happy to talk with anyone else on the team, and I feel that there is a good sense of inclusion. I am looking forward to Venice as well as the good times ahead. I wish that all of you could be here!
Chris Dudler #6
The soccer teams we faced in Italy were extremely tough – and unfortunately, we were unable to win a single game. Because of this, our trip hasn’t gone quite the way I had hoped in the soccer department, but hopefully we can boost that up when we head to Sweden! The group activities and the overall atmosphere throughout the team is still very good. You can talk to anyone on the team, even the people you don’t normally talk to, and still have a great time. We learn more about each other as each day passes, and it is really a pleasure to be here with such a great group of guys.
Unfortunately, in the game against Romania, I experienced a very tough kick right to the calf in my right leg. Both the coaches and myself thought that it would be a bruise that would heal up pretty fast. The pain persisted, and with each day it seemed to get worse. That left today to be an E.R. run – not exactly the first thing I would have expected on the agenda today. All the other people on the team went to the water park while I anxiously awaited for my turn to enter the swinging doors in the waiting room with everyone around me speaking Italian. I was quite honestly scared and confused. After an hour and a half of waiting, I was seen by a doctor. He knew his medical content(but not his English). Thanks to the help of Sylvia, our translator, we were able to depict his explanation of my injury. It will take around two weeks to heal – which means no more soccer for me. Although I am extremely bummed about this, I’m excited to sightsee in Venice and explore Sweden when we get there. Kick some butt in the next tournament for me, Velocity!
Will Corrin #20
This trip really has been an adventure for all of us, from the equivalent of about 25 hours of traveling to sightseeing to playing teams, its been an unforgettable experience, and we’re only halfway done! Although our play on the field wasn’t the best and I know Velocity can play much better, we’ve been able to experience new culture, new foods, new languages, and hotter weather for sure! Everyday we’ve been able to eat breakfast at the hotel, which includes hot chocolate and croissants for me, for lunch its either pizza or pasta with a dessert of gelato, and then dinner back at the hotel. We’ve also been able to sightsee in old Rimini and Ravenna and see churches and buildings 10 or 11 centuries old. My favorite part is the amount of jerseys they have at the street vendors, I’ve been able to find countless jerseys which I’ve had to restrain myself from buying. Overall, I’m looking forward to seeing Venice and showing Sweden how Velocity plays and win the whole tournament!
Omar Luqman #18
