More from day one

Hi all.
Never did either of us think, in the course of our basically uneventful lives, that we would put on our country's colors and represent our country in a parade in a foreign country, but, that's what we did today. We are staying in Campbelltown in New South Wales, and this week is their local "Festival of Fisher's Ghost." All of the blind bowlers from around the world wore their uniforms and we marched in the Fisher's Ghost parade as a group. Team USA had a delightful young man from Campbelltown named Colin carrying our flag. As we marched along, people waved, smiled and cheered for us. It was an incredible feeling, and we both felt proud to be representing the USA. I really don't know how to put it in words. Tonight it was over to the Campbelltown Arts Center for a reception help by the mayor of Campbelltown and the City Council. So we hobnobbed with the local bigwigs and bowlers from all over the world. Again, a great feeling when I was talking to the mayor of Campbelltown. He told me he loved seeing his team members in the green and gold of Australia, but it was fun to see the red, white and blue of Team USA marching down the streets. The people of Campbelltown are great hosts. Team Australia and Team USA have been hitting it off quite well. Another bonus for us is making new friend from the USA team whom we have seen at tournaments for many years, and now we're getting better acquainted with. After the reception tonight, a few of us walked down the street for dinner at but hey, McDonalds is the same everywhere. Tomorrow morning, a few of us are going to an Anglican Church. That will be a fun experience I'm sure. Probably won't post anymore until after the first day of bowling. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Nanc & Gar

p.s. Thank Kari for your help in getting me going on this.