Let the games begin

Well, here I sit, listening to WCCO radio, wanted to catch election results, updating all of our friends on our trip in Australia. Technology is a wonderful thing. After days of eye tests, ball checks and practice, the tournament finally started. The morning started with the opening ceremonies. It started with Australian students dancing, speeches from local officials and the IBSA (International Blind Sports Association) president, then the teams marching in. It was very similar to the Olympics, very moving. Gar and I were both very moved by the opening ceremonies, and very proud to be wearing the red, white and blue and marching behind our country's flag. Then the bowling started, six games of singles today. Overall, I'm not sure how Team USA did, but it's very possible that Gar and one other B1, blindest of blind, bowler will medal. Jack had a 701 scratch for six games, and Gar had a 665. Tomorrow morning we will find out if Gar medaled. The medals are similar to Olympic medals, gold, silver and bronze. So, we're very hopeful that Gar will get a medal in scratch. The six games got to some bowlers. Gar had a weak start, but kept getting better in the last five games. Tomorrow it's three person team events. They will bowl four games tomorrow. Then, it's over to Sydney for a cruise in the Sydney Harbor. We haven't left Campbelltown since we arrived here last Friday. I'm actually kind of glad. Campbelltown is a smaller, slower moving town, kind of nice to be in when you are in a foreign country.

Now for a bit more non bowling news. Sunday morning, Nancy went to church with two other members from Team USA. We had met a woman at the parade from the local Anglican church. She went to church the next morning and found someone to pick us up at the hotel. It was fun to worship with them, they were all very friendly and welcoming. We got there when the first service, a more formal service, was ending, and we heard them singing "For All the Saints". The service we attended was more contemporary, but we did know a couple of songs. I did enjoy the more traditional Aussie tunes also. We explored Campbelltown by foot on Sunday afternoon after the eye exams. Monday was hurry up and wait day. We spent most of Monday afternoon hanging around the bowling alley, getting balls checked and more pictures taken. It sounds like we will be getting a DVD of most things right before we leave. All of the countries are making new friends. I love the Aussies, they are so friendly. The host committee is doing a wonderful job in meeting our needs and making us feel welcome. Thanks to having Japanese exchange students, I do know how to say hello in Japanese "Konichiwa" One night, team Japan walked past us on they way to dinner. I said Konichiwa, and the whole team said Konichiwa to me, it wasso much fun. Team USA and Team Australia have the largest team.

On a different note, yesterday was the day that Australia stopped. It was the running of the Melbourne Cup. We were at the bowling alley, and everyone stopped to watch the race. Another team mate was at the laundromat, and when she arrived, there was a note on the door that said "Closed 1-4 for the race". I also think that most of Australia had money on the race. All of our Aussie friends were checking their tickets. For days on the news, we saw all of the latest fashions being worn at the race. The hats were incredible. I even saw ladies in Campbelltown walking down the street in their hats.

I'm enjoying the lollies. I'll try and bring some home. Yesterday Gar and I tried Vegemite at breakfast. An interesting experiensce. It's a spread that Aussies love on their toast. I think it's kind of like lutefisk, an acquired taste. We don't ride a bus, we ride a coach.

Thanks for your prayers and support. If we have any medal news to report tomorrow, I'll probably go on line the next morning and let you all know.

Nanc and Gar