July 7--Not So Much Soccer Today

Well, after two amazing days, an only great day almost seems like a disappointment. And yet, it was still a great day.

We started with an early breakfast and a trip to the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. We were lucky that we had arranged to have a group admission, allowing us to not only jump the long line, but have a talk by an educational specialist, who was clearly not a tour guide (at least, he made that clear to me). After the talk, we saw an interesting movie about the Pearl Harbor attack, including Japanese film footage of the bombing. Then we took the boat out to the Arizona Memorial. While I think that this may have bored some of the girls, most of them seemed interested, even moved, by the visit.

Then, the plan was to visit the field complex where we will be playing the Games, then grab lunch, make a quick trip to Wal-mart for supplies and souvenirs, then check in at registration. So, somethings don't go as planned.

Apparently they have changed the road numbers here since the map I was using was printed, so we got lost. Then, we finally found the fields, which are massive, beautiful and well maintained. Just like WI Lower.

We did hit Wal-Mart, and the mall food court for lunch (my thai food was quite delicious, actually). Then, we went to team check in, which took forever, requiring us to rush back, change w/o showering and go to the luau, which was a 5 minute walk from the hotel. The luau was about what you'd expect. Cheesy entertainment--although the fire twirling guy was great, but the food was good (at least I thought so).

Some of the kids walked on the beach afterwards, but most came back, and a few had a quick swim.

So, lots of fun, if a bit hectic. Tomorrow--practice, snorkeling (probably), and opening ceremonies. Let the games begin.