Serbia Day 6

Well Day 6 is pretty much in the books. Been a long day. Started with a blase breakfast and word on the street is that we are getting a new caterer so that could be good...or worse. Hopefully a little better. Biggest thing was that when we went for breakfast at 8:30, we waited in line for 20 minutes and that was just to get a tray. Then we had to go for the food. The meal hall holds 1300 and it was busting.

After breakfast Linda and Deb had to go to the technical meeting so I went on a guided bus tour with the team. It was really interesting. Lots of different architecture and many different sights. The moment that had the most impact was when we pulled up next to a group of buildings and the tour guide informed us that it was the site of a Nazi concentration camp. The bus went silent. IT was a weird moment. I don't even have words for it just a feeling I have never experienced before.

As the tour went along we saw many different things including huge stadiums and a very impressive temple. As we drove down a street with the Canadian Embassy on it we slowed down and the guide directed us to look to our left which was the old police headquarters. It was almost surreal. The building were still standing...in pieces and with big holes in the walls. It was a major site of the NATO bombings in the late 1990's. The whole morning made me appreciate our country a whole lot more.

When the tour ended we came back to the village and the girls went to lunch. The coaches went to, you guessed it, another meeting to discuss practice. After this we met with the girls in a video session to review footage from our scrimmage vs. Taipei. We talked about practice and then headed off with about an hour and a half of private time. I had to get out of my room as overnight I have acquired the three swimming physiotherapists and the little apartment is busy. I wanted some down time so I walked around the village on my own and checked out some stuff. I picked up a few souvenirs and then made my way back for practice. We departed at 4:45 with practice supposed to start at 6. We arrived early and the US men had cancelled their time before us so we went early and got some extra work done. We tuned up some offensive stuff and then I worked on our half court defense. WE finished by installing our zone offense while I did the defense and we scrimmaged for 10 minutes to tighten up our game flow. We felt pretty good about practice although after only 5 days in the gym together we may need a little work. We were invited the home of the Canadian Ambassador tonight but we were practicing and had to turn it down. Just one of those scheduling things. Oh Well, maybe next time.

Another classic moment of international travel on the way home from practice. On each bus we have 2 armed police officers and our interpreter (she is the best!). I guess they asked for some music so the bus driver obliged. It started with some Mariachi music but then he changed it. My guess is it was the only CD he had in English. Last year in China it was Christmas Carols in July. This year in Serbia...well I heard the first few notes and started to laugh...it was the theme to the Muppet Show. It was killing me. Of course I knew all the words.

So we made it back for supper which wasn't bad and less crowded because we were later. After supper, yup, another meeting. Well this time individual meetings with the players as we prepare for competition. Then another coaches meeting afterward to discuss the game tomorrow. Lots of meetings!!!

Tomorrow starts the real fun. We get up early and then the coaches will go and scout Japan/Australia before our game vs. Slovakia. Can't wait for it to start. Bring on the hoops.

And as Stompin' Tom Connors would say "it's Canada Day up Canada way on the first day of July". After seeing some of the sights here I can't even begin to explain why I love Canada. While it has issues like everywhere else, I sure am glad I live there.

So I am going to sit out here and enjoy another beautifully warm night in the village. SPLENDID. Of course it had to get nicer after a NASTY thunder and lightning storm earlier today.

Hopefully some better access and a win to report tomorrow.

Take Care

Coach