The pictures are of the Carenage. At first I thought this was the name of the hard courts we practiced on, but it's actually the name of the city. It is a bustling place and near downtown St. George's. This is the big 'market' where you get fresh fish, fruits, vegetables and pretty much anything you want. The cruise ships dock near here so three are tourist areas nearby and a lot of little shops with homemade goods. Downtown St. George's is really a neat place. The other picture is of two national team members highlighted today.
No water in my guest house. This marks the 3rd time and 2nd day in a row! I'm getting good at showering from a bucket. There is a city wide water-shortage due to the drought. Hopefully they will have it resolved tonight.
Today was day one of the coaching clinic. We had a theory session from 9-12; lunch, then an outdoor 'practical' session from 1-3. We had 20 coaches from the ministry, secondary schools, and the colleges attend. I recognize many faces from 3 years ago. No one ages in Grenada!!!! Must be the mango. Anyway, the session went well. Today we covered "why Coach?" Developed our own "philosophies of coaching," and got acquainted.
We had lunch delivered from the ministry and I had fish and rice and juice. In the afternoon, we went out side (actually about 11am we went outside too) to review passing technique and do passing drills. Grenadians love to play and were much happier outside once we were playing the game. It was INCREDIBLY HOT!!!!! My God....the heat is indescribable. Plus we are on a cement hard court, so it feels 'times two!' the amazing thing to me though, is you get used to and find a way to make it work. The difference from our heat is the humidity. There is none here. The sun will cook your brain and everyone finds way to beat the heat. But there is a breeze. I forgot my hat today and wrapped a bandanna around my head. Two others had bandannas and a couple more had towels wrapped around their heads. A female coach told me, "Now you look like a Grenadian!" That made me feel good. I think that means, 'don't worry what you look like Mon.'
The spotlight is on two Men's National Team members, and probably the leaders. The guy on the left is Adam Lafeuillee. He is 24 and the team Captain. He is 6'3" and an Outside Hitter/Opposite. He is the team's best player and an absolute hammer! He is a primary passer, plays 6 rotations, and has an incredible vertical. He is also the Assistant to Nanan and works as a Volleyball Coach for the Ministry of Sports. He lives with his sister in St. David and has a modest, nice house. He does not own a car and is a pretty good cook (although Nanan makes fun of his dumplings). He is tech savvy and has hooked me up many modern conveniences while in Grenada. He wants to play volleyball in the USA and I hope to help him.
The other gentleman is Greg Gilbert. Greg is 6'2" and 19 years old and attends college in Grenada. College is not like our College, it is more a continuation of high school. He is a Setter/Middle/Opposite and is absolutely a wonderful young man. He is religious, comes from a very nice family (one brother) and is very courteous. Greg is a tremendous athlete with a super-human vertical. He crushes the 1s (although he is goofy footed). He is the best middle on the team and also the best setter. We are beginning team play in practice and are considering running a 5-1 with him. He also wants to play in the US and I plan to help him as well.
Nanan and I finished our day with a carib and watched a bit of Cricket at Tanteen. It was a long day, but a good one.
Respect and Love.
lolz..ok coach G.G
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