Day 4

Today, the girls are sleeping in, and the boys are training on the beach. The boys were able to use both courts, and set up a round robin doubles tournament. Everyone is getting used to not being able to jump, and play is improving. Good volleyball and good fun.





After resting, tanning and studying, the girls were off to Sacred Heart. The girls did well. They are better passers than the boys, but don't have the offensive power. Our girls scored 15-18 points each game, but couldn't get over the hump and get a win. Still, we had fun, and learned a little bit more.

Tonight, we all headed to the University of Hawaii to watch the Rainbow Wahine Womens Volleyball Team play against the University of Nevada. Everyone was stoked. The Wahine are consistantly one of the top university teams in the United States. When we got there, the arena was packed and the teams were warming up. Everyone was impressed with the power the women had. When the match started, the game play was awesome. The spikes were huge, and the digs were phenomenal. Everyone was wowed by the intensity of the match, and the hustle showed by the Liberos -- they were everywhere ... at once! On the return trip home, everyone vowed to work harder and play better defence.

Another great day in Hawaii

Day 3

The boys are sleeping in as they have a match at Moanalua High School. The girls are up early again for more beach volleyball at Fort DeRussy. The girls have a free day to explore, shop and do homework.

After talking to the parents, they said that they would chaperon the girls, while I went with the boys to Moanalua. The boys were nervous. This was their first match against Hawaiians. The boys played very well and had some enormous hits, but their passing wasn't so good. As a result, they gave many freeballs to Moanalua, and had them hammered back! Our boys lost every game, but still gave a good showing.





Later that evening, after everyone was fed and some homework was done, I took some people to the Ala Moana Centre -- three levels and 290 shops of high end retail therapy. Alexa (a shopping deva) was so overcome by the mall that I think she cried tears of joy.

Another great day in Hawaii!

Day 2

Up early and boys and girls are off to Fort DeRussy for some beach volleyball training. I love palying on the beach. Sand is the great equalizer, nobody can jump (which is fine by me). It is really quite funny watching the guys, who are used to having an amazing verticals, mistime their spikes because they can't jump.





Beach volleyball ended by about 11am, when the sand started to get too hot. The boys have the rest of the day off, then have a team dinner later. The girls have a few hours off, and then head to Castle High School for their first match.

Although the girls played quite well, they were second best in this match. However, it is very cool just to get to play against these Hawaiian teams. They are very good. Volleyball is to the Hawaiians, like soccer is to us on Salt Spring. We saw little kids, no older than 10, setting and passing balls like pros!

Home to prepare supper, a little stroll down the main street, then back to the hotel and a hot tub (if my sunburn permits!).

Another great day in Hawaii!

Day 1

Although I woke up earlier than I'm accustomed (8 am), I am not displeased as I am ready to enjoy day one in Hawaii. The first thing in the agenda is to go buy food for the 9 days. Fresh seafood and POG juice is high on the shopping list.

After hitting the grocery store, and getting it put away, I have the until dinner to explore. Students must travel in groups of at least two people, but as a coach I have way more freedom. The beach beckons! Sunscreen is essential, as I burn easily. After slathering on copious amounts of 40 block, its time to hit the beach.

The weather is awesome. I am learning how to tan (I have touble sitting still for extended periods). I usually bake for 15 minutes per side before hitting the water. I can usually do this twice before I get bored and have to explore.

The International market is not far from our hotel. Although male, and a gym teacher, I like poking around in the various stalls at the market. Its not quite as good as last time, but I can still find lots of cheap t-shirts (a gym teacher can never have too many t-shirts) and necklaces.

Tonight, the chaperons have fixed a BBQ for everybody. The boys amuse themselves by seeing how many bites it takes to eat a burger. I think someone did it in two! The girls were a little disgusted.

After supper, some kids started on their homework, others hit the beach again, while still others hung out by the hot tub. The curfew is 10 pm in the hotel, 11 pm in your own room.

A great day in Hawaii!

Arrival

Finally! It has taken two busses, a ferry, a plane, several rented vehicles, and about 15 hours, but we have finally reached our hotel -- The Waikiki Banyan. The open lobby of the hotel, with a Koi pond is pretty cool. Can't wait to throw my stuff in my room and start exploring!

The Banyan hotel is about 1 1/2 blocks from Waikiki Beach, and just minutes from the International market.

Hawaii is going to be AWESOME!!