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May 27, 2008

Being in a place where the only words you know are "hi/bye" and various body parts makes for some interesting conversation with the locals. We just finished day three of our Croatian adventure and though I wouldn't quite call myself fluent, I can now order coffee with milk so I figure I'm set for the rest of the trip.

Although I haven't quite conquered the language, I have learned several things about Croatia, our team, and myself.

For example, I learned that the necktie originated in Croatia, yet one of our very own (hint: the only member of the coaching staff who would wear a tie and is from Croatia) still has his wife tie his. During today's excursion to Trakošćan Castle, located in the Croatian Highlands region, I got a glimpse into the aristocratic life and history of this area. Here are a few other interesting facts about the castle:

Trakošćan got its name because it looks like a dragon. Drako is derived from the Latin word for dragon, draco, and stayn which is German stein or stone.

The castle was built at the end of the 13th century to control borders and important routes in the area.

The restored and presented rooms encompass almost 1200 square meters.

It was one of the first structures in this area of Croatia to have electricity.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I have learned that I most definitely need to move someplace where they serve chocolate for breakfast!

In today's match we competed against a collection of some of the top players in Zagreb, pulled from three different teams around the city. It wasn't our finest performance skill-wise, but the girls are learning that to be a top team they must be ready to compete at a high level, whatever the circumstance or environment.

I really think this experience will prove to be beneficial in helping us reach the lofty goals we have set for the fall, and I know they will take what they can from the play today and be ready to go for tomorrow's matches!

Roll Wave! Bok!

-Meg Henican