An update from Hannes' birthday party on Sunday...we had a group of 11 at our table. There were also two more tables of the Montreal swimmers. Our friend Janine, who we met last year, had some birthday candles and we managed to get these into Hannes' dessert. All three tables sang Happy Birthday, followed by lots of cheering and clapping by others in the restaurant as well. Janine told me later that she had brought the candles with her to celebrate her friend Isabel's birthday. Unfortunately for Isabel, she was the swimmer who was turned away at the airport counter because her passport was less than six months away from the expiration date. Some brave people at our table, not me, enjoyed a few tequila shots! I enjoyed a Margarita and some good red wine (some of the Ontario swimmers brought wine with them to the restaurant and they are OK with us doing that). The "vino tinto" leaves much to be desired...it is OK if there is nothing else!
Here is a cute pic of the birthday boy:
Yesterday after swim workout, we went on an island tour with our friends Cathy and John from Prince George. We found out about an American couple who live here who offer driving tours of the island. They picked us up at 11:30 after swimming and breakfast. They provided us with all kinds of interesting info about the island, its history, the people, culture etc. our first stop was a church/town square up the road a ways from our hotel. From there we drove to a castle and enjoyed beautiful views. We drove to the north side of the island and saw the beautiful beaches that are on the Caribbean Sea side. They were stunning! We saw fishing villages, people's homes up close, pelicans, more castles, the modern part of Porlamar. It was such an interesting trip! Steve and Marcella have lived here for 12 years. Although they remain U.S. citizens, they are residents of Margarita Island. They filled us in on the healthcare system, the government, etc. I took about 150 photos so hopefully there are a few good ones in there!! All in all, it was a super day. They had us back to the resort right on time at 3:30 p.m. Other swimmers in our group went the day before and the two older ladies, Julia and Mae, are going today.
Luckily we did not have an afternoon swim practice. Cathy, Hannes and I went over to the pizza/deli and had ourselves a pizza and Cervasa (beer). Hannes enjoyed a nice cup of coffee.
Swimming has been going well, although people are starting to get tired. I have now swam 4400 meters for morning workout two days in a row. Took it easy on Sunday and did only 4200! my friend Charlie from Toronto and I have been busy logging in our mileage in the Million Meter Challenge page. We usually compare notes sometimes during the day. This afternoon's workout is "technical". We will be doing breastroke drills. I should also mention that there was a gentleman swimming when we arrived at the pool today...turns out that he is a masters swimmer from Caracus! He may be joining us for tomorrow morning's workout.
Generally the weather has been hot every day. Today is by far the most amount of rain that we have experienced here. It never lasts too long, but can it ever come down fast. We could hardly see the ocean when it rained just a few minutes ago. Hoping to get to the beach a little later for some r & r.
We cannot believe how fast the second week has gone! Tomorrow is our last full day!
Already coming to an end??? I'm not even there and I think it went way too fast!! I say...sign on for another week!! :-)
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