January 6th
- Five days into their trip to South Africa (seven if you
count the days spent getting there), and the Penn women's
squash team is having a blast. They have visited Table Mountain,
viewed the tip of Africa, gotten up close with some African
penguins, and won their first squash match of the trip. Unfortunately
their trip to Robben Island was canceled due to high winds,
so they did not have the opportunity to visit the prison
where Nelson Mandela was held.
They have been training hard
and taking in all that South Africa has to offer. Here is
some of Kirsten Carlson's online chat with captains Lauralynn
Drury and Elizabeth Kern.
SQUASHTALK: How was the travel experience?
PENN, LAURALYNN: The flight was long. Travel took about
two days. We were completely exhausted when we finally arrived,
but as soon as we got to Cape Town, we got so excited to
actually be here.
SQUASHTALK: Did you do anything cool to celebrate New Year's?
PENN, ELIZABETH: Funny you should ask. We requested a New
Year's countdown from the flight attendant, but unfortunately
because it was a red eye flight, our request was denied on
account of people who may be sleeping. So instead, we celebrated
silently in between movies and naps.
SQUASHTALK: How was your first match?
PENN, LAURALYNN: Our first match was incredible. Our opponents
were so hospitable and friendly, and we managed a victory
over them. They taught us a whole bunch of their local post-match
customs that we plan on bringing back to Philly.
SQUASHTALK: Such as?
PENN, LAURALYNN: A team barbecue after that honors
and celebrates all competitors. After the match, you actually
spend time with your opponent during a barbecue, called a "braae",
pronounced "bry." It has been a great experience to see how
South African squash players enjoy the camaraderie of other
squash players, even if they are competitors.
SQUASHTALK: And how was the penguin colony?
PENN, ELIZABETH: The penguin colony
was incredible! They had a boardwalk built right along
the beach that allowed us to walk within inches of gorgeous
African penguins. We
spent quite a while just watching as they waddled around
in the waves. Can't wait to show you the pics! That
whole day was our first exposure to African animals
SQUASHTALK: Awesome. So what is the oddest or coolest animal
you've seen? Best purchases at the flea market?
PENN, ELIZABETH: As we drove to Cape Point, we passed baboons
hanging out on people's cars, ostriches cruising along the
road, and sea lions serving as entertainment at the marketplace.
We've been to quite a few market places so far, which are
all filled with quite a hodgepodge of African goods. Some
of the best purchases have been these wooden salad tongs
that are everywhere. They have African animals on the ends
and make GREAT presents for the parents.
PENN: We actually have to wrap this up sadly because our
van is here!
SQUASHTALK: Alright. Thanks you two. Have
a great day.
Look for more from the Penn women's team
in the next couple of days on Squash Talk. They will be playing
more matches and training, as well as visiting an ostrich
farm and other unique places. A productive, and varied trip!
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