DAY 9: 6 August 2009

Hello Iowa!

Today was moving day.  After breakfast and a short film about the history and current status of the Cruzerio Club and another opportunity to watch the Cruzerio U20 and U17 team practices, we left the Cruzerio facility and headed back to SESC Venda Nova where we checked in and then boarded a spacious bus to head to Marcelo’s parents’ country home, about a 40 minute ride.

The country home is in a gated community and includes common open air meeting spaces, swimming pools, a fenced grass soccer pitch, and a poteika area.  Poeteka (sp?) is a cross between handball and badminton.  The boys started their visit with a barbeque prepared over an outdoor grill.  After a few soccer games that included chaperones, coaches and other members of the Serrano family, Ian organized a poeteka tournament by putting everyone on a two-person team.  The team of Austin Reutzel and Marcelo’s brother brought home the championship. 

The day included lots of laughs and fun moments in a very relaxing and beautiful environment, all thanks to the hospitality and welcoming talents of the Serrano family. After an evening meal, we hiked back down the long cobblestone drive to meet our personal bus and head back to SESC. 

– Submitted by Brian Bergstrom