DAY FIVE: 2 August 2009

Hello Iowa!

Our day began with a rare opportunity to sleep in (somewhat) — the boys’ only requirement was to have had breakfast by 9:00.  This was followed by a 2-hour block of time that we all packed up our bags in preparation for the move across town to the Cruzerio Club.

Our guides for the next 4 days are in charge of the International Exchange program for Cruzerio.  This club is an impressive organization with an annual budget of $40 million dollars.  The players range in age from a few 14 year olds to mostly 15-18 year olds.  Once selected for the residency program, the approximate 60-member pool is utilized as a feeder program for the professional club.

The club has frequent international exchange clubs, players and an international dormitory dedicated to teams and players from all over the world.

A lunch in the cafeteria was followed by our first game at Cruzerio.  We had a solid fan base of the 3 chaperones, Marcello’s family (quite vocal) and four exchange players that wandered in to check us out.  Two of the exchange players are from the same club in Phoenix, AZ and will be staying and training for the next 2 weeks. Another exchange player is from Florida and the other from Japan.

The opponent was certainly not prepared for the lads from Iowa.  This team was referred to as the “C” team.  The final score was 9-0 in our favor.

The team and traveling party enjoyed a relaxing night with an early dinner at Cruzerio followed by an early lights out.

– Submitted by Brian Bergstrom

DAY FOUR:  1 August 2009

Hello Iowa!

Today was the first day off from soccer for the team, but the day was not short on adventure.   After an early morning breakfast the boys boarded our team bus in route to a popular state park where adventurous types go to fly down a 200 foot zip line into the river below, repel down one hundred foot cliffs, or test their canoeing skills through a scenic pass. 

After arrival at the state park we met our guide, Monserat, a strapping 6 foot  6 inch Brazilian outdoorsmen and volleyballer.  He made sure the boys were well strapped in with their repelling gear and we hiked through a more rural area, ultimately arriving at the steep wooded bluff where the zip line finds it’s start.  Unsure of the danger Brian Bergstrom was nominated to go first.  We quickly learned that the zip line ended with a large splash into the river below.  Thereafter, the boys quickly handed their backpacks up the long line, and without much trepidation each took the plunge.   A short swim in the clear, cool, water, and then we were off to the repelling cliff.

In contrast to the lack of hesitation prior to engaging the zip line, the boys were a bit more cautious and analytical about their decision to repel down an eighty-foot cliff.  But like so many parts of this wonderful experience, their fears were lessened by the very professional and knowledgeable park staff.   Each of the boys made the climb to the peak of the cliff and we are proud to report that each successfully made it to the ground again, without incident.  Perhaps the latest to accept the invitation to repel down this giant rock was one of our fearless leaders Ian Bradley, who finally caved after witnessing multiple fifteen year old players successfully master the course.

After that, it was off to the lake for canoeing.  But first a quick, impromptu stop at a truck selling fresh sweet pineapple out of the truck bed.   The boys enjoyed the pineapple as much as the machete yielding vendor.   By this time, our strapping Brazilian park guide, Monserat, who had been with us all day, was well aware that he was not dealing with seasoned woodsmen.  All hope for proving Iowans prowess for the outdoors was lost prior to the canoeing, when all three of the chaperones found themselves lost in the woods, traveling aimlessly down a horse trail which led nowhere toward the water.  Fortunately, we were rescued by Monserat and Marcello who led us back on path. 

Again, however, we were unable to impress Monserat once inside the canoes.  Two of the boys barely made it away from shore, before upending their canoe, an example quickly followed by their coaches, as Ian and Marcello’s canoe nearly sunk after multiple rollovers.  Once safely on shore, Monserat (in Portuguese) anointed Ian and Marcello with the title “Captains of the Titanic”, a perfect punch line to the end of a quite comical and adventurous day.

Another fantastic Brazilian meal followed at a local restaurant.  The boys have found a new refreshment they will be sure to be asking for at home, Guarana.  We were home and were all safely in our rooms with big smiles on our face. 

– Submitted by Brian Bergstrom

DAY THREE: 31 July 2009

Hello Iowa!

After breakfast at our usual spot near the Chalets, we boarded the bus around 9:00 a.m. for a short hour’s ride to Clube Quintas in Marcelo’s boyhood hometown. 

Along the route we stopped at a roadside coconut stand where a man with a large machete cut open fresh coconuts – one per boy with an opening at one end to drink down the fresh coconut milk — another new experience for the boys plus, according to Marcelo, an excellent dose of potassium for the boys prior to Game 2.  After drinking it down, the boys then turned their coconuts in for a few more machete whacks to open them up and eat the inside.  Behind the stand, the operator also squeezed fresh sugar water from sugar cane for anyone who wanted a dose of that as well.  

We arrived at the Club by mid morning and did not leave until after 9:00 p.m. The Club is private with an English heritage.  The soccer pitch was a cricket pitch in the Club’s early years.   Today the Club has a family feel with several available activities (indoor futsol field, outdoor swimming, full size soccer pitch, ping pong, snooker tables and dining areas) spread among on an open air type facility.  The Club offered an excellent cultural contrast to Day 2. 

We began the visit with a 5v5 futsol game on the Club gym floor against the Club’s local team.  The boys rotated in groups of 4 with Patrick remaining in goal.  We came out on the short end against the Quintas team but we received a good glimpse of Brazilian soccer skills in small spaces. 

After a swim and a buffet lunch in the open air café area, the boys were free to relax around the pool or play foosball, ping pong, etc.  Game 2 of our trip began around 4:00.  We enjoyed are large advantage in scoring attempts but could not convert.  Regulation time ended 0-0.  The game went straight to PK’s due to fading sunlight.  We ended on top 5-4 as Patrick made a save and all of our boys made their attempts.  After the game, the Nova Lima team (playing as Club Quintas) presented our players with a  congratulatory trophy on the field.

The boys showered at the fields and headed up to another outdoor dining venue at the Club for a barbeque, which was another excellent meal of meats (chicken and beef) followed by rice, salsa toppings, salad and vegetables.  The evening at the club ended with a raucous impromptu futsol pickup game including local kids, our players, coaches and chaperones, with Pat representing the chaperones particularly well.

Back on the bus by 9:30 and back to home base.

– Submitted by Brian Bergstrom

DAY TWO: 30 July 2009

Hello Iowa!

We started the day with our typical gathering at the gazebo in the center of our “chalets”.  It gives Ian and Marcelo a good opportunity to talk about the day including any specific direction regarding what to pack for the day.

The day started with a tour of a poorer neighborhood, formerly referred to as Favela, on the hillside overlooking downtown.  The population of 50,000 live a life not easily captured in words. The boys were very respectful and will no doubt remember this experience.  The local team, from this neighborhood, provided us with our first opponent.

In preparation for the game we moved to a very large park to have lunch and interact with the local team.  The local TV and radio coverage were not disappointed as the boys (and girls) laughed and talked about themselves.  We were entertained by a typical Brazilian musical group and the kids danced and exchanged gifts.

One quick side note: our tee shirt/gift supply is a tremendous success!  The only improvement opportunity would be for us to have many more shirts.  Seemingly each time we interact, we are asked for shirts.

The game was played in the afternoon complete with a welcoming committee including the Mayor.  The score ended up with us victorious 7-1. The more interesting item would include a band member (28 yrs old) entered the game after we were up 3-1. He proceeded to get a late red card and in response he kicked the ball hitting the official squarely in the stomach.  The official handled it very well and as we are learning the matches are called very closely to avoid such outbreaks. Apparently they can be common place. Marcelo was not as surprised as some of the rest of us.

This was the first time the local girls have presented a very persistent interest in talking with the team.  We were honored with a police escort away from the game.

The day would not have been complete without a stop at the mall.  A very large, active mall in a very wealthy part of the city. Quite a contrast to the start of the day.  We all enjoyed a good meal and some shopping to close out Day 2 of our trip.

– Submitted by Brian Bergstrom

DAY ONE: 29 July 2009

Hello Iowa!

We enter Brazil via Rio DeJeneiro International Airport.  The kids immediately raced to the toilets to investigate whether the toilets really flushed in a reverse water fashion.  (they do not).  Customs provided their first experience with Portuguese language opportunities and they did well,  Customs was uneventful and the flights were without difficulty.  We arrived in Belo Horizonte at 11 am local time.  We were greeted by family of Marcelo, who assisted with currency exchange and ATM processing.   We then boarded our team bus for the SESC Venda Nova, our home for the first four days.  

The facility is divided into multiple “chalets”.  The chalets come complete with one set of bunk beds, a queen bed and concrete walls to keep them cool.  We have learned who the best negotiators are amongst the players by who is sleeping in the queen bed.  Food is served in the main cafeteria, buffet style, which has made our meals hassle free and tasty.  The players are eating plenty and enjoying the common fare which includes plenty of local fruits and juices as well as their new found favorite soda, Guarana.

After we settled in, the boys had their first Brazilian training session.  The field is cut tight, and the ball travels fast on the turf.  Marcelo invited Juninho, a former professional goalkeeper for Athletico, to serve as a goalkeeper coach.  The boys had a good first session as conures,  Brazilian parrots, flew and chirped overhead, bright green in color and vocal.  The kids were happy to eat and get to bed early and catch up on sleep for Day II. 

– Submitted by Brian Bergstrom