Two days till the start of the games

We have just played our last practice match before our first game. We beat Malaysia 3-1 although could have been a few more. It was a good performance, that has given us enough confidence but still reminds us that we need to be on top form to perform to our best.

The opening ceremony is looming and we are all getting excited. We have rumours that the athletes waiting area for before we walk out is the Rod Laver Arena which is exciting and apparently we walk out first being the country in head of the Commonwealth. We still miss a large portion of the ceremony but we all can't wait to experience the atmosphere of 110 thousand! larger than a footie's crowd! If it lives up to my expectations then it will be an awesome feeling (and Melbourne and the organisation of the games has yet to disappoint me.)

We have a day off hockey tomorrow but we have a weights session in the morning and video session in the evening. We are hopefully off to meet the Neighbours crew! in our spare time and perhaps get a little bit of Nail Art in patriotic colours. So look out for the nails!

Will write again soon.

Third day in the Village

G'day from Down Under!

Finally I have the time, energy and technology to let you all know back home how life is treating the England Ladies Hockey Team Down Under in Melbourne, whilst preparing for the Games to start. As I sit writing this the temperature is reaching 40 degrees so it is sweltering here and is in 30s most days, so gruelling temperatures at the mo!

The Holding Camp just on the outskirts of Melbourne has been hard work but enjoyable. The majority of Team England were staying in the Novotel and training at Monash University. The facilities have been fantastic for training a very well equipped gym and a little hard and bobbly water base astro have really been our own two outings during the holding camp. We had a day off but spent the majority of the day chilling, although we found time for the Nike Outlet Store! Most of the training has been to overcome jet lag, maintain fitness and adding those finishing touches to our game. We played a game against Australia on our last day of the holding camp, which we lost 5-1 not a great score you will think, and yes whilst very annoyed about losing we felt we learnt a lot about ourselves and gave us that kick up the ?!?!?! that always helps before going into tournament. The game was played on the competition pitch which was the first time we had stepped onto the pitch we would be playing on during the games. It is such a gorgeous setting, with changing rooms that lead into the dug outs and stadium round three sides. The matches will have great atmosphere - we hope!

Finally, the day comes to move into the village. It is extremely hard to put into words how this felt. It was amazing, truly WOW!!! You soon realise those dreams of a young girl have come true and it really does live up to all that you dream about and more. And I can't get across in writing what experiences and surreal moments that occur with each every moment in the village. The food hall is just amazing, every food you could imagine, all free, all the time! Dad would have a field day if he could get in!

I'm very sorry but I have to get off to a meeting now, I will try and continue later. I am hoping to upload pics also but not sure how they will come out!

Stay tuned for more news!!!