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Charlottesville
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We went walking towards our baggage collection point, and there was Brian waiting for us, reliable as ever.
After collecting our bags, Brian decided to show us a scenic route to Charlottesville and so he started driving towards Washington, before he decided to turn around and go towards Charlottesville.
Jules and I were looking forward to seeing Shannon and the little ones. The last time Jules had visited, only Leah and Cleo were running around the house, so she was especially excited to see Ellen and Justin.
We were not disappointed as Shannon, Leah, Ellen and Justin were all waiting up for us. I got a big hug from Leah, and it seemed like I was home again.
Many times I have stayed with Brian and Shannon, while coaching hockey in Charlottesville and now it seems like my "home away from home". I am always made to feel very welcome and love being part of the Bartholomew household.
After we had eaten dinner, that Shannon had kindly made and kept for us, we made ourselves very comfortable in our guest room, and were soon asleep - home sweet home!
Brian & Shannon gave us one of their cars to use, so on Friday we took a drive to one of the malls. I was able to finally have my haircut (which was about a month overdue) and then we bought a few things at Old Navy, American Eagle and Abecrombie & Finch. We had our Starbucks inside Barnes & Noble, but forgot to take a photograph - I know, unbelievable!
We had a good evening spending time reacquainting ourselves with the girls and getting to know Justin. After reading to Leah (which I did every night that we were there) I tucked her into bed and then I tucked myself in.
On Saturday we joined Brian and the little ones for their Saturday ritual of breakfast and the library. We met up with Brian's marathon running mates for breakfast before heading to the library.
While Brian was chatting to someone, Leah came and sat with me, asking me to read her a book. I no sooner began reading than a lady asked me "who I was?" I explained who I was, and she was visibly relieved. She explained that the Bartholomews were regulars, and she was curious as to why I was with Leah!
So, after leaving the library, we had a big treat. The school Brian teaches at, St. Annes Belvedere (STAB), were playing in the football state final. They had won it 5 times in 9 years, and were trying for 6 from 10 on Saturday afternoon.
Jules, Brian, myself and the two girls went off to watch our first live football game. It was lots of fun and reminded me a lot of school days and especially "derby days". All the STAB mums were standing on the pavilion, smacking spoons on pots and shouting for their team, reminding me of my own Mum, who also shouted from the side while I played hockey so many years ago now it seems.
The Dads were all along the sideline and were giving it horns, mainly at the ref. As loud as the dads were, Brian definitely made the most noise and his comments reminded me of Dad on the sideline! Via Afrika!
STAB won quite easily and we had a really good time enjoying the atmosphere of small town American.
Brian confessed to Jules that he had promised one of the students, a basketball player from Durban, that if he won Rory would give him a tour of the Shark's dressing room in Durban!
Then we headed off to Maryland and Washington DC for Sunday/Monday.
Tuesday we went off to get some thermal underwear for Canada and we went for a pizza dinner. We all had a good time, especially Justin, who ate well and had a lot to say (well, in his manner of sounds)!
After dinner Jules and I went off to watch the University of Virginia (UVA) playing basketball against Drexel (I think?).
What a game, we had so much fun watching the spectacle. UVA have a mascot, the Cavalier Man, who comes out dressed as a Northern civil war soldier. The lights went out and there is a sudden explosion and through a spot light Cav Man comes running onto the court with his sabre flying in the air. He is then followed by about 20 dancers and then about 30 cheerleaders and finally a massive marching brass band.
Everyone was going crazy by this point and when the UVA players were announced, people went mental - shouting, screaming, clapping etc.
The lights kept coming on slowly, and when the lights were fully on, the opponents were announced and the crowd was eerily quiet, except for a few Drexler fans.
The game was great and UVA kicked butt! The 12000 crowd made the evening brilliant, and all the dancing, cheerleaders, competitions etc. were great to be part of.
We were up very early on Wednesday morning as the Bartholomews were heading off to have Thanksgiving 8 hours away with friends. So we all gathered for a sad farewell at 6am and then they were off.
We were sad to say goodbye, but I was especially sad, as I am unsure when next I will get to coach in Charlottesville. For the past 5 years we have watched the children grow and have have always felt a strong bond with Brian & Shannon. We always feel immediately at home in Charlottesville and are able to speak about anything and everything.
We will miss this sharing and will look forward to when next we can arrange to visit Virginia.
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