Sunday 26th November 2000

Michelle: "Our dreams of a lovely Sunday morning lie-in were shattered. Christina, Eryl, Helen, Ben and I had the misfortune of sharing a dorm with an Irish couple who were obviously on what might be called "quite friendly terms".  Being in the bunk opposite I had a full stereophonic effect of the build-up to some 'in-flight entertainment'. After making it blindingly obvious I was awake - by getting out of bed to 'look in my bag for something' - I was prepared to admit defeat and went downstairs to join the others dorm, screaming for sanctuary.

On later meeting up, it became apparent that I had missed the most lively part of the show, illustrated by Eryl who commented along the lines of "I didn't know you could talk that much and still do it...". Hangover recoveries and a farewell to the Bournemouth beauties gave way to a quest for food.  Breakfast had now turned into lunch."

Bart!

Jamie: "Having lived through the experiences of Friday and the oh-so-narrowly-caught ferry, Prudence (nice girl) suggested that it would be best for the Bournemouth/Southampton posse to set off on time to the ferry port, so breakfast was missed and hasty goodbyes were made as we set out." Carol: "Due to the lateness of the previous night's bed-time, we did lounge around and completely failed to get off to an early start. With the exception, that is, of the Bournemouth crew who had to reach the ferry before mid-day. However, judging by the time they left, I tend to think some more "Nigel Mansell" driving stunts were going to be needed to get them there on time. We eventually forwent breakfast in favour of Brunch on the way to the pool for the underwater rugby mini-tournament. In fact most people appeared a tinge green about the gills, even around Brunchtime."

Michelle: 'The pain of a hangover was almost worth it for the anticipation of my first underwater rugby experience. Having heard a variety of descriptives ranging from "insanity" to "the most fun you can have with your swimming cozzie on", many of us were keen to have a go. Whilst in the cafe, devouring our brunch, we tried to work out how the game was played and kept firing questions at Martin R, the only one among us to have played it before. Marieke made the observation that we were discussing the concept in the same way that non-Octopush players ask questions about underwater hockey: "but what equipment do you use?", "how do you score?", "how can a ball go through the water?", "does the ball float", "HOW deep?" and the old familiar "WHY???!!??!".

Claus did a star job of instructing the finer points to a bunch of tired and aching souls, before we got our kit together and launched into the mayhem. It was a PERFECT hangover cure - although apparently not for Ben . . . arf, arf. Watching the games was almost as much fun as playing, as the spectacle of people  being mushed until they finally let go of the ball was hilarious - it looked like a dream come true for some people - all the things you want to do in a hockey game but never quite dared to . . . grabbing, pulling and ripping any body parts available, in pursuit of the ball (allegedly)!

Martin R: "Where was the Hollingbery in what could have been his finest hour?  :-))" 

Michelle: "Claus, John and Dave made a valiant attempt to downplay their expertise and skill so as not to show us up too much. Having had no experience of a 12ft pool until today, there were several occasions when I surfaced after a battle a stranger shade of green, much to John's concern. All in all a great experience, and one which I hope someday will wing its way to the U.K.".

At one stage I though Marieke was going to get stuck in the basket, she was defending it so well. All in all, a great time was had by all."

The UWR players: Back: Julie, Ben, Martin F, Carol Front: Martin R, Michelle, Eamonn, Christina, Marieke, Justin

Black 'n' blue (and orange!), but still smiling

Jamie, on the way back to England: "The crossing wasn't too bad, apart from the rough entrance into Holyhead. However, the drive back was not going to be as easy-going as we had anticipated. With intentions set by the majority of the group that we should try and make it back for the training session in Totton, another hair-raising drive through the Welsh countryside ensued. Or was it Jamie's throwaway "Hey Russ, I bet you can't beat my time through Wales!" . . .

Once again we arrived at our destination with ten minutes to spare, and this time the nerves held and a good (i.e. successful and victorious!) game was enjoyed by Jamie "Colin McRae", Russ "Richard Burns" and Matt. Karl had had enough and was ready for sleep, 'nuff said."

Martin R: "No sooner had the rugby finished and we were all changed and dressed than our ever-efficient hosts had "Dave's Taxi Service" waiting to whisk Justin off to the airport to catch his plane back to Bristol. Fifteen down to ten . . ."

Carol: "With everyone having put everything into the game, the worms were by then well and truly calling, and food was the next stop. Once again we crammed into Eamonn's van and ended up at an Italian restaurant which served great grub."

Rejuvenation time!

Michelle: "Well not only did we miss Friday's fun, I and Christina had the misfortune of having real jobs and having to fly back on Sunday night to get back for work (remember that, you lot??). After scoffing an excellent Italian meal we said our goodbyes and were zooming to the airport in 'Dave's Cabs' when I saw the wild panic stricken look in Chris's eyes with an accompanying "@&*$" as it transpired that she had neglected to retrieve her small bag from the youth hostel containing phone, passport, etc. etc. With no time to do a u-turn, the initial panic gradually subsided after realising she had her wallet and could manage without. A swift text message was dispatched to the others with a plea for them to bring the bag back with them the following morning. Comfort shopping ensued in the airport Duty Free, then a final farewell to the Irish skies.

We arrived back in Chesham at the relatively human hour of 10:30pm, amazed at just what you can cram into 36 hours!". Looking forward to a return visit someday, and thanks to our hosts and the rest of CTDC. :-))"

Carol: "After saying our farewells to Michelle and Christina, the inevitable pub crawl quickly followed, starting in a traditional Irish pub, with John, Stephen and Claus leading us in search of Guinness, Guinness and more Guinness. Here Helen and Eryl joined us, having been indisposed for much of the day. We also found a lady with a black eye to make my and Helen's shiners look stupid.

Gold, silver and bronze in the black eye competition

"And don't come up 'til you've finished!"

Eventually John had to make his way home, as he had an early start the next morning - taking Martin, Marieke and me to the airport, thanks John! - and we were left with Stephen and Claus entertaining us. Once again we headed into Temple Bar, drank and made merry.

The Sunday night survivors

A ceili: when in Dublin, do as the Dubliners do . . .

On our way back we stopped off at a kebab place for a munchie-attack, then back to the hostel at a commendable 3:30-ish a.m."