Well an eventful and productive week for me. I began in Falmouth and ended in Truro. We had two very good training sessions this week. Zane arrived this week so it gave me an extra person to train with which has been great and we were able to do extra work at the end of each session with Rory. I continued on my individual training also down at Falmouth Rugby club of all places. Because I hadn’t been playing games it has been very important for me to keep my fitness as close to match fitness as possible for when the opportunity came.
After training on Thursday I stayed in Plymouth with Rory and Zane, and then on Saturday morning, Rory dropped us off and we were on our way with a very long bus trip to Ebbsfleet. It was a lovely ground and a new stand is being built, so I’m sure at its completion the stadium will be even greater. I got my first start which was very exciting but it was straight into business. We played very well and I feel as though it was a very positive performance compared with previous games. We were well in the game until the last 10min and unfortun
ately lost 4-2. It was another long journey home and I made sure I stretched at each stop we made just to ensure my recovery was on track after playing my first full game in about 2 months. It was great to get going, and hopefully we can build on the performance as a team and begin to turn the results around. On Sunday, Zane and I packed up our stuff and headed to the train station to head to Truro. We were finally in the town that we would be settling, so that was a nice feeling. We got a good recovery training session in that evening and we were ready for the next week.
Well my week kicked off with a crazy experience. Toby had gotten a call earlier in the morning asking if he would like to deliver a boat, via the English Channel from Falmouth to Brixham. He came and asked me and while I pondered it, he went a checked the winds. The next thing we know we are loading ourselves onto Fabienne, our home for the next 16+ hours. The wind wasn’t helping us at all so we motor-sailed the w
hole way. Because of this, it took a lot longer than expected. We passed the time by reliving many high school memories, sharing our experiences we had had in the last few years, and a nice guitar session. It certainly was a long trip, however the sunset was amazing and it was a great experience to spend with Toby. We arrived into Brixham around 4.30am. Slept from 5-6.30am and then we were picked up and headed home by car. I still had sea legs a little but I survived.
Tuesday we were recovering from the extensive trip, as we hung out at the flat and napped for a lot of the day. We headed down to the local pub to watch the England WC qualifier, however it was nothing special and we headed home at half time. I set an alarm for 12.45am so I could wake up and watch the All Whites vs USA. It was worth waking up for, but would have been even better if we had pulled off the win.
Later that afternoon, Toby and I also went down to the local park to kick a ball around, and even though it was all for a bit of fun, I would still focus on the little things, like first touch, and technique. Later we went out to Pendennis Point. It is a favorite spot of Toby’s and I can see why. We hung out there for a bit and just watched as the waves crashed in.
Today was game day again, and I wasn’t sure whether I would be playing or not. I had to take the train from Falmouth to Truro, and Of course the 20min walk from the flat to the Train Station it poured with rain, so I got drenched! Oh well. Eventually got to the ground and by the time we went out to warm up, it was sunny. Strange weather but Ill take it. I was on the bench once again. And once again it was a disappointing game to watch from the sides not being able to influence it. We lost 3-0. So not the greatest few games, but onwards to the next one. I came home and watched the Quinnipiac boys beat Monmouth for the first time in I think 12 years, and QU currently sits top of the table, so it is great for them that they are doing so well. I also managed a lengthy catch up with Mum and Dad which is always nice!
Monday dawned a beautiful day and we were up and out early to go for a sail. Toby’s jobs have all been with sailing, either a deck hand or a first mate on many sail boats. He does his job very well and knows his stuff. So this morning he took myself, his dad Tony and his uncle Gary all out. Gary knows how to sail so at least he wasn’t alone, and I still remembered many of the sailing skills I learned in Outward Bound. We had a wonderful few hours out on the water. Once we came in, Tony drove Toby and I up to Truro, where Toby was picking up a rental car for the week. While we were there, we went for a little tiki tour around Truro and stopped by at the Football Club. While we were at the club, I called the Secretary to see if he was in but he wasn’t. However, he had great news for me. All my papers had come back, including my reacquisition to amateur status. So now I just have to sign the contract with the club and Ill be away. That was an incredible feeling as it has been a journey and at times I thought that moment may not come! And it was nice to share the jubilation with a friend too. Toby and I then drove back to Falmouth and he took me on a tiki tour of Falmouth. Seeing lots of the town and the
surrounding areas. Many lookouts across the water, which was just wonderful. All I need is some ocean and blue sky and I am happy.
Wednesday was another good day. I dressed appropriately to go read on the pier and had a nice time out there, also just observing the surroundings and the boats that would come and go. Toby and I went and had another kick around in a local park which was nice. I have still been able to get my extra training in but just having Toby allows me to do some other things. That evening I have a few phone interviews regarding my signing, one for 
On Friday we woke up and went on an adventure. We headed down the coast through many small seaside towns and down very narrow roads and ended up at Lizard Point. We wandered along the coastal track on the cliffs above the water and took in the view. It was lovely and the coastline is a nice change. There was a life boat station there and so it was cool to see that and read about what they do and see photos of the life boat and its entry into the water from the shed. 
We then stopped off at what is considered to be a famous pasty shop, Anns Pasties, and I had my first Pasty. It was very nice and didn’t disappoint. For those wondering what it is, it is a pastry folded like a calzone and inside the one I got, it had steak, potatoes, leak and onions. We ate them in a park looking across to the ocean and then we went and sat on swings and had some childhood fun while we reminisced on high school and all the kiwi traditions that we have done in our travels. We then hit the road and stopped at a local Cider shop that also had all sorts of arts and crafts and things. We got a very educational tasting experience on the local Ciders. Some were good, and some were very different, but it was interesting to learn about them nonetheless. Finally we headed on home.
It was finally game day, and I was finally able to play. I had a relaxed morning and was well fed before I headed to Treyvew Rd, home of Truro City White Tigers! Still without any team gear, but I was part of the team nonetheless. The squad was stretched a little thin this week, but we still fielded a good side. I was on the bench. It was great to finally go through all the preparation and team talks and warming up with the team finally. The sun was out and it wasn’t a bad day at all. Well it wasn’t bad until we conceded after 3 minutes, and then conceded again twice in the first half. 3-0 down at half time wasn’t what was planned. I stayed out and warmed up during half time. I would look on from the bench as two more goals would be conceded before the manager called me over, gave me a few instructions, sent me to warm up, and then on I went. I played defensive midfield, just shielding the back four. I did the job asked of me, and I was comfortable in possession. Not much of an influence I can make at 5-0 down. It wasn’t the greatest game to debut, however now that its out of the way, it is onward and upward from here. Many fans were left disappointed today, but next week we will do what we can to change that! After the post match formalities, Toby and I headed back to Falmouth and found a pub that was showing the All Blacks. We got to see the last 15min in which they piled on about 25 points to blow away the Springboks and set a record! We watched a bit of the English Football game after that before finally heading home. I was able to facetime my parents and fill them in on all the events that had occurred today and throughout the week. It is always a highlight each week to catch up with them and fill them in! Technology has made the last 5 years a lot easier being away from home. I stayed up to watch the All Whites face Mexico. It was a great performance and a completely different approach by the NZ team for the first time in a long time. Promising signs.
as I have the stamp from Ireland showing I entered, its fine and I can pick up my visa. That was very good news to hear. So Ill head back on Sunday to pick it up. The rest of my day I spent wandering around the streets of Plymouth and then spent a few hours up at The Hoe, which overlooks the water. There was a massive tent there for the Plymouth University Graduation. It brought back memories for sure. I spent my afternoon reading and laying in the sun just resting. Rory picked me up later that evening for training. It was good to catch up with him, and it was good to get a training in with the team.
On Friday I found a nearby park where I was able to do my own training. I took a ball from training last night and a few cones, so I had some supplies to allow me to have a good session. Once I was showered, I headed back up to The Hoe, and continued to read my book. I took a stroll down through the Barbican and in and around the surrounding streets, before finally heading home for the evening.
ome team fans, as I wanted to just watch our backline and see what they were doing and how they played. In the second half I was at the end we were attacking and I got to see 2 late goals. A comeback with for Truro, 2-1. I met a few of the Truro fans who had heard bits and bobs about me, and so that was nice. And then the long bus ride home began. However a happy bus ride because of the 3 points earned on the road.
on sun. There had been a seafood festival going on in town, however when I went late in the afternoon, it seemed as everyone was packing up to go home. I missed out unfortunately. I then went back and found a new reading seat with a little bit of a different view as the sunset. I was hoping to see a nice sunset, however the wind that was freezing me, blew in some clouds, and there was no true colorful sunset to witness. I had to head home before I became too cold to walk.
As time went on this week I kept on checking to see whether my return label was activated, however it was instead an email received on Thursday afternoon saying my visa was accepted and it would be returned to me along with my papers and forms. Thankfully, it arrived Friday afternoon into the safe hands of my friend Ricky, whose address I used on the return label.
We spent a few hours wandering around Central Park, taking in the sights and sounds of street performers and buskers, while we chatted about all sorts of things. I then headed off to the restaurant Anne and I would be meeting at. Soon after I arrived, so did Anne. We had a lovely meal together as I filled her in on all the events that had occurred since I last saw her at Graduation.
It was a good experience wandering through the huge museum. After a couple hours of looking at all the art and history, we said our goodbyes and headed off in our own directions. I swiftly walked back down to Grand Central and got on the train that would arrive into New Haven at 7.43pm. Shannon picked me up after her shift ended and we headed straight for her home in Massachusetts. 
My flight was quick and painless. I had wanted to try and stay awake to see the Irish coastline, however we got above the clouds and I passed out. Next thing we were circling just above Exeter as there was trouble on the runway. Soon enough we landed and my bags arrived, always a bonus. I went out and met Rory Fallon in the car park. Rory has been assisting with my new move and he is actually a Player/Coach at Truro City FC. Rory is also a current member of the New Zealand All Whites and famously scored the winner against Bahrain to send NZ to the World Cup in 2010. Rory is a lot more experienced and has been in the U.K. for 18 years now as a pro.
We woke up to a fairly windy morning and overcast skies. Had some breakfast and was entertained with the kids being kids. Eventually we all headed out. Katy, The Grandpa, and little Hugh along with myself were dropped off at White Rocks Beach with the two dogs and we had a lovely morning walk all the way along the beach to where we met the others. It was a lovely morning, fresh air, sounds of the ocean, and just being oceanside. Two of the sisters had gone out for a 3km morning swim, and the others were splashing around in the paddling pools by the water when we arrived. Eventually we headed up to a little cafe that overlooks the ocean for a bit of morning tea. Certainly controlling 9 kids and 2 dogs was difficult, but things settled down and we enjoyed some good conversation.
We headed back to the house eventually. And then Katy and I were dropped off at the Bushmills Irish Whiskey Distillery. We took the tour and learned all the stages of producing the Whiskey. It was very interesting learning about the process and all the little stages that occur. Whiskey however is not my thing, and so the free tasting we got at the end was not the best way to end. But the tour was well worth it.
The coastline is unlike coastline that I have seen before, and the oceans can be pretty unforgiving. The little Island that the bridge took us across to was very cool, and on a clear day we would have been able to look out across the water to friendly neighbors, Scotland.
Finally my tour was complete for the day and we headed to the home we were staying at. The house is owned by Stu, who is the father of Katy Best. Katy Best is the mother of the family my friend Katy is an Au Pair for. Stu has three daughters, who were all there with their kids, 9 and then the sisters had another friend who brought two more kids with her. So there was kids running around everywhere. I think the age bracket was 3-8yrs. But it was great to be in a family environment again. Everyone was lovely and we had a grand old time along with bits of drama here and there with the kids. A typical family fish and chips dinner, before the kids got put to bed and we spent time just chatting outside. Around 9pm Katy and I walked along the ocean side to the BayView Hotel which has a bar down stairs. We grabbed a drink and went and sat outside looking across the bay as the sunset. It was just wonderful to relax and chill out finally. We continued to share stories of our high school memories, some hilarious memories. Eventually the drizzle forced us inside where live music was being played. We spent 20 minutes listening but it was just very packed, so we headed on home for the night.
Today was our day off, and although I didn’t play in the match the night before, nor did I do any extra training, it was nice to relax and recover. Obviously the workload has taken a bit to get used to, so taking the breaks when I can!
mest day I have experienced since I have been here. The food stalls were from all over the world, as the boats in the race were all from around the world too, so it makes for a great few days of different cultures and food. The stalls I felt were very similar to the Saturday markets back home in Nelson. I could happily wander and taste many things on a nice afternoon every weekend of the summer if similar events were on.
and training environment. The night led us out to a bar in Derry where Aaron had booked an area for us to hang out in, but also enjoy the bar and dance floor. It turned out to be a great first night out for me in Derry.