Editor’s note: Anna Heise of the University of Maine has agreed to write a blog during the Black Bear women’s basketball team’s trip to Italy. The senior center from Halle, Germany, will provide readers with a student-athlete’s perspective on the experience as the team enjoys the history and culture of Italy while playing a handful of games.
VENICE, Italy — After exploring Montreal on Saturday, it was finally time to go overseas. The flight was about eight hours, which was nothing uncommon for the players from Europe, but somewhat intimidating for everybody else.
It turned out to be not as bad as expected. The goal was to sleep through most of the flight, to make the adjustment to the time difference easier. After landing in Venice, we met our tour managers Leonardo and Graziano. On the bus ride to the hotel, Leonardo made the promise to teach us at least five new Italian words every day; so far I can say “Ciao” (Hello) and “mangiare” (eating). I think that should get me through my first full day in Italy Monday.
After exploring the hotel and the surroundings, it was time to leave for practice. Practice was mostly to get adjusted to the new three-point line, the temperature and the different basketballs. We went over the scouting report, did some defensive drills and got up some shots.
Following practice, we went to Padua City, which was about 10 minutes away from the gym. We spent 90 minutes with sightseeing, did some shopping and lots of picture taking. Padua is a small, but really nice city, with a lot to see.
After the sightseeing it was time for our first Italian meal. We had pasta (of course), mashed potatoes with broccoli and turkey and “Panna cotta.”
I definitely could get used to this kind of food.
All in all it was a great first day in Italy, but I am beyond excited for the things to come. Monday we will play SSD Reyer at 8:30 p.m. (local time). Before the game we have planned a tour through Venice and from what I heard it is going to be quite an experience.
About the author: Anna Heise is majoring in Journalism at UMaine with a double minor in Child Development and Family Relations and Creative Writing. She enjoys hanging out with her teammates, traveling, reading and watching movies.