Last Day :(

Rising early (as early as 6AM!) everyone was up for catching the last of the sun's rays. However, by 11.30 the heavens opened with a torrential downpour, and we all felt prepared to come back to English weather. So, all the last minute packing was done on time, and we all said a tearful goodbye to the swimming pool at the resort.

Departure Time; 5.50PM

Eventually arriving at Manchester (hopefully); Approx. 8.30AM (Sunday)

Arriving back at LGGS; Approx. 10.15

See you all when we get back!!

Oystons Fish Fry

Today we spent the day at our local beach, where some of us went on banana boats/the big mable again, making the most of our last full day. A last trip to the supermarket and shops near to the resort had us spending our last pennies. We 'glammed up' back at our apartments ready for Sam's birthday celebrations at Oystons Fish Fry. None of us knew what to expect, but were pleasantly surprised by the fresh barbequed fish, and accompanying stalls. We also got the chance to view the locals dancing, which was a new experience for all. When we got back, we had arranged a surprise party for Sam's 18th, the look on her face was hilarious!! The teachers and Julian organised a birthday cake with Sam's face on it, providing us with much entertainment. We partied for a while, until everyone crashed out, preparing for an early start tomorrow, the last day. A very enjoyable evening was had by all.

Bridgetown and Final Match

Today we took a trip to the capital of Barbados, were we shopped and took in the cultural experience. It was very hot, but we persisted in buying as many blue and yellow souveniors. Sales of beaded bracelets and rastafarian hats have never been so high!!

Final Match

We played at 6.30PM for a change today, under the floodlights, and we had all got our hopes up that playing conditions would be easier, how very wrong we were! Humidity overcame us, thankfully the squad rotation worked a treat. With an end to end first half, we saw goals from both teams, Pauline putting it in the back of the net for Lancaster once again - becoming a habit! However the Bajan team equalised with a cracking short corner routine.
The second half proved more of a challenge, with the defence under constant pressure due to match officials. However, working hard as a unit they moved the ball out of tricky situations well. After goals from Emily C and Dani R, the final score was 3-3, a well fought result that the team should be proud of.

Goals : Pauline 1, Emily 1, Dani 1
Man of the Match: Kirsty

BBQ and Kareoke

After a relaxing day by the pool and a trip to the supermarket, via the beach to watch the Barbados sunset, the girls enjoyed an evenings entertainment of sing-a-longs with the locals and fellow guests, a cricket tour from Yorkshire. All girls had a go, with Katy and Vicky taking centre stage, singing some well known favourites, including the teacher's finale of 'Stop' by the Spice Girls, with actions and all!!

Catamaran

Went on a catamaran. We caught a flying fish, a dolphin and a whale. We swam with turtles which were so big we managed to surf on them they then walked along the bottom of the sea. We met ted a flat fish from aus an he swam like this bluba bluba. We then sailed the stormy seas and discovered a ship wreck. Luckily no body got burned but we are a nice pink colour instead. For Lunch on the cat with some sauce that was so nice we tried it twice! Also shout out to shaples!

Habour lights

Habour lights was buzzin! We ate steak and marshmallows. There was a bug show with stilt men , acrobats, lolita (we got our moneys worth out of her!), a fire eater and Katy was the star of the show web she sang reggae reggae. we danced the night away!

Beach Day

Last night: Girls cooked for themselves and the teachers tested out the complex restaurant :-). Nightly entertainment consisted of hot chocolate and biscuits with a few games of UNO as the Barbados heat had taken it out of them.

The girls were up early as usual by the pool by 7:30, well most of them. Off to the beach today where we saw some turtles and lots of fish. Not to make you jealous but the sea is gorgeous and the girls made the most of it. Don't worry parents we are making sure they are applying their sun cream, only a few red faces!!

Tonight we are off to Harbour Lights to have a meal and be entertained Barbados style. More about that tomorrow.

Sunday 25th October

The girls had a relaxing morning by the pool before getting ready for their 2nd match against Alexandra school. This was a tougher match than the first, but the girls played very well working together as a team and playing some excellent hockey, especially in the Barbados heat!!

The girls were victorious with a 3-1 win. The goal scorers were Pauline G, Katy L, and Emily C. The player of the match was Emily C. Well done to all the girls!!

Saturday 24th October

We all had a great day at the Boatyard, a beautiful Barbados beach!! We enjoyed lots of different water activities!! However the girls beach volleyball skills really need to be worked upon!!

In the evening we had a team meal at a local restaurant called Just Grill where some of the girls were brave enough to try Dolphin!!

An enjoyable day was had by all the girls and staff.

First day!

Most girls were up at 6.00am due to the time difference!!! We had a morning by the pool playing team building games, with Miss Russell doing an excellent job as the lifeguard.....no rescues required!!!

3pm pick up ready for our first match against Springers Memorial School!! The girls looked very smart in their new kit. The girls found the conditions difficult at the start, but soon became acclimatised. We played some excellent hockey, especially in the last quarter. The overall result was a pleasing and well deserved 5-0. The goal scorers were: Sam 2, Pauline 2, Alex 1. Woman of the match was Pauline G.

Tonight we are having a team meal at our resort. We are trying the Barbados speciality of Flying fish!!

Speak to you all soon

We have arrived safely!!!

After a long flight we arrived to 31 degrees of Barbados sunshine in hoodies and tracksuit bottoms!!! Having been up for 24 hours we unpacked and made our first trip to the supermarket. The girls choosing to walk back with over 45 litres of water between them!!! Most girls were in bed by 9.00pm, probably a first for the majority!!

Message from L Russell

LGGS Hockey Team will be away from the 22nd-1st November. We will use this blog to keep you informed of all our hockey results and other activities whilst in Barbados.