Hola!  Mary Kelly (Ian Kelly's Aunt) writing to you from the Hotel Republica in Buenos Aries Argentina).  I have been privileged to accompany Coach Giannini and team to Argentina and Uruguay, what an amazing experience.

 

I've been reading the blog entries every couple of days and know that the guys have been keeping you all up to date on the daily activities and adventures, so I thought I'd take a different approach,  observation of a Tia.

 

In the way of explanation, 'Tia is "Aunt in Spanish...or at least that's what they tell me.  The name was assigned to me by Sergio, the person who has organized our time in Argentina.  Sergio greeted us at the airport in typical fashion,  handshakes, hugs and kisses and then the pronouncement, "while you are  here in Argentina your name is  'Tia".  Those who are more fluent in Spanish than I am (that is pretty much everyone on the trip) chuckled.  Coach G. went on to explain that a 'Tia’ is an Aunt and I was now an Aunt to the whole team… not just Ian.  Who am I to argue?

 

'Tia Observations:

 

It is easier to keep track of 16 guys and other crowded places when they are dressed alike

Coach G. knows his players: their personalities, likes, dislikes, majors, how they are doing academically, a bit about their families, hometowns and more!

 

Soccer player will play soccer anywhere, anytime.

 

Soccer players are adored in Argentina.

 

Soccer players enjoy eating, a lot!

 

Wabash men are proud to be men of Wabash.

 

Being on time is important.

 

Coach G. has the best goal celebration dance of anyone on the team!

 

They may look like they are just staring blankly out the window of the bus but they are observing and registering much more than anyone realizes.

 

If you listen, much will be shared.

 

These young men have many important things to say.

 

Being El Capitan is a big job.

 

Give sixteen guys a chance and they can cover every square inch of Colonia Uruguay in golf carts and dune buggies!

 

There are not stop signs or stoplights in Colonia Uruguay...

 

Wabash College has been extremely well represented in Argentina and Uruguay.

 

Marcella Giannini knows her soccer!

 

Wabash campus will experience "fancy pants" very soon.,

 

If you ask a merchant "cuantos anos" with the intent of asking the price of an item, the merchant will immediately begin speaking English or look at you as if you are stupid.

 

Having a nephew(s) who are fluent in Spanish is a very good thing.

 

Being a 'Tia to a soccer team is wonderful!

 

Tia Mary