Day 3

Today the guys and the girls split up. Kerry and Carmen went down to London to go on the London Eye and Richard and I headed off to Wimbledon. To put the enormity of this event into perspective, I vividly remember in grade 2 looking at the tennissette courts at the junior school I attended and being bitterly dissapointed that they never had full sized proper tennis courts. My love affair with the game has been a life-long passion. Growing up, we were never allowed to watch too much tv, but during the July holidays, I was allowed to be glued for the 2 weeks from start to finish. So to say that the opportunity to visit this home of tennis was a dream come true
is to understate the wonder and awe which I experienced. I was not dissapointed. The buildings are modern and the money is very much in evidence.The club has ony 500 members! The guide confirmed what I had read, that the easiest way to join the club is to win Wimbledon. The museum of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, is really well laid out and informative, giving a history of tennis and the club. There is even a dedicated tennis library. We went on a tour which lasted an hour and a half but were not allowed to touch the grass at any point, though I must admit, it did cross my mind a few times to make a run for it past the security just to try and touch the hallowed turf, but I still wanted to visit the shop to buy a souveneir, so I resisted the temptation. I won't bore those who are not interested with further
detail - mail me and I will give you a blow by blow account if you really want to know. Suffice to say, it is an experience I will treasure for the rest of my life. It was more than I had hoped for and I will return, God willing one day to watch the championships.

All that the girls related about their visit to the London Eye, was about a fellow tourist in their pod was a young American girl who looked quite feminine and dainty butwhen she spoke, sounded like a man. It freaked Kerry out. I heard it on the video, and as a guy, I will admit that a husky voice can sound sexy,this was just a smidgen too deep. Put it this way,if you were
the type of guy who cruised sleazy bars looking for some action and met her, it would probably be prudent to do an equipment audit before buying her a drink.

Attached pictures are of Russ with Costa coffee (apparently delicious) and a chocolate chip cookie - which Kerry and Carmen swear Russ ate and not them. And the studio at Wimbledon from which the BBc broadcasts overlooking thew showcourts and a tunnel inside the amazing museum.

See you tomorrow!