Well, Ben's Abba is writing in Benjamin's stead today as I along with Eema Barbara and sister Elizabeth finally got to Israel and are settled in in Netanya. We met up with Benjamin yesterday at Shefayim, his new Kibbutz run hotel base. He reports that all is well in general. The boys are adjusting to the new surroundings, although adequate they are quite a step down from the excellent accommodations and food at "Kfar" Maccabiah the past two weeks. Some of the boys have a brief stomach flu but are mostly recovered now. It was a pleasure to see Ben, several of his teammates and coaches looking tanned and happy. We traded Ben some supplies from home for a large load of very wet, smelly laundry for him and for Eyal his teammate; apparently they attempted to wash them but "something went terribly wrong". Internet access at both Kfar and at Shefayim has been spotty although the Coach tells me they are trying to work somehing out soon. Benjamin has been very pleased with the team's progress and feels they are working well together. He tells me has great respect for all of these boys and the skills which they brought with them to Israel. He tells us that they have had to be flexible with conditions as it has at times been very hot for training. Yesterday's training at Shefayim went well but he described the location as more of a desert than a soccer field. We left him with the team and coaches at Sbarro in the mall after they walked there from Shefayim and enjoyed a restaurant meal and a little shopping together. They are all "psyched" for the big first game at 9 am against Canada at the Wingate fields. I plan to be there with my camera in hand for a few good shots. Until then, keep your eyes on the blog for more.
Douglas Berson
Douglas Berson
