Today had a late start as we got to spend time with our exchange students outside of an academic setting. Arriving (almost) on time to the offsite field hockey fields and recreation area for Quilmes High School at 9am, we all signed a birthday card for Fer, one of the supervising teachers for the Quilmes group. After those who were late arrived, we divided up into teams of 8 to begin our field hockey training. Each team consisted of both Cary Academy and Quilmes High School students.
Alongside the Quilmes students, we went through a series of drills to teach us about the sport to make us slightly better. After the drills we divided our team in half to scrimmage against each other to become familiar with both the game and team. After the scrimmage and short break, the tournament started. Of course, all of the Quilmes students were familiar with the sport and assisted us in goals, gave us advice, and supported us (even if we messed up).
After a tiring tournament, we all went into the on-site cafeteria for lunch. While waiting for the food to arrive, an expectedly-high amount of Coke and water was consumed. In multiple courses came the food we would be eating. We first ate Choripan; Choripan is a grilled chorizo sausage inside a bread similar to a baguette. We then ate lomo, the grilled tenderloin of a cow, in hamburger-bun-shaped bun. After more socialization and empty Coke cups, we were given free time, so we all split up across the athletic park. Many of the boys went straight for the soccer fields, where a massive match was played with the seniors of the high school who were our field hockey coaches. Notable performances include (but not limited to) Griffin’s stellar goal-keeping, Paul and Arnav’s aggressive plays, and Marvin’s wall-like defense. Meanwhile, Hayden, Lily, Ellie, Kat, Mrs. Kridle, and Mr. Lazarski continued to refine their field hockey skills on the field. The rest of us were passing around soccer balls, hanging out with the primary school kids, and socializing. The day began to wind down when all of us sat down together, ate snacks, and socialized. As the parents began to arrive, we all said our goodbyes, even though we would all see each other tonight at the Matinee.
The Matinee is a dance/party traditionally thrown by the 5th class of the secondary school (juniors in the US) for the rest of the grades in secondary school (grades 6-10 in the US). Loud music accompanied a crowded room as we were able to talk with all the people we have met so far. Running late into the night, we had plenty of opportunities to listen to music, dance, and hang out with those we met during our trip. By about 1:30am, we all left with our exchange students to be ready for the next day.