The more the merrier. I can't wait to get back into playing sports again.

Shawn

quote:

Rollerblading - better known to me as the "how much skin can you remove from your body game" - would be great if someone can tell me where to buy cheap (but decent) skates and full body armour (complete with built in a/c unit).

Adrian, if you aren�t against used skates, try Cash Converters on C/Bravo Murillo. Metro Estrecho. I have seen pairs there for pretty cheap...along with the full body armour (sans AC). If you want to use my elbow and knee protectors just ask. However, I will not skate without my helmet and wrist guards. For those, you are on your own!

Jer-- any luck finding a place to play V-Ball yet? We are all chomping at the bit...

Hey Chica, I am off to the Retiro on my bike this afternoon to scout it out and will post the place to meet (and/or where we will be set up) tonight.

Saludos,
jer...

Hi Guys,
I used to play VB when I was like 12. So since I sucked then, I'm sure I REALLY suck now! Please no sucking jokes, men. :l:

What type is Game time? My fam will be here this Sunday and I was planning on taking them to Rastro and Retiro. Maybe my sister and I will join in a little spiking and side out. Really, I have no idea what a "side out" is, but I know I used it back in the day.

I am just really lookinf forward to seeing Jer, Rocco and Adrian in little shorts jumping up and down. Or maybe that's a bad thought! Just kidding guys, ya know I love ya all.

See you Sunday if I dont see ya all sooner

Hey sedusa, hope you can make it, bring the folks, they can be corner markers :jeje:

Ok gang, I spent a few hours this afternoon scouting out the entire Retiro park and found a few decent places to play on grass.

There are tons of grassy areas but the damn park has too many trees

I have settled on a grassy area near the North end of the park that is visible from the Calle Alcal�.

I have done my best to whip up a map...



The marks the spot (more or less).

Ok, to get there you can either walk along inside or outside of the park's Northern gate along Calle Alcal� until you see a little beige garden shed type house with red tile roof. We are setting up back and just to the right of that.

You can either enter the park via the main PUERTA DE ALCALA ENTRANCE and walk along the inside of the gate or walk up the Calle Alcal� outside the gate and enter further up Alcal� at the "Hernani" entrance.

Here is a pic I took from the inside of the gates more or less on the dirt walkway where you will be walking up...



Again, the marks the spot.

If you plan to come but do not think you will find us, we will meet up at the PUERTA DE ALCALA ENTRANCE at 4:00pm and wait about 10 minutes, then we will head to the spot. You can meet us at the entrance at 4:00 if you prefer.

I assume most have a cellphone so here is my # in case you need to call (ie. can't find us, etc...).

656266844.

One last thing, it will probably be HOT on Sunday and while there are places in the park that sell cold drinks, you may want to bring your own as they are expensive. Bringing a small cooler with ice and some drinks for yourself would not be a bad idea as we will probably play until 7pm.

Saludos,
jer...

If I understand that map correctly, that is the Retiro metro station on both sides of the park, right?

Thanks for putting up the map, it�s very helpful!

Yes Chica, if you get off at Metro "Retiro" (Red #2 line) stop, you can take the underground pedestrian tunnel underground before you go up to street level. It passes underneath Calle Alcal� and you come out right near the "Hernani" door, inside the gates.

Saludos,
jer...

quote:

There are tons of grassy areas but the damn park has too many trees

Take it from a desert-dweller like me...there is no such thing as "too many trees"

Have fun everyone

Chica - thanks for the skate tip. I may have to wait until the inside of my body is warmer than the outside (ie fall) before I attempt to hone my blading skills. But Cash Converters is good for all sorts in Scotland, so I will no doubt check it out soon.

A

quote:

I may have to wait until the inside of my body is warmer than the outside (ie fall)

Uhmmm...ok, so do you mean fall...as in fall down or fall as in autumn? Ha ha ha!! :jeje: :jeje: :jeje:

Hey gang, getting psyched!!!

See you all tomorrow at 4:00.

Saludos,
jer...

p.d. Did I mention this is a BRING YOUR OWN DRINKS event!!!

Just warning everyone that jer is NOT in charge of the drinks at v-ball . I will have a small cooler for Ena and I so I would suggest anyone who wants a refreshment supply do the same for themselves.

Wow, this sounds so cool. I adore both volleyball and badminton. Count me and my hubby Roland in...the first Sunday after we arrive July 15. Thanks for the extra-clear directions too...we'll still be walking into walls and tripping off street corners at that point.

Juliette

Jer,

Get some hits in for me. 2 more Sundays to go . . . .

Shawn

So, what�s the final headcount? Will we have enough for two teams??

volleyball? dam! I�m missing all the fun...hope this is a regular event, I�m due some time off soon!