I cheered and played tennis when I was in High School. We traveled to schools like Seneca and Liberty…20 minutes max down the road. When I was a sophomore, our football team made it to the state championship game where we traveled 2 hours by bus to the big city of Columbia, South Carolina. Last week, I took a two hour flight to Hong Kong to watch Hannah Grace play in her school tournament for softball. Just a little different, I would say!
The name of the tournament is APAC (Asia Pacific Activities Conference). It is a program that was put together back in 1995 to enable teams around the Asia-Pacific area to compete, as well as travel and experience different cultures. The tournament is held at different times throughout the year in various locations depending on the sport (including visual/performing arts). The teams participating in softball were: Hong Kong International School (the host school), Concordia International School (Shanghai), Shanghai American School-Puxi, Shanghai American School-Pudong, Canadian Academy (Kobe, Japan), Western Academy of Beijing, and International School of Beijing. From what I have been told, it is really an honor for Hannah Grace to get to participate in APAC as a freshman. I am just thrilled for her and all she is getting to experience!
Hannah Grace traveled with the team on Wednesday, April 15th. The team was dispersed throughout families of the host school. Hannah Grace and another teammate stayed with a Korean family with a daughter on the HKIS JV softball team. She slept on the floor, ate some meals with them, and rode a taxi to the school each day. I, on the other hand, was too chicken to travel to Hong Kong by myself and stay at a Marriott, so I took Ellis out of school to be my travel buddy. HA! My daughter is running circles around me in the “I AM BRAVE” category!
Overall it was a great trip! The girls came in 5th place, but they seemed to have a great time together. We (Tony joined us on Friday) loved watching the Brent girls compete, but also loved getting to see a bit of Hong Kong! Hopefully we will get to tag along on another trip next year!
Loading the bus for the airport. Don't let Hannah Grace fool you, Cesar would never let her lift a finger!
My travel companion!
The view outside of our hotel.
A little sightseeing before we head to the softball field.
It is true that a taxi ride is cheap in Hong Kong. What they don't tell you is that every taxi driver seems to be on a suicide mission.
And we made it!
The view at the school was spectacular! The children at HKIS must be in incredible shape climbing those stairs everyday!
Great catch, Hannah Grace!
We visited Stanley Beach in between games.
Was there any doubt?
Post Game swim and relaxation.
Up to bat!
I only wish I caught the "fist bump" between HG and Coach Teddy.
Running home!
Love the Coach Teddy photo bomb!
Between games, we took a ride up to the Peak. Here is our lovely view.
Apparently, on a clear day, this is what you can see.
The tram ride was pretty cool, though. Sure beat the taxi!
We ran into the team back at Stanley Beach.
Y'all know I love a market!
Post win celebration in their crazy socks. Watching these girls slide in those shorts makes me hurt, too!
Hannah Grace and Coach Kat. I am so thrilled that she is such a positive role model for Hannah Grace!
Go Brent!
After the tournament, we went to a restaurant to fill Tony's desire for Asian food.
Mmmm...green beans!
Reminded me of the Christmas Story movie.
I had a little trouble managing chopsticks and rice.
On Sunday, the coaches surprised the girls with a trip to DisneyLand. So cool! Oh, how I love a surprise!
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