Today, Friday, July 3, was so amazing. After classes, Anthony asked me if I wanted to play soccer with some Italian guys. I was kind of like “I don’t know” but I said sure. We met the guys outside our classroom around 6:30 p.m. along with Scott, Gino, and Bianca. When the Italians joined us, we left for the soccer field.

We walked through a construction area and found a dirt trail. The climb up the hill was a little tiring but when we reached the top we had a beautiful view of the city. We continued on our way relying solely on the Italians to lead us through the trees that over hung the trail. The scenic route let us out in the parking lot of a grocery store. We traveled down a few streets until we finally reached the indoor soccer field. Along the way, the other guys found out that Bianca plays for the Trinidad and Tobago National team, so that got their blood pumping a bit. Now they knew they had some stiff competition.

Bianca and I were subs for one team and the other guys were for the opposing team. The Italians were very intimidating. They kicked the ball with such spice and accuracy. When they made a mistake or one of their teammates did, they yelled loudly and with fury.

The first time I stepped on to the field I didn’t do so hot. I tried but I had never really played soccer before so I did the best I could. I traded with Bianca and watched everyone intently. Then I built enough courage decided to jump back in.

So I got the ball and did some “fancy” footwork and tried to rifle a ball past the goalie, but barely missed. My teammates seemed surprised…as was I. Later, I was near the net and one of the guys passed me the ball and I just tapped it in and scored. I was like “did I just score?” That moment was really memorable because everyone cheered and my teammates were very jubilant and excited.

After the game we were all walking back together and started talking to each other. It was so cool how we broke the language barrier with a sport in which some of the guys from my group did not know how to play, or at least very well. They did not care if we knew how to play but that we went out there and played with them. Next week one of the Italian guys and I are going to try to play tennis so that should be fun.