As a HUGE fan of International Travel for volleyball players, this trip was one to put at the top of all experiences. BringitUSA took the Vanguard Volleyball Team on an incredibly memorable trip that will hopefully remain with our players for a lifetime. Before landing in this country our players were a bit anxious as to the weather, food, language, political climate, hotel and transportation. All of their worries were left behind within the first hour of arriving in our first hotel in Managua. Tim met us at baggage claim, took us to the hotel, explained what to do and what not to do and we were off on our adventure. Every meal was pre-planned and ordered by the BIP staff, so there is no waiting around or uncertainty when ordering. Since very few of us spoke spanish, it was nice that everything was pre-planned, keeping in mind what types of foods the girls liked. There was NEVER a meal that the teams did not enjoy. Transportation on the ground was just as precisely planned. We traveled in huge luxury travel group buses for most of the tour, and when quicker transportation was needed for smaller groups, Tim arranged smaller buses that would quickly transport us to the gyms. If we were going into town, BIP staff planned-out the route we would take and then instruct the girls on the cost of the public bus, what stops to get off and on, and what to look for in the city. They made it an educational trip for our players as well as a volleyball trip. The hotels were perfect for our teams and staff. Rooms held 2 - 3 players comfortably, and we even took over an entire hotel on one stop of our trip. In Costa Rica, we were in the city close to our playing site, which was nice because the team could walk to the gym together and home after the match. Overall, this trip was an incredible experience for our players, who were involved in Community Service Projects, National Team matches and fun cultural experiences. On our way home, in the airports, players were already discussion how they were going to fundraise during the year to prepare for the 2008 Vanguard Volleyball to Nicaragua Trip! We hope to be back again in August of 2008. See you soon! Many thanks to both Tim Kelly and Jo Fielder for a great trip!
