Because the website for the Ibis hotel said they were located 1/2 mile from Roland Garros, that's where we headed. The plan was to get a taxi once we exited the bus, penny pinching as they say. The taxi ride from the apartment to hotel would have been $50 verses the $10 bus ride plus 1/2 mile taxi. Well, so we thought. When we plopped into the taxi, we were told the hotel was twenty minutes away. UGH! Away we went....the exact route the bus brought us by....double UGH! Yes, we back tracked about half way to the apartment. We were not happy campers for the traffic around RG was crazy and the ride cost us $42. And because of appointments we lined up thinking we were 1/2 mile from RG we had to return by taxi. Which shot our shoe string budget to piece for the week. We have been on budget this entire trip until those two taxi rides. Hopefully, one day we won't have to worry about $84 in taxi rides ruining our budget.
Anyway....we got it done and got back to RG to watch our friend and American Allie Riske play. She played another awesome player and friend Lucic-Baroni. Allie was kind enough to invite us to sit in her "player box" and we were honored to do so. The ladies score was tight for most of the first set, will Allie winning it in a breaker. Lucic-Baroni called for a trainer time out after the first set. Riske cruised through the second set winning it 6-2. Her opponent stopped moving as well as she had been in the first, something was bothering her....no doubt.
We were to watch Glushko play, however the men's match before her match went five set and four hours. So we only watched three games and had to head to the practice courts. We took the bus back to the apartment where Serge was waiting to drive us to the indoor courts.
We were joined a short time later by Serges' son Cedric. While Natalie and Heidi were finishing practice, I asked Allie if she would hit with Cedric. Allie didn't hesitate, even tho she was tired. Not sure who was enjoying themselves more Cedric or Allie??
After Natalie was finished, the three ladies invited Serge on the court for a few doubles points. Must say he was excited and happy to do so.....a rock star has been born! The four of them enjoyed the doubles, unfortunately the ladies were tired and hungry. Maybe next year we will arrange something for Serge ahead of time!
After hugs and kisses we were on our way to pick up a pizza. While waiting Mrs. Brioudes (aka Serge's lovely wife) came to visit with us for a moment. Was a pleasure to meet this family who has taken such great care of us!
With hot pizza and orange Fanta in hand our gal was ready to head home....or at least to the hotel. It was after 7 p.m. and we were about to have our first real meal of the day. Right before practice I dug up raisins, peanuts and a power bar for Natalie. Lunch of champions....NOOO....just can't find food very easily here. Well, food fit for a tennis player prior to practice that is!
Anyway, Serge was kind enough to drive us to our hotel....a life saver he is. I think if Natalie and I would have had to ride the buses....yes...more then one....back to the hotel we would have cried. We were soooo tired from the day and so hungry.
All I remember after that....pizza....drink...jammies.....
Woke early this morning, for we had to head to RG to practice and check in for doubles. We figured out our new bus route as we were trying to take it....and it worked. Arrived a few minutes late for practice with Melichar, but made it. The gals hit longer then planned since no one else came for the court. Eventually folks arrived....the Bryan brothers....no big deal right? Just wish I would have been videoing our team ....they were giggling away!
After waiting around for the dubs to start, the gals found out they were the third alternates today. So, we made our way back to the indoor courts for their two hour practice. Took a tourney vehicle and meet Kiick and Heidi. After which, Serge was kind enough to take us back to our hotel. A quick dinner and we were in bed by six watching the French Open. hahahahahahha
Tommorrow, our team will sign in again. If they don't get in, we will journey to the next tourney in the south of France. Have to say, not gunna miss Paris and the difficulties we have had traveling via bus here. Think it would be much different if we were here for a vacation and not lugging tennis equipment all around the world and back.
Please enjoy the pictures below. Love and Blessings....Sherry!
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| Our Natalie at practice |
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| Natalie and Melichar - doubles partners |
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| Allie Kiick and Cedric |
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| Natalie and Serge....doubles partners |
