ONE LAST SPECIAL TRIP TO CAMP NOU
Sunday, 13 August
BARCELONA, Spain _ With the departure less than a day away for los promesos, it was time for one last trip to Estadi Camp Nou.
Another "beep" test, another run through the Barcelona Botiga (store) and a rare lunch in the "trophy room" at Camp Nou.
Having issued the beep test twice the day after their arrival nearly two weeks ago, it was an opportunity for Jorge to gauge the improvement in everybody's individual fitness level. Despite visible signs of fatigue in the past few days, significant progress was noted in each camper's fitness, with Matt Macey and Casey Doyle both reaching the 14th level.
Casey improved by nearly three full levels and Matt was better by four levels, showing the best fitness of all 16 Jerseyans. Whereas only nine reached the 10th level two weeks ago, everybody achieved that this time.
(One last beep test)
But with the work for the trip complete, it was a short walk for one last shopping spree through the Barcelona store and a meal where FC Barcelona entertains its VIPs.
A buffet first course followed by a main dish of roast beef, los promesos learned how the other half lives _ dining in the room of sometimes royalty and getting one last look at the playground of heroes.
It also gave the lads a chance to present thank you gifts to your humbled reporter, who was surprised as well as very appreciative of a FC Barcelona banner signed by all the campers, and Jorge, who received a signed ball.
