Part 1: The Prep
Well, we are finally here. We made it across the ditch and have settled into our new home for two weeks. I say finally, because much like most things in the world at the moment, there had been multiple touch and go COVID moments as we approached this trip. Borders opening, closing, bags quickly packed and unpacked, hot spots etc - fair to say the lessons of 2020 were certainly in full swing (i.e. If plans A-D don’t work out try E, F, G and just go with the flow - it’s not time to worry until it’s time to worry!). So, despite an entire series against the Silver Ferns ahead of us, our best achievement so far has been gathering all 18 players and our staffing group in Sydney before boarding an international flight and actually arriving in Christchurch…all in one piece!
*Exhale.*
Let’s rewind for a moment…we gathered in Sydney for a 3-day camp, just the second time we had come together as a group since the end of the SSN season last year. Given we are all spread around the country, seeing each other again for the first time is always filled with energy and excitement. In case I didn’t already know, my love for being involved in the Diamonds environment was solidified by some extremely competitive, tough, high intensity training sessions, followed by laughs and life catch ups. With 18 travelling players for this tour, it’s invigorating to have quite a few new faces in the group, all filled with talent, excitement and passion. And of course I couldn’t not mention how comfortable it is to have 3 fellow Firebirds on the tour, particularly sharing in each of their first Diamonds experiences with them. On Friday 15th we left Sydney a little stronger and fitter, a little more connected on court, a little more connected off court, COVID free (tested and cleared) and with some clarity over what lay ahead for the 3+ week tour.
International travel....well, that’s a phrase you don’t hear much these days and the near deserted airport certainly suggested the same! Gosh, we are grateful for all the hard work of the New Zealand and Australian governments, as well as Netball Australia and Netball New Zealand to ensure this tour went ahead! How lucky we were to be getting on a plane was evident by the lack of humans and the very few stores open around the airport. Walking to the gate was a bit eerie. A place that naturally is hustling and bustling was like a ghost town. We were the only ones on our flight, another important precaution to make sure our travel was as COVID safe as possible. Personally, I utilised the full row to myself and had a nap to conquer the 5am wakeup call that morning.
NZ is one of my favourite places in the world! Flying in over snow-capped mountains near Christchurch is a sight to be seen. Arrival in NZ looked significantly different to our usual clean ride with our AUS passports. We were escorted off the flight in 2 separate groups, temp checked and socially distanced as we picked up our bags and went through customs. From there we were ushered onto buses and driven straight from the tarmac to the door of our quarantine hotel, before finally being separated off into our individual rooms.
Mind you, we must give credit to each NZ worker we interacted with as they were incredibly welcoming and calming throughout the journey. Every new COVID experience I find myself adding to the list of great stories to tell the grandkids one day.
For now though I’m happy to share them with you and will be doing so a couple of times throughout the New Zealand Experience – so stay tuned for more to come in the next few days!
Gabi
