The End....or is it??

Wednesday, August 7, 2013.  Believing that our dreams of glory had been crushed with our lack luster performance on Tuesday, Hoop2Hoop, et al, began a campaign to conquer the Italian city of Turin, one museum, one shop, one restaurant at a time.  At the evening gathering (at Phil & Trevor's) the days exploits were discussed (over a few bottles of vino compliments of La Ferrazza Cafe) and plans for a trip into the alps were initialized.  We also had some drama this night, as Becca, attempting to protect her sister from an exploding jar of foundation, threw herself into harms way and received a rather ugly looking wound on her foot.  Dr. Dave attended and using "Breath-rite" nasal strips, sealed up the gash!

Thursday, August 8, 2013, a check of the Games schedule revealed that our court dreams may not be over!  Additional tilts had been added in our bracket!  Dave, Al, Geoff and Johnny, armed with a printed copy of the new draw, went to the Games Center for confirmation that we may still be able to take to the hardwood!  Alas, after much confusion at the center and a bit of a stir created by our presentation of our printed evidence, which many at the center did not know existed, we were told that it was a duplication and to "disregard"!  Another blow to our already deflated egos!    Phil and Trev boldly ventured off with the Blues Bros into the wilds of the hills to visit local vineyards for some vino tastings.  They said that the Bros were some hurting units from their own escapades the night before.  There private tour began dubiously with the first two vineyards closed for the summer!  After a few frantic calls by the tour operator they were able to visit a couple of wineries.  The outing lasted only 1/2 of what was initially planned. Dave, Todd, and Geoff returned to the Panetti venue to watch Kerry's game and ended up at the  La Ferrazza Cafe, surprise surprise!!  Again Marco and Cristianna treated them to a feed of homemade local dishes that, to quote those who par-took, "was to die for!".

Firday, August 9, 2013.  Hoop2Hoop awoke this am and proceeded with a leisurely morning only to discover that we were now again scheduled to play a semi-final game today!  After a few frantic calls and dropping of planned itineraries, the team headed off to the venue!  The skepticism was palatable during the #58 bus ride to the venue.  None really believing that we had been given a reprieve and would actually compete in another session of round ball!  But being the naive romantics that we are, there was still a glimmer of hope!  NOT!!!  The final blow was delivered as we walked into the gym and saw two other teams preparing for the upcoming game, our game!  It was not meant to be and, being the true sportsmen that is the very fiber of the Hoop2Hoop squad, wished the other competitors good luck!  We retired to the 1l Rubino Cafe where our host of our first adventure, Maria, welcomed us with open arms and helped consul us with bierra! 

The Il Rubino Cafe and our Host, Maria!