Destination:
Novo Hamburgo, Brazil
Region:
Rio Grande do Sul
Reason:
To spend 10 months training and competing in the SUPERLIGA of Brazil with a team from the city of Sao Leopoldo, Brazil named On Line. This is a step in the right direction I think. It is a top level league in the world. Also, the home of the most victorious national team in volleyball history. Beach and Indoor volleyball! I will be able to focus on training and playing at a high level 24/7. It should prepare me for making the traveling team next year (2007) with USA. There are only 5 spots for outside hitters. I want one! With the Olympics getting closer and closer my drive grows stronger and fiercer.
What team?
On Line. This team is taking on their first foreign player ever and strengthening it's line-up for the upcoming season. Some of the players joining the team will be KID, GILSON, LEANDRO, SCHWANKE (All ex- Brazilian national team). Some new young guns too I hear from an agent. On Line finished in 6th place last year in the SUPERLIGA.
What's the deal?
1. Well they pay me a salary every month. Pre-negotiated like everything else and net not gross. Important so I don't pay taxes.
2. I have 3 meals a day paid for by the team.
3. I have a company car with insurance to use from Friday afternoon until Sunday evening/Monday morning. Important when you want to get out and explore. Better than having to rely on other means of transport like public or a random. ;-)
4. We fly to just about every match. BONUS! I hate bus rides or car rides for that matter when getting to a match.
5. There are 3 preseason tournaments. One of which is in the city of Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA. That one is from October 1-8th, 2006. (Side note: Erin is coming to visit me in Brazil right after this... ;-)
6. I am living in a hotel called Mabu Pergamon Premium Suites. I will have a suite that is just like an apartment. Bathroom, kitchen, dining area, living room and bedroom.
Cable TV with USA channels and European ones... All utilities included except phone. Whew... If they covered phone I would consider this a 100k contract! haha jk.
7. The area I will be living in is part of an area called Rota Romantica. A scenic tour through something like 10 cities that are supposedly very beautiful. Also, the region is known for it's wine although not as great as Chilean it is known well. I will visit this place when I get there... http://www.vinicolaaurora.com.br/
8. It's Brazil... ;-p
So this is the next chapter in my career. I will attempt to keep my friends and family very updated. I plan to buy a nice camera and have video diary. i.e. the day of a match, a tournament, road trips, daily life, etc. HOLD ME TO IT FOLKS! It would be cool to do...
Here are some links that I have found:
Hotel:
http://www.hoteismabu.com.br/eng/mabupergamon/index.php
Rota Romantica:
http://www.rotaromantica.com.br/site/site.php
Team:
http://www.onlinesports.com.br/
Superliga:
http://www.superliga.com.br/
Brazilian Volei Federation:
http://www.volei.org.br