Student's Impressions

We had a great time at Magic Mountain on Sunday. I went on the Apocalypse and the Colossus rollercoasters. Pretty cool even though it was scary at times! After chilling on the beach yesterday we met our billets from Santa Margarita. I ended up with a guy called Grant who is pretty awesome. Looking forward to the next few days! - S.Perera

Checking out big rugby and American football hits with the billets on youtube. They were particularly impressed by Jonah Lomu. Really cool staying with guys who are keen on rugby and NZ in general. Oscar Clarke

The new billet, Troy, has the two cutest dogs in the world. One of them is a massive pitbull, but it's terrified of everything, even balloons, and it only wants to be patted. He also has a python, and I let it on my neck, which was... refreshing. Z.Xie

Heading to Laguna beach today after our 6am run this morning. 5 miles on a track into the state wilderness. It's hot here and I've got so much sun block I'm even paler than normal. My billet is pretty cool and his parents are nice. Spent last night playing on the Xbox with him and watching the dictator. For dinner we had hamburgers and I think now I've had one every day I've been here. Having a great time though and looking forward to the epic game of volley ball against Skeeno's team. Tobias Lorimer.

Today we head to the beach with high hopes and dreams of stardom in our eyes. As a child every kid dreams of this moment, replays it in his head, and imagines the glory that comes with it. This trophy carries a lot of history and today we will pay tribute to the many that have gone before and have been out caught on the sands of Laguna beach. In a few short hours we will be hitting the sands and ripping our guts out in the quest to become Laguna beach coca cola merc benz beach volley ball champions. We have trained and push our bodies and minds to the pinnacle of performance to get this moment. The six strong team list will hit the sand and attempt to claim immortality. Team list A.Meltzer (captain), H.Barclay (vice captain), R.lockhart ( vice chancellor ) K.esterhuizen, A. McDermott , S.Jordan (coach/guidance councillor and physio, spiritual advisor), and j.kenrick. This team Ireland will take to the sand against team Saudi arabia (expected losing team). They are team used to sand and the heat but Ireland are incredible Ireland are strong and we the few men ready answer Ireland's call. -H.Barclay


5hrs later. . .

Laguna beach is name that will ring on in the ears of sports fans for years to come. On this fantastic day all eyes were on the beaches. People had traveled for mile to witness this historic event, but no one expected what was to unfold in an enigmatic day of enthrulling volleyball. The pre tournament favourites ireland went down in the semi final to well organised 'Tinkerbell' side. With the notable absents of A.Meltzer who when the moment came wasn't anywhere to be seen-overwhelmed by the pressure. This set up a mr Skeen led Saudi Arabia team against the surprising outfit which was tinkerbell. Confident in his teams ability mr Skeen sat out the first points. In a game of first to five the Saudi Arabian team were down 4-0 against serve and looked all but gone. At this point Skeeno injected himself into the game and dramatically changed the course of event which were to unfold. Skeeno, led by powerful captain Scotty Magwick went on to win 6 points in row and claim an unlikely victory the coca cola mercadies Benz beach volley ball championship. This completed what will be known by many volley ball enthusiasts as the greatest sporting comeback in recorded history. -H.Barclay

I am sorry to say the rumours are true. I did indeed as captain of the almighty Ireland Beach Volleyball Team leave my team to fight a tough and ever so brutal game of volleyball by themselves whilst I enjoyed what Laguna Beach had to offer; surf, sand, sun. Looking back on this situation I regret leaving my team behind and as a result of this foolish action it cost us a win which I have to say is tough. I formally apologise and now I think it is time that I retire from the volleyball game which leaves my vice Hamish Barclay now as supreme ruler of Irish Team and I'm sure he will be a great captain for the team. I am cut deep and hope I can be forgiven. I will always love you Ireland.
-S.A. Meltzer

Really enjoying my stay at my billets house from the school Santa Margarita,seems like I have already made a good friendly connection with him and it has only been one night. - K.Madgwick

Awesome day at Huntington beach yesterday, plenty of good sights. My billet at Santa Margarita college is super cool and has a massive house and pool which has served well with the 37 degree C heat. Went to Laguna beach today, spent the first two hours rubbing aloe vera into the previous day's burns and then had a huuuuuge feed at an Irish restaurant - Esterhuizen

Went to Laguna beach, it was all good, brought a mean shirt, and the day was as mean as at Huntington yesterday. Wallace