New York 2009
Andrew Edgar
Our journey started at Edinburgh airport on the 28th July. Flew out to Newark Airport and was picked up by Jack Dibble.
Paul and I stayed at Jack's house for the first two nights. After dumping our stuff, we went out for drinks and a bite to eat, also we met with other referee's from the New York society.
Day two - In to Manhatten by train for some sightseeing, with Brad (referee). As it started to raining Paul forced us to go to a bar where we spent most of the afternoon. In the evening we met in with most of the referee's from New York. This consisted of more food and ale. Then back to Jack's house for some rest.
Day three - We travelled into New York by bus and explored other area's that we missed because of the rain the previous day. Once again we ended up needing refreshments which consisted of frozen margarehita's which Paul enjoyed very much. NOT. Got bus back home as we had to go to Bronxville, to get a lift up to Saranac with Jem the english man in New York. The trip took about 6 hours in the car, which enabled us to catch up on our much needed beauty sleep. Once we arrived we had a few beers and had an early night.
Day four - Long lie in till seven, breakfast seven thirty, then given allocations of which games and times I was refereeing. I refereed two over 35 games and ran touch for Paul's two games. It was a long day. Paul's prayers were answered as he prayed for rain and soon got his wish. Rained most of the day. Back to the hotel for a much needed shower and beer. Met a big Canadian guy called Patch, who knew the rest of the guys who had been over. Hw got on well with Paul. Also said Malky had some dirt on him.
Day five - Early start, breakfast was six thirty, then again given allocations for games and times. Three games today, two over 35's and one mens club. No touch judging so had a lot more work to do. Also got watched by one of the assessors, not a bad report given. Back to hotel for kangaroo court and a barbacue. Paul was crapping himself before hand, but got off very lightly. We had to sing the Flower of Scotland. Most of us went up to the bar for more drinks, but someone had to go to bed early.
Day six - Another early start, breakfast six thirty. Finals day, so not expecting too much. One game given which was over 35's final. Good to get the game, and also run touch for Scott Riley in the woman's final. Most of the women playing were USA internationals, so the game was played at a very quick pace in heavy rain, which really spoiled the day. Back to hotel for a shower then back on the road again for six hours. We stayed at Jem's house as we were late home.
Day seven - Went into Bronxville with Jem, and he put us on a train for New York. Met Pat at his office, then he took us to the railway station for a train to Bayside, where we stayed with his mum and dad for the last two nights. Pat's mum took me down to Long Island beach, had a good long walk along the boardwalk. Back home early evening, as we were going to watch baseball, NY Mets versus Diamond Backs. Really good game Mets got beat 6 -5. Then off to the bar again, where the bar man took a fancy to Paul.
Day eight - Both Paul and I went to long island beach to meet a guy called TA, who was a referee assessor a few years ago. Really nice guy, but could talk the hind legs off a donkey. Went for a relaxing swim in the sea, I think Paul got his ankles wet ? Had a walk along the beach, then went back to TA's house for some lunch. Headed back into NY, where we met Mike the russian referee who took us to the russian bath. It helped all the aches and pains from two very tired old men. And yet again finished the night off with more food and more drink.
Day nine - Last day., said our goodbyes to Pat's mum and dad, then back into NY by train, then was met by Scott Reilly. Who yes you guessed to us to a bar for a liquid breakfast. Then off to his place to babysit the kids. Paul got on well with them. Really just a good relaxing last day after all the hustle and bustle of the previous day's. Then it was off the airport to get the flight home.
Arrived home safe and well, but knackered. And now I'm off to spain to recover.
This was a great trip and opportunity to be given, and I thank the referee's society for given me the chance to go out to New York.
Adge