Universities

We said goodbye to the Belzer family and followed JB into Regis University for a morning tour. Built in 1870, the main hall had some remarkable similarities to Glennie, with its entrance, archways, walls and even carpet. Similar time frames for building. We visited JB's training and playing facilities and then wandered through the main administration building to the University's chapel. This was an extraordinary building. The university has Jesuit Priests, 12 in fact with 4 of them who run services and teach. A very quiet and picturesque building.

We ventured to the university refectory, had a great coffee and then

happened to walk through the clothing shop. Being a unique place, and one that the girls and I most probably won't get back too, we happened to purchase some gear. Thanks to a name drop ("we are here visiting the Head Women's football Coach") we managed to get 10% off.

Back in the car to head to Boulder to meet Danny and Jason at Colorado University, who were at a university women's basketball game. We left at half time to take a tour of this University and much to the girls' delight it was on the back of a golf buggy. This particular university plays division 1, as compared to Regis which is division 2. I have learned that divisions are given to universities based on population which then determines funding. As such the difference between these two particular universities is significant. Although built at similar times (1870's) it is clear there is quite a bit of money invested into the Colorado University and into their sport. For

example, they have a full-size stadium for their American Football (Grid Iron) team with big development underway with further athletic facilities which all sports can share. To give you some perspective, the American Football stadium is as big as Suncorp Stadium.

After a great lunch at a place called The Sink (for burgers/chips and a place where Robert Redford waited tables while he studied one semester), we jumped back into the golf buggy to the car. After a visit to Danny's playing/training grounds (this university is practically a small city), we headed to Danny's house to meet his wife Beth and to dump our gear before heading to Fort Collins for an NCAA (national level college) Volleyball game. It was a great game between Danny's university and another (can only remember that they were called the bears).

We have just had dinner at a place called Coopers (in Fort Collins) and we are being chauffeured home by Beth at 9.15pm ready for showers and a sleep in. We get to sleep in a luxury basement which has its own kitchen and lounge area. My idea of a basement (concrete walls) has been completely changed after our first two home-stays.