Another exciting journey, an awesome throwback to November 10-18, 2023, when Tarija, Bolivia became the ultimate hotspot for the 34th IRF World Junior Racquetball Championships! It’s basically the story of our Racquetball family getting together for a blast.
Now, imagine the red cardinals – they’re like the rockstars of the Texas backyard scene, right? Well, in Tarija, they’ve got this cool mascot called Lito, aka Cardenalito (that’s ‘little cardinal’ for you). These little birds are like the Bolivian version of joy and happiness. Kinda like the northern cardinals in North America but smaller and less flashy.
So, Tarija’s vibe is all about being as social and happy as those cardinals. The opening ceremony – pure grandeur! Racquetball athletes from all over, marching through the streets while the locals cheered them on. And the racquetball courts at Tarija Municipal Racquetball Center Av. de la Integración – 13 glass back courts, including a three-wall glass show court with legit stadium seating!
Our Team USA crew had 30 junior athletes repping ages from 8 to 22. And get this, a whopping 210-plus kids from North, Central, and South America joined in on the racquetball fun!
Now, let’s talk highlights and the lowdown:
- Top-Notch Junior Play: The tournament showcased the highest level of junior talent, with standout performances from teams like Bolivia and Mexico, flaunting their deep talent pools.
- Super Fun Vibes: On the court, it was all business, especially with the powerhouse teams. But off the court? These kids, they went from serious competitors to just goofing off and being typical kids.
And here’s the travel saga:
- Sky-High Travels: We’re talking 4 to 5 flights from the USA’s big-shot flight hubs just to get to Tarija. That’s a lot of time up in the air!
- Some Hiccups: Of course, no adventure is complete without some hiccups. Delayed flights, missed connections – the usual chaos. And can we talk about the language struggle? It would’ve been a lifesaver if the airport crew spoke a bit of English for those rebookings and flight updates. Parenting stress, you know?
As our racquetball adventure in Tarija comes to an end, it’s pretty clear—it wasn’t just about the game. We snagged some well-deserved downtime (when the kiddos weren’t on the court) to explore the local gems recommended by those friendly guides hanging out at the Tarija Municipal Racquetball Center.
No trip to Tarija is complete without hitting the wineries. We did a sweet private car tour for 120 BOB (US$17), checking out two big ones and a cute boutique over four chill hours. Although one of the poorest countries in South America, Bolivia has a long tradition of winemaking. The altitude dance between 5,000 and 10,000 feet and that intense mountain sun? It gives their grapes some serious character, making for wines that’ll surprise you. And don’t sleep on Tannat (the grape) – it’s like Bolivia’s secret weapon for international wine cred.
Hiking more your thing? Don’t miss the trail to Chorros de Marquiri—a waterfall peeking through rock walls near Villa San Lorenzo. And for local eats, Saice is a must-try. It’s a tasty mix of beef, potatoes, peas, and cumin, spiced up with a killer sauce of onions, tomatoes, and red chili peppers. Check out the recipe if you’re feeling chef-y.
So yeah, racquetball got us here, but these off-court excursions also truly stand out. Tarija, your diverse experiences have been exceptionally enjoyable and enriching. Thank you for an outstanding time!