Wimbledon and the Aquarium

Today was  a fantastic day for four Fuller's and a Ritchie at Wimbledon--but a  very bad day for Rafa Nadal.  The weather was cold but but fortunately there was no rain!  While we were at Wimbledon, Trey, Annette and Gaby went for a ride on the London Eye followed by a trip to the Aquarium. They all loved the Aquarium, but Gaby particularly loved the Penguins and was allowed to feed the stingrays and touch a starfish.  A successful day for everyone by all accounts!

We arrived early enough at Wimbledon that I was able to do some damage at the Wimbledon Shop!  Grant and I sat in one section of center Court and Bill, Mary and Mimi has the corresponding seats just across from us.  We all had fantastic seats on the corners of Center Court. There really isn't a bad seat in that stadium. We had a clear view of the Royal box where we spotted Pippi Middleton with her brother and Condoleezza Rice sitting behind the Duke of Kent.  The rest of the people in the Royal box seemed familiar, but we need the TV commentator labels to tell us who they are!  Actually, our plan is to show the Concierge at our hotel, the incomparable Frank, our photos and ask him to identify them.

Grant recognized the star of the TV series, Glee, (actor who plays  the teacher) sitting right behind us. We saw three good matches.  First match of the day was Roger Federer vs Hanescu. Federer won easily in three sets. That was quickly followed by Maria Sharipova vs Kristina Mladenovic.. Although Sharipova won, remember Kristina's name.  She is going to be a really good player.  Maria didn't play particularly well in the first set, but Krstina did. Maria was lucky to pull the first set out!  Both are great looking young women!  Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal is beginning to lose on Court 1!  The last match we saw was Andy Murray.  While Murray won fairly easily in three sets against Benjamin Becker, I didn't think he looked particularly sharp. I think he needs to step up his game if he hopes to advance!  But the tennis shock of the day was Rafa Nadal losing in three sets--6-7, 6-7, 3-6..

Grant and I did a little walking around the outer courts.  This is a fascinating compound!  So different from the other majors!  It is the only Major where there are no advertisements on Center Court.  Four slightly intoxicated Frenchmen who were sitting next to us kept trying to start the wave.  I finally told them that wasn't going to work at Wimbledon. They need to come to the US Open!!  They eventually

decided I was right and gave up!  There is a distinctly different atmosphere at this tournament. It is very much the "Gentleman's Club" with women allowed.  Everyone is very well dressed and well mannered. The people are quite friendly and the staff are all very helpful. This is truly the way tennis should be!  Such a great experience!  Loving every minute of it.  Grant made it out to Murray Mountain, formerly known  as Henman Hill for those old enough to remember Tim Henman!  I am posting photos for the Aquarium tour that Trey, Annette and Gaby did, as well as our Wimbledon photos!  Another day of tennis for us tomorrow and I believe the zoo is on the schedule for Gaby!