MARYAM BIBI & KARY CHAN
Week 04
We were so lucky that we were given a chance to travel to the UK for a 2 month cricket season . Here is our life in the 4th week :
🏏 *Cricket Highlights :*
- Joint France’s Cricket club team
- Took photos with Ellyse Perry
- Played Sixers and we won all the matches
🌍 *Exploring the UK+UK Life highlights :*
- Visited local Cafe and beach
- Made pizza together
Biggest fine of the week 👑
Actual fines from UK government- Ticket for cut the bus line 🤣💸(Kery &Bibi)
### **Day 1: Monday, 7th July – Coffee, Views & Grocery Haul**
*"Rest days are for appreciating the little things."*
After days of intense training, Mary and I decided to take it easy. We kicked off our morning with a *much-needed* coffee run (because let’s be real, no great day starts without caffeine). On our way back, we stumbled upon a breathtaking view—so stunning that we *had* to stop. Ten minutes of photo-taking and pure admiration later, we finally dragged ourselves away.
Then came the *real* challenge: grocery shopping at **ALDI and Iceland**. We may have gone a *little* overboard, but hey—good food fuels good cricket! The rest of the day? Pure relaxation and a delicious homemade dinner. Perfect start to the week!
### **Day 2: Tuesday, 8th July – Net Sessions & Meeting a Legend**
*"When cricket gives you a chance to meet Elyse Perry, you take it!"*
Training day! We had a **net bowling session** followed by a **1-1 with Nancy**, where Mary and I worked hard on facing spinners and perfecting those ground shots.
But the *real* highlight? **Lunch with the coaches and players turned into a dream moment**—we spotted **Elyse Perry** walking by! Of course, we *had* to ask for a photo. She was so calm and kind—total fan-girl moment!
### **Day 3: Wednesday, 9th July – More Spin Practice & Pizza Night**
*"Cricket by day, pizza by night—balance is key."*
Another **1-1 session with Nancy**, more spin drills (because you can never be too good against spinners!). After training, we rushed to watch **Elyse Perry’s game**—only to arrive *just* as she got out after two balls. Heartbreak! But we stayed to support her bowling (even though her team lost).
To cheer ourselves up, we headed to **Kirah’s house for a DIY pizza night**—toppings wars, laughter, and way too much cheese. The perfect way to unwind!
### **Day 4 & 5: Thursday & Friday, 10th-11th July – Beach Escape & French Cricket Social**
*"Sun, sand, and a spontaneous sleepover? Yes, please!"*
Thursday was a **gym and chill** day, but by Friday, we craved adventure. So, we took a **one-hour trip to Bournemouth Beach**—and oh my, was it worth it! Sunny skies, waves, and good vibes. We loved it so much we decided to **stay overnight**. Lunch by the beach? **Pizza and mussels**—absolute perfection.
Later, **Hursly Park’s captain Becky** invited us to play a **friendly match against a French team**. Cricket + socialising + learning French words (and failing hilariously) = an unforgettable night. Post-match drinks and laughs? The cherry on top!
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### **Day 6: Saturday, 12th July – Barmy Army Sixes Tournament**
*"Sixes, new friends, and a trophy? Winning!"*
The **Barmy Army** invited us to a **Sixes Tournament**, and of course, we said yes! Teaming up with **Hong Kong girls**, we played six high-energy games—and *won the whole thing*!
Beyond the cricket, it was all about **meeting new people**—Bibi bonded with some **Indian and Pakistani girls** based in the UK, while Kary made new cricket buddies. A day full of **fun, socialising, and victory**—what more could we ask for?
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### **Day 7: Sunday, 13th July – Club Matches & Battling the Back Pain**
*"Even on tough days, we show up."*
Sundays = **match day!** Kary played a **40-over game**, while Bibi was in a **50-over match**. Unfortunately, Bibi’s **back pain** meant no batting or bowling—just pure fielding grit. Not the ideal way to end the week, but hey, **being there for the team matters most**.