Dowd adventures in Bologna: Circolo Tennis Bologna

martedì 30 agosto 2011

Circolo Tennis Bologna

Well we joined the Bologna Tennis Club "Circolo Tennis Bologna". And l cant help think of Groucho Marx words, "that any club that accepts me as a member, l don't want to join" That said, we have been enjoying the clubs facilities (tennis table, gym, pool, tennis courts) all summer, in particular the swimming pool. Like all these clubs there are rules, and they are clearly stated in the rules book l was given, of course it is in Italian, and so l fear l may have breached many rules, not maybe as many as at Metropolitian Golf club, but give me time. I was informed by Marco the club manager that we are the first Australians as members, the club has about 10 clay courts, which are covered with massive air bags over winter, so you can play all year round. The pool is terrific, but on days can look a little like a pool on a cruise ship, as many members are as old as the club and lounge around the pool like lizards, on the lounge chairs. There is the delightful custom at the pool , like all pools in Italy of wearing a swim cap, l am told to stop hair blocking the filter, l did question why did l have to wear one, but maybe it is better l don't stand out, l may try to get a floral one, or maybe there is a market for ones with moose horns, or big ears on them.
They have a lifeguard at the pool?, but l think he is there mainly to stop people from breaking rules, like not wearing a swim cap, jumping in , banging noodles on the water, playing in the swimming lanes, ( lanes which seem to change with a whim) talking too loud, ohh and not having a shower before and it seems after you get in/out of the pool. That said, they are lovely lifeguards, and we have got to know them well. They did have a problem with the boys, as l don't think Italians are known for their swimming, and when the boys started swimming laps, they were confused to which lane they should be in, the kids lanes or the adult lanes that are for adults and swimmers. most adults don't swim they just walk in water holding a noodle.
We have played a bit of tennis, though it has been hot, in fact so hot that we have been the only people playing in the day.
Jayne loves the "CLUB" and has met as usual some wonderful people, who have been most helpful. We have been invited to events, houses, given advice and help regarding my art and galleries, where to buy good bread or spices as well as lessons in Italian.
Jayne met a lovely pharmacist Frederico, when she first came to Bologna in November last year, and he invited us to the CLUB a couple of months ago, we were taken by its pool and cheap drink and food prices, Jayne asked could we become members, and so he took us straight down to the manager, and saying we were friends of Pat Rafter, which l am led to believe helped, became members. It sounds easy, but l have found out with friends from the school, that they have tried several times to become members, as always its who you know, and l now know, everyone knows Frederico.
The CLUB is open every day except christmas day, and till 1am, serving food for lunch, dinners, it is well attended by many members who don't play tennis, just enjoy the other facilities.
It takes me back to the days l played every week with Andrew Watson, Dick Johns and Simon Bones at the South Yarra Tennis Club, sadly l don't play as well as l did then, and l don't have those guys to practice with, but l do have the wonderful meals and drinks after to look forward too.