What is it like to be a foreigner in VŠ LIGA?

15. 11. 2009, 11:29    autor: Import ze starého webu     Praha – Squash

Could you please introduce yourself?

My name is Alasdair which is supposedly a tongue twister for the czech people so you can call me Ally for short. I am 20 and study at CVUT doing civil engineering. I am Scottish which is not part of England, grew up in Edinburgh and study in Glasgow at Strathclyde. I have played squash for about 6 years. I got some coaching when I was at University for just over 1 year. I play in my university league and the regional league.

Why did you chose Prague for your Erasmus semester?

A friend recommended me Prague and I wanted to see more of the world… more than just Western Europe.

What do you like and don´t like here?

I like the Czech beer obviously. Dumplings are growing on me and if im not eating goulash in the menza then i think its not bad. The metro is great and iv just recently figured out how to successfully use trams at night..

What kind of beer do you like the most?

Definitely Pilsner Urquell.

Do you speak Czech? Can you write down some message for us in Czech?

Je mi teplo.

Do you have enough time for playing squash?

Don´t have too much time for squash, I just realised you get –5 points for not playing! Theres a lot of travelling and Party's with ERASMUS.

Do you have anything similar to VŠ LIGA in Edinburgh?

The university league is similar but not as well run :-) , it also has a lot more older staff who dont run so much and drop all the time, not nearly as many good looking girls.

You joined us for last two tournaments. In both you were in the finals, once you even won! Good job! Was it easy for you?

Not so easy after not playing and mainly partying for 4 months, the standard of squash is also really good. I wasnt sure if I would get to the final in the last tournament, Radek was too good for me.

What about the afterparty, when you were drinking with Radek and playing outdoor squash on the street at midnight ? Whose idea was it? Who won?

I survived… I dont know when the czech squash players ever drink water? Outdoor squash? It sounded like a good idea at the time, didnt work so well with one brick wall but I think I definitely beat Radek ;-)

How was it for you to be the only foreigner in the tournament?

Its fine, although I do not understand anything you say Sarka when you are explaining the tournament. Someone always points me to the right court. The players are really friendly and speak in english which is great but there are a few who speak czech to me thinking I understand them..

Anything else you would like to tell us?

I would like to ask why you play rock, paper, scissors to decide who serves?!.. Whats wrong with the good old fashioned, spin the racket. Squash is difficult enough without having to think if your going to be a rock, or paper, or scissors :-)

Ally, thanks for your answers and hopefully see you at the next tournament! Good luck!