It all started over a bottle of wine (good stories always do, right?!). It was a lovely crisp white wine as the day had been warm (for Santa Barbara). Mike and I were hanging out, being lazy, watching movies and perusing the internet on our laptops on a slow Sunday.
That's when I saw the news article...Royal Couple Visiting Santa Barbara, or something to that affect.
"Eek, Ahh, OMGosh." I swooned and carried on. I insisted that we had to go. Mike didn't seem too concerned that the Royal couple was visiting and that we could have a chance to see them in person.
I realized this would call for some great persuasion on my behalf. Donning a ridiculous beach hat, I pranced around the house using a horrible, fake British accent, "Oh, Michael, we must go to the royal polo match. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. I shall just die if I can't go. All the stars will be there, it will be educational. It's a historical event, one not to be missed. Also, I can see Kate's clothes in person."
Unfortunately, the evening ended with "uh, let's talk about this later." Whatever.
A few days later after my shameless, British begging expose, I arrived home late from a meeting, starving and just ready to go to bed. Mike decided he wanted to run out for a late dinner..."Come with me," he asked. "Oh, alright." I agreed. I met him at the front door, sans purse.
"Where's your purse?" Mike asked a little alarmed.
"It's taking a nap. I'm not taking it."
"I think you should get your purse."
"Why?"
"I, uh, just think you should have it in case we need your driver's license or something."
"Oh, I already have that on me."
"I'll be right back..." as Mike runs up the stairs.
"Take your purse!" he says.
Sheesh, I'm thinking. He must really like this new bag I bought. Maybe I should get it in the white color as well.
I look into my bag and there's an
invitation...in honor of my birthday to attend the Royal Polo Match!
You would've have thought the man was proposing again the way I carried on. Excitement and near fainting ensued.
Anyway, onto the good part. Such a cool event and it really was a once in a lifetime event to be able to see Kate and William (I like to think that we're on a first name basis).
The week leading up to the polo match, I was so excited...so excited in fact that I couldn't stop using my fake British accent. I'm sure Mike loved it :)
We were permitted to bring cameras so I was loaded down with my camera and Mike brought his trusty point and shoot:
The day started out foggy, but fortunately the fog burned off and the sun came out. This is the infamous "June Gloom" of Santa Barbara that has spread into July.
They're landing! You could feel the excitement in the air from the crowd and there was a murmur going through the crowd, "They're here, they're here!"
The sun came out shortly after Kate and William landed, and so did the Champagne :)
Prince William warming up on the field!!
Before the match, all the players rode around the field, were introduced and then the National Anthem played. Prince William is #4.
This little girl brought her Kate doll along...I may have to go pick one of those up ;)
Below is Melissa Ganzi, the only female player on the field. She's an awesome and feisty player!
Melissa and Prince William tearing down the field...
Prince William is the player getting ready to hit the ball with his mallet...
Prince William in pursuit of the ball!
After the match, Kate presented the trophy to William's winning team and gifts to the other team. Mike and I were standing behind the press and I'm pretty sure the guys in front of me were a little irritated that I was asking them to move for my shot :)
A blurry close up from Mike's point and shoot, isn't she so pretty?!?
I'm still culling through the gazillion photos I took. All in all, it was a fabulous day and thank you Mike for the wonderful/awesome/so amazing birthday gift!
Cheers!
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(11.10.11 @ 02:46 AM)