WDF World Cup 2013

Thorn's 2013 World Cup, Part 6
The weather was still beautiful in St. John's, sunny, clear, unexpected, and "better than snow" the locals quipped. For me, it's not just about the darts, it's about really seeing a place, it's culture, it's nature, and after each day of darts I was doing my best to explore and experience real life in this corner of the globe. And tonight, I was invited to an authentic traditional Newfoundland family kitchen party.

Day one of World Cup XIX came to a close, and the Powerplex event hall quickly cleared. Most players probably returned to their hotels to eat, drink, practice and rest, while others hit George Street for the first time. I hung about waiting for Troy to finish some autographs with young fans. I watched, and smiled, and finished my last day one World Cup can of Blackhorse. Then, Troy came over.
"You want to come to the kitchen party at my house?"

As a St. John's native Troy Hanlon had the best of both worlds: darts and family in the same place. And, it was my luck to be hosted by Troy all week. But, the Hanlons weren't just my hosts, they were like family, welcoming me into their home and culture. "Of course I do!" I told Troy.

We hopped in Troy's car, and took the smartest shortcuts across the back side of St. John's, around the charming waterfront downtown, past the modern university to his house. His whole family was there, brothers and sisters and their spouses, and Troy's parents, Bernard and Jackie.
Everyone was bubbling in conversation in the living room, about Troy and the days tournament, all of waiting for the evening news to come on-the local media was there today, doing interviews with many players, especially the local stars like Troy and Billy St. Croix. I just sat like a distant relative in town for the first time, listening, watching, and enjoying their joy.

Bernard was busy in the kitchen preparing a few pounds of white fish to be fried, cod and halibut, breading it, and dropping it in the oil. Jackie was prepping the veggies and french fries, that would soon be drowned in cheese and gravy once cooked. I made several stops in the kitchen to refresh my empty beer, admiring the hospitality in front of me, and the feeling of being part of a true Newfoundland custom, the kitchen party.

Eventually the news came on, and everyone gathered in the living room to watch. Troy, Billy, and several other players from around the globe had their moments of spotlight, giving all sorts of good soundbites about the sport, and the World Cup tournament itself. I couldn't hep snap some pics of the television. Everyone was immensely proud of Troy that day.

Afterward, dinner was served, heaping amounts of fries, veggies and fish on every plate. We all consumed happily and I listened to their conversations-part funny family stories, part darts-all the while still trying to interpret some of the words. Bernard and Jackie especially, had strong accents that took a little getting used to.

Having partied plenty hard the previous two nights, it seemed like a good idea to get some rest tonight. After a dinner like that, it wasn't long before I was ready for bed. I bid my new "family" goodnight, and turned in to my small guest room, feeling all that much closer to life in Newfoundland.

The next morning, I woke bright and fresh, grabbing a coffee before riding back to the PowerPlex with Bernard and Jackie to enjoy day two of the tournament.

Things were starting to get interesting in the darts. First round matches were ending, and the shrinking field of players in all events was making the pressure and stakes ride higher with each dart. After last night's news, an even larger crowd of locals was on hand to cheer on Team Canada. I floated around the tournament taking more pics of people, players, staff and supporters.
As morning matches ended, and most players were taking lunch, something amazing happened to me. Something involving me and a nine time world champion.
But, let's leave that story for my next article.

Over and double out.






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