El Porrón Open

Three weeks ago I went to another beach tournament just outside of Barcelona, at Castelldefells beach. It was a very last minute decision but as the tournament was in need of female players and after announcing a discounted rate for any women who signed up I decided to go in the days leading up to it. The name of the tournament is El Porrón Open, and it's hosted yearly by the Patatas Bravas, a team based in Barcelona. A porrón  is a type of glass jug that usually contains some sort of liquor or wine. The jug has a long spout and you are supposed to pour it into your mouth as you pull the spout farther and farther away from you. Usually ends with with red wine stains all over yourself...

The tournament started on Friday and so that morning I took the night bus, leaving at 1am, from Madrid to Barcelona. Eight hours later I arrived, not a fun bus ride... I got a drive with some friends out to the beach since it was a good half hour outside the city.

Right when I got to the beach 

I found out who was on my team. 

(I only knew one person, a guy who had previously played in Madrid) 

Team name, Cranky Breakfast, was inspired by the tournament's theme being geriatrics. Some examples of  other team names included Pigeon Feeders, Viagra Dealers, Slow Drivers and Bingo Lovers.

I was happy to get some more beach Ultimate experience, as living in the dead centre of the peninsula doesn't exactly involve any beach play...

(Photo credit to Yulia and David)

We played four games on both Friday and Saturday and another two on Sunday. It was a great tournament as I got to practice some laying out and met some awesome Ultimate Frisbee players. 

 Midday snack on Saturday.

Kika and Natalie showing us all how
it's done with the porrón.





The tournament was on the expensive side but one thing I really liked was that everything was within walking distance, the accommodation, the fields and even the party venue.

I stayed in a beach-side apartment with a bunch of the other tournament organizers.

In line with the theme everyone at the tournament party, which was on Saturday night, had to come in costume as viejos locos, crazy old people. I decided to go as Cruella de Vil. 

In preparation Max helped me dye a white wig half black. 

I borrowed a long cigarette holder from a friend, bought a red boa, wore a black and white dress, and....

... Cruella de Vil I was. 

(Photo credit to Tuukka)

A few viejas locas; Sheila, Natalie and I.