Day 7 by Elizabeth Sherman Graif

Day Seven:
For those trying to find the tournament on the map, Turkey is in Asia Minor, the bridge between Europe and the Middle East, with neighbors as diverse as Greece, Armenia and Syria. Antalya is a region in southern Turkey, and much of Antalya borders the Mediterranean Sea. The Hotel Limra, host of the tournament, is just outside of the town of Kemer, which is about an hour’s drive from the city of Antalya.
With its long stretches of beaches, sunny skies and fascinating historic and natural sites, is a popular summer destination for tourists. Many signs are written in Turkish, English, German and Russian.
We are here just after the summer season, so the weather is sunny and clear, but not beach weather. Some people choose to eat breakfast outdoors, which is pleasant and sheltered from the Mediterranean breeze. By the time the players are finished their games, it is dark and surprisingly chilly.
After a free day, it is difficult for most players to return to the playing hall. Even the arbiters, coaches and parents admit that it is hard to be back and focused again. But the players settle in, determined to play their best: there are only five games left in the tournament.