For the Basque Weekly #83: Pelota, a New Basque Skool, and a Slice of Kentucky

It’s been a little while, but I haven’t stepped away from the Basque world. I’ve just been juggling a lot of Basque pelota these last couple of weeks along with work.
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Did I ever tell you I'm the president of the US Federation of Basque Pelota? With that responsibility, my friend & Vice-President and I work on registering all the teams, disciplines for each tournament. Sounds easy but it's not when our US Federation has players all over the world. And we are volunteers. Anyone out there want to join us & help with this Non-profit?

So, here’s a little catch-up from my side.

Pelota update
​Two International World Championships happened in Mexico:

1. One in Aguascalientes, Mexico in October for 30m. Catch videos on this YouTube Channel by the Mexican Federation. Here is the Semi-Final match between Team USA and Mexico in Men's Frontenis.​
2. And last week in Iztapalapa in Mexico City for Frontball. You can catch those recordings on the International Federation of Pelota YouTube Channel.​
3. Lots of energy, lots of matches, and a lot to follow. And I did try to post a bit on the US Federation of Pelota Instagram Account.​

A quick detour to the National FFA Convention.
​In October, I traveled with 15 students to Indianapolis, and on the way back we passed through Louisville, Kentucky.

We did Agricultural tours like the Gardens at the Churchill Downs and went to Maker's Mark Distillery to see how they make bourbon. Now the drive to Maker's reminded me of the one-lane roads of the Basque Country. Scary since I was driving a total of 7 students.

Did a haunted tour of the most haunted neighborhood in the US in Louisville. And yes, I even found a little Basque at a restaurant in Louisville. Basque pops up everywhere if you look for it. ♥️🤍💚

The biggest news!!
​I launched the Basque Skool a week ago on November 10th.

Something I’ve dreamed about since 2017 is finally real. We already have 108 members inside.
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If you haven’t joined yet, you’re invited and welcome.
​Sartu Basque Skool-era hemen - Enter Basque Skool Here​

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That’s my little update in life. And of course been busy at school teaching Ag Biology & French plus got sick after the trip to Indiana & Kentucky and needed a double dosage of antibiotics.
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​Itxoin - Wait! Back to more pelota, yesterday was the final of Men's Singles Handball in Bilbao, 4 t’erdiko txapelketa And pretty special since Peio Etxeberria won and he's from my aita's valley - Ultzama!​
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Great to be in touch with again! Do let me know how your Basque studies are going or any life updates.

👋🏼 Egon bizkor,
​ Esther

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P.P.S. Share our new Basque community as well - Basque Skool!​