June 15, 2006

Henley-on-Thames, England-Many of the Wildcats on this year's trip to Henley have not only never rowed in the Women's Regatta but have never been to England. Senior Taylor Malloy sat down to answer some questions about her thoughts and impressions during her first trip to Great Britain.

Did you have any preconceived ideas about what England would be like? and what is your impression now?

I am not a seasoned traveller. Before coming to England, it's true that I've only left the country once, on my way from Chicago to Lake Placid. I may or may not have passed through Canada, and I may or may not have stayed in the car the whole time. I don't remember exactly what I imagined England to be, but it was something along the lines of old men sitting in pubs all day and fish and chips everywhere I turned. Now, since I've been here for over a week, I'll be the first to say that I was right. In addition, the landscape is beautiful: the rolling countryside, the cuter than cute town of Henley-on-Thames, and the Thames River, which actually contains life forms as opposed to the Schuykill. Everyone is so nice over here, the food is DELICIOUS contrary to popular belief, and the rowing is, in a word, magical.

What has been your favorite part of the trip?

It's hard to choose a favorite part of the trip when it has been non-stop fun the entire time; however, I will do my best. It could be the very first time I arrived in England with Katie Barzelatto and while she slept like a baby in Terminal 3 at Heathrow, I had to entertain this older businessman from Thailand who had frizzy blonde hair. He kept asking me if I thought the U.S. government was strong and if Americans still went around killing each other, including all the babies. I couldn't understand most of what he said, but I did happen to catch the occasional "bang, bang" of his imaginary American gun. He was borderline crazy. I also thoroughly enjoyed when the English men serenaded us with the greatest hits of the Beatles at a pub one night. After a wonderful rendition of "Yellow Submarine", a couple of us jumped in for a little "Paperback Writer" and "Help!" action.

How do you feel about the different racing styles in the U.S. and England?

I enjoy the dual races here in England. It's very exciting to race so close to the shore with all the spectators, as well as my coach, about fifteen feet from the end of my blade. The swans also make for an interesting experience. Everywhere you look in the water, swans are just coasting along, paying no heed to the fact racing shells/pleasure boats are all around them. And the best part is that even though the swans are DOMINATING the water space, an oarsman will be arrested if he or she hits one because the swans are technically the Queen's property.

What are the differences you've found between the English and Americans?

The most startling difference that I have encountered so far regards trash or litter. There are no garbage cans anywhere in all of England! I think someone is playing a cruel joke here, but on many separate occasions, I have had to hold my dirty napkin or gum wrapper or banana peel for hours on end, waiting, just praying for a trash receptacle. I guess it says something about our cultures in general and how Americans accumulate more waste, but I really want to know what the English do with their wrappers, tissues, etc. This whole "absence of litter cans" is a mystery to me and before I leave, I hope to get to the bottom of it.

What do you think of Villanova having a place in Henley Women's Regatta history?

I say "Yes, please." Our team is lucky just to be here in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but I'm not exactly satisfied just to show up. I want to compete, and I want to win. This year, in the Senior 8 event, it's entirely possible for both our boats to do extremely well. We've both been steadily improving all season, especially during the past week of practicing on the Thames and doing pieces with phenomenal crews lik the University College-Dublin. I think we are ready. We are finally ready to show each other, our fans, and ourselves that we have what it takes to win. Villanova A versus Villanova B in the final...V's for victory all around.