Monday, June 4, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
The End
As most of you know we have finally returned back to the United States! Sorry for not keeping posted the past couple of days--we had a very busy schedule traveling to Amsterdam and then eventually back to the US. The trip was so amazing though!
Amsterdam was quite the experience--everyone really got to go off on their own and do what they liked. However, the entire team visited the Anne Frank house Tuesday morning. As we walked through what she called "The Secret Annex", we were a bit disturbed yet very informed about the struggles that the Jewish communities went through during WWII. After this visit we were all aloud to go off on our own for lunch and do whatever we pleased for the many remaining hours of our last day on the trip. Everyone did things such as shopped, walked to the famous I AMSTERDAM sign, or went to Heineken factory. This Link is a video of me and a few teammates that--despite the embarrassment--I decided I would share with you.
We also played our final game against another excellent Dutch team (big surprise!) Although, we were unable to notch a win we had broken through and scored the first goal. Our team was also very kindly complimented and respected by the opposing team and their Coach when we joined them for drinks and snacks after.
Yesterday was our big travel day and it ended up being quite eventful. Our first flight seemed to be going smoothly until we arrived in Heathrow and they couldn't seem to find steps for us to get off the plane. Some of us suggested that we slide down the emergency exits because it took so long. Eventually they got us off the plane only to have security hold us up. Finally we got through and sprinted to our gate, weaving in and out of people up and down the escalators. The gate was technically closed by the time the majority of our team had gotten to the plane but Janelle managed to get everyone on board safely.
Now we are safe and sound at home in the US and as you can see by my excessive energy at 8:30 in the morning, extremely jet-lagged once more. Overall the trip was AMAZING. We saw so many great things, made countless memories that will be cherished forever, and learned SO much from the Dutch hockey players. I know we are all very excited to bring our new skills to the NCAA next fall, so everyone better watch out! GO BEARS!!!
-Bitts
<3 UCFH
Amsterdam was quite the experience--everyone really got to go off on their own and do what they liked. However, the entire team visited the Anne Frank house Tuesday morning. As we walked through what she called "The Secret Annex", we were a bit disturbed yet very informed about the struggles that the Jewish communities went through during WWII. After this visit we were all aloud to go off on our own for lunch and do whatever we pleased for the many remaining hours of our last day on the trip. Everyone did things such as shopped, walked to the famous I AMSTERDAM sign, or went to Heineken factory. This Link is a video of me and a few teammates that--despite the embarrassment--I decided I would share with you.
We also played our final game against another excellent Dutch team (big surprise!) Although, we were unable to notch a win we had broken through and scored the first goal. Our team was also very kindly complimented and respected by the opposing team and their Coach when we joined them for drinks and snacks after.
Yesterday was our big travel day and it ended up being quite eventful. Our first flight seemed to be going smoothly until we arrived in Heathrow and they couldn't seem to find steps for us to get off the plane. Some of us suggested that we slide down the emergency exits because it took so long. Eventually they got us off the plane only to have security hold us up. Finally we got through and sprinted to our gate, weaving in and out of people up and down the escalators. The gate was technically closed by the time the majority of our team had gotten to the plane but Janelle managed to get everyone on board safely.
Now we are safe and sound at home in the US and as you can see by my excessive energy at 8:30 in the morning, extremely jet-lagged once more. Overall the trip was AMAZING. We saw so many great things, made countless memories that will be cherished forever, and learned SO much from the Dutch hockey players. I know we are all very excited to bring our new skills to the NCAA next fall, so everyone better watch out! GO BEARS!!!
-Bitts
<3 UCFH
Monday, May 21, 2012
Day 8
Yesterday was somewhat of an emotional day for us here in Holland. Not only was it our very last day in our little town of Valkenburg, but we also paid a visit to the American WWII Cemetery. This cemetery, found in the village of Margraten, is a gift from the Netherlands in honor of the American soldiers who collectively fought to help liberate Europe.
As we all walked through the perfectly groomed green grass, we observed the unsettlingly large amount of headstones (which was approximately 8,301). We also paid our respects to the soldiers who valiantly fought for freedom and justice across the World. Some of us said a prayer in the chapel located in the tower, in honor of these soldiers.
On a happier note, we all got to experience something that not many people can say they have done! We were in three places at once--literally. We visited the point where Germany, Belgium, and Holland all meet. Some of us fearfully traveled up to the top of a tower that had an amazing view at the highest point in Holland.
After enjoying a group lunch we traveled back to Valnkenburg for some fun activities! After luging down a large hill a few times, close to all of us ziplined down from the very top of a church tower. We then had a "friendly" match of laser tag, where Julie aka "Slasher" had the most hits at 25000 points with Rachel, "Kryptonite" in a close second. Although I unfortunately don't excel in laser tag I was only in fourth to last place as Joel took dead last! Its okay though, because according to him he was the "sacrifice".
After a long day of activities we all had dinner together at the hotel. Then we were able to enjoy a generous amount of free-time which we spent roming the streets of Valkenburg once more. Knowing we were leaving for Amsterdam the next morning we made sure to have our last visit to our favorite place--The Snack-Bar--and hang out as a team to celebrate Abby's 20th birthday!
-Bitts
As we all walked through the perfectly groomed green grass, we observed the unsettlingly large amount of headstones (which was approximately 8,301). We also paid our respects to the soldiers who valiantly fought for freedom and justice across the World. Some of us said a prayer in the chapel located in the tower, in honor of these soldiers. |
"Here we and all who shall hereafter live in freedom will be reminded that these men and their comrades we owe a debt to be paid with grateful remembrance of their sacrifice and with the high resolve that the cause for which they died shall live" |
On a happier note, we all got to experience something that not many people can say they have done! We were in three places at once--literally. We visited the point where Germany, Belgium, and Holland all meet. Some of us fearfully traveled up to the top of a tower that had an amazing view at the highest point in Holland.
After enjoying a group lunch we traveled back to Valnkenburg for some fun activities! After luging down a large hill a few times, close to all of us ziplined down from the very top of a church tower. We then had a "friendly" match of laser tag, where Julie aka "Slasher" had the most hits at 25000 points with Rachel, "Kryptonite" in a close second. Although I unfortunately don't excel in laser tag I was only in fourth to last place as Joel took dead last! Its okay though, because according to him he was the "sacrifice".
After a long day of activities we all had dinner together at the hotel. Then we were able to enjoy a generous amount of free-time which we spent roming the streets of Valkenburg once more. Knowing we were leaving for Amsterdam the next morning we made sure to have our last visit to our favorite place--The Snack-Bar--and hang out as a team to celebrate Abby's 20th birthday!
-Bitts
Day 7
Day 7 was packed with touring. We started the day by going
to the German city of Cologne. Hub warned us not to buy a German soccer jersey.
He said we wouldn’t be allowed on the bus if we bought one (the Dutch are not
big fans of the Germans). However, Rachel could not resist buying a German
soccer Jersey. Hub was not pleased! After buying some souvenirs for our
families and friends we toured the Cathedral of Cologne. It took over 600 years
to complete and they are still working on it! It is one of the biggest
cathedrals in the World! The cathedral was beautifully decorated with stain
glass windows and contains the Shrine of the Three Kings.
After
leaving the city of Cologne, we relaxed on the Rhine River cruise. We enjoyed
seeing castle ruins and other historic buildings in Germany. We saw a variety
of beautiful ruins and cathedrals along the way. Later in the day, we went to
the village of Mayschoss where we had a guided tour through a winery (Dad, I
bet your jealous). We learned what processes go into making various types of
wines. There wine vineyards went on forever! Some of the Vineyards were located
along cliffs (I would hate to work on the giant hills the vineyards were located
on, a bit too steep for me). Some of the parents may be receiving some gifts
from the winery from their daughters!
After
leaving the winery we enjoyed a nice dinner at a restaurant next to the winery.
Our day was extremely eventful and exciting. We all enjoyed seeing the historic
sites in Germany.
~ Shafi
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Day 6
I can’t believe we only have 3 more
full days left in Europe! It is all going much too fast! (Don’t worry, we miss
you all at home too!) The past two days have been extremely exciting and
eventful. Yesterday, we said goodbye to our favorite trainer Roel. We will miss
his fun, extreme warm up games and drills (even though some were a bit intense).
Following the training session, we
ventured into Maastricht, the oldest city in Holland. The city is over 1000
years old! We explored the Roman ruins, little shops, and ventured through a
carnival. We saw the cathedral, Basilica
of Saint Servatius and explored the surrounding park. To keep us
energized through all this touring, some of us indulged in chocolate filled
waffles or gelato (clearly we are maintaining healthy eating habits overseas.)
After touring Maastricht, we went shopping!
(Don’t worry mom I didn’t buy any clothes!) Our bus driver accidently took us
to the mall, but no worries, we found our way to the outlets. Hub was
determined to take us to the outlets and find us some good steals! (I think Hub
was more excited than we were) Again, we stopped for more gelato (it helped
energize us for the game!)
We were
in for a big shock last night as we pulled up to the Maastricht field hockey
team’s field. Apparently, yesterday was the last day of university classes, so
there was a giant party going on at the fields (clearly they like to party in
Holland). After stepping off the bus, we ventured through the mass of students.
I couldn’t believe how many people were at the fields. I guess when they party
in Holland, they go all out! We were greeted by a few students; they were all very
entertaining to say the least.
Last
night, we faced our most challenging opponents. We played very well against
them. After implementing the “bowl” formation in the back, our passing game was
on! Both the defense and offense made some really great plays and saves! The
girls we played were extremely nice and even offered to show us around Maastricht.
After four days of games, we were ready for some rest!
I will post pictures as soon as my camera is charged!
~Shafi
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