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