Wednesday - Waffles or Bust!

Today was a soccer free day. We started off the day with a women’s run at 7:30 am around the streets of Maastricht – Keith held down the fort while the girls slept. Candy was moving particularly swiftly at the end of the run and had a bounce in her step the rest of the day.

The day was sunny and in the mid-70’s (no snow in Holland this week!). Jos led us on a beautiful walk through the streets of Maastricht on the way to the University of Maastricht. The University was founded in 1980 and has approximately 13,000 students. The girls enjoyed the sites, took many pictures and were happy to be exploring the city. In her new white dress from Amsterdam, Essie was our little angel, while Ashley was our classy and sophisticated dresser.

We then hit the shops and replenished with chocolate filled waffles with Vanilla ice cream – delicious! Lindsay also filled a chicken craving by stopping at KFC. Our shopping then continued with an open air market, clothing and shoe stores. Our best shopper award goes to Caroline Q. who purchased an item at every store. Kaitlin D’s suitcase was already above accepted airline weights leaving Boston, not sure how the shopping will help this?

Had lunch, walked to the foot bridge over the Maas River for final pictures before departing for the American Cemetery. The girls (and adults) were all touched and moved by the experience. To give you some perspective, there are over 8,300 soldiers remembered at this memorial.  Many questions, discussion and reflections – Katie Charland commented on how sad it was.

We then drove the “Three Points.” This is the location of the border of three countries (Belgium, Holland, Germany). Many girls were pleased with the food selection here, including Caroline M. (French Fries) and Emily (Ice Cream).

Next up was the bus ride to Valkanswaard. We met our new host (also Jos). He showed us a new side of the city on the bus drive in – it’s really not in the middle of nowhere! The girls are adjusting to their new lodge-like accommodations. We were fortunate to be able to secure the “Bunk House,” a 20-bed suite that fits the entire team. No worries, Greta is diligently working on completing her homework.

This evening’s entertainment was the Champions League semifinal, Barcelona vs. Inter Milan at the local canteen. The girls coolly found their way to the trash can after the Dutch boys soccer team arrived after practice.

Comments from the girls about their highlights thus far:

• Waffles and ice cream

• Shopping in Maastricht

• Scenery

• Ajax game

• Standing at the Three Points (Belgium, Holland and Germany)

• The American Cemetery (interesting)

• Chocolate during breakfast!!

• Winning our matches

• Hanging out with other teams

• Taking pictures with Holland soccer players

• Learning words in Dutch (ex. Hi, Thanks, Bye, Exit)

• The people

• Food

• Girls with center parts in their hair

• We don’t want to go home!

• Eating barbeque on porch overlooking Maas river

• Walk to Maastricht University (Pretty!)

• Walking to the foot bridge

• Rattails and French braiding

• The fries are delicious

• We visited three countries

• Shopping!

• Aflac ducks

• ITouch (cube runner and doodle jump)

• Crazy bikers yelling at us to move

• Other team swearing at ref in Dutch

• People talking about you in Dutch when you are right there

• Barbeque

• Our “shit” conversation with Leo

• Annoyed little Dutch kids yelling while we fell asleep and waking us up in the morning in Maastricht

• Justin Beiber with Dutch girls from other teams

• Apple juice!

• Egg rolls!

• Wii

• Walking around the streets of Maastricht shopping

• Rooming with friends

• Winning games in Holland

• Taking pictures of scenery

• Meeting with other team after matches

• The Ajax game

• Talking to Dutch people

• Having Leo and Behr coach us

• Ajax game – two goals in first seven minutes

• Canals everywhere, houses on the canals

• Lots of cows

• Beautiful cities

• Airplanes. Long, only one hour of sleep

P.S. - Here's the photo from our match on Tuesday.  The folks at VV Scharn were very welcoming and gracious hosts.  It was a wonderful experience getting to know the club staff (Anita, Chris and Yolanda) as well as the team.