Today was our last full day in Holland. This morning we left Valkanswaard to tour the PSV stadium and take in the sites of Eindhoven. The packing up of the 16-room Luxury Bunk House went off without a hitch.
We also reconnected with the U-14 boys at PSV. The tour of the PSV staduim was very interesting - many facts, history, variation between home/visitor locker rooms and the cost of luxury boxes used by businesses (54,000 Euros for 18 games for a group of 4). We also learned that if you walk on the playing grass you get fined 15,000 Euros and are banned from the stadium for 10 years. After the tour, we visited the PSV Fan Shop.
We also said goodbye to our host Jos (from Valkanswaard). He was a great host and really showed a sincere interest in the well-being of the girls and their overall experience while in Holland. As an accountant by day, he also proved to be very adept at playing cards and challenged Wendy and Chrissy for the card championship of the group (he played with us last night until midnight). Jos (from Maastricht) was the coordinator of the whole trip and did a wonderful job organizing the logistics and always trying to make the experience the best it can be for the girls. Thank you Jos and Jos!
After Eindhoven, we boarded the bus for Amsterdam. While the coaches and chaperones tried to sleep, the kids did not lack any energy. We walked around the museum district of Amsterdam - much nicer than the red light district of the city.
We then returned to the Stayokay in Amsterdam for dinner, 10 pm bed check to be ready to hit the road at 6:30 am tomorrow for our flight home.
It has been an incredible week with your children. They've learned about soccer, different cultures and communication/being part of a team. Thank you for giving us this opportunity - we've enjoyed the experience and look forward to seeing you all tomorrow night. Once landing in Boston, we'll be calling from the road.
We hope the snow is melted!
