Leaving the Netherlands

It's about 10 p.m. and the sun is still shining here in the Netherlands.

It has been a fun 10 days of vacation for me. I got a chance to hang out in Amsterdam for another night and another crazier night in Rotterdam with Frances. Kicked it with the AI gang and experienced the team dinner. Went to the Irish bar Paddy Murphy's (yes that's really the names) - a Grade A cougar den. Also ate on of the biggest sandwiches I have ever had (in terms of surface area only).



I met just about everyone involved with the United States U-20 team, especially the other journalists covering them. Was the recipient of some ridiculously good customer service/help from the Dutch people. Seriously, I did so many stupid things and each time, there was a stranger there to help me out.

I missed three trains on my second day here and someone let me crash at their place. I misjudged the time it would take to get to the train station and a stranger hauled my soaking wet carcass to the train station just in time to catch the last train to Enschede. I forgot my adapter at home and the technical staff at Enschede Stadium jimmy-rigged one out of some spare parts. These are just a few examples. It was nice to experience all this kindness after well, living in Switzerland for the past year. So thanks again to the hosts for a wonderful tournament.