Another cold, rainy day in Holland

Friday March 27, 2009

When in Holland, expect rain -- and cold as well !!
Thursday we had a morning training session, mostly in the rain - as usual.
After a big warm meal (mashed potatoes, big meat balls, green beans, salad and dessert), it was off to Nijmegen for a shopping spree in the centrum. From there we loaded vans and went separate ways to Huissen for the younger group and to Cuyk for a the older ones. Oh yes, it rained during the shopping spree and why would it not.

The games were played with rain, sometimes heavy, but the turf fields allow for play to go on. It is very impressive to see how nothing affects thes Dutch people -- as they ride their bikes trought he streest in the rain holding an umbrella in one hand , cell phone or cigarette in the other, and managing to keep the bike moving.

The older group, with the addition, of 3 dutchies , won 4-2 in a very well-played game. That group seemed to hit it's stride and the previous games proved to be a big help. The younger group played very well, with more intensity than before, but did not get the win. They also played in the rain on turf.

Turf is huge over here and nothing stops because of it. We are lucky because the grass field swere being hit hard by the rain of the past few days.

Today, Friday, is a free day - with the players in guest families and the rest, parents mostly, going to a U20 Dutch National Team game this afternoon. Many of the players will joins with their uest families.

so far, dry -- hope it stays that way.