RHIAN SOCCER JOURNALS      

WE ARRIVE IN GERMANY        19th June 2011

Sunday was travel day. And, even though we had an early start with our bus leaving the hotel at 7:00 am, we were all in a good mood because we were finally off to Germany.

Our good mood was quickly put to the test however when we discovered that our bus driver was the most ill tempered man living in Italy. Even though the team is really good about packing up buses, this is always a difficult process. Every member of the 49 strong delegation has one big kit bag, plus there is always a ton of team equipment. Our bus driver seemed to take personal exception to our luggage situation.

We all laughed his surliness off, but this probably did not help the issue. The point when things became really strained was when he decided that we were not allowed any personal luggage on the bus. The fact that there was zero room under the bus did little to persuade him; nor did the fact that many of us refused to be parted with wallets/passports/ computers, boots … etc.

Finally, Carolina stepped in and of course, we then boarded the bus with all the aforementioned personal items of gear. I will forgive the bus driver as he must have had a really bad time earlier in the day; then he met Carolina.

However, he could only dampen our god spirits for so long. We were off to GERMANY!

Airplane flights are never my favorite experiences. The pilot was good at explaining and giving us advanced warning of hot air bubbles, jet stream currents, mountain uplifts and a passing thunderstorms, but this did little to calm my nerves as we bounced our way into Berlin. Parker and Sincy were great: Parker because she seemed to be equally scared and uncomfortable; and Sincy, because she refrained from making crashing jokes- something she has actually done to my chagrin before.

Arrival at the airport was its usual chaotic self: Bags, people, more bags,  disorder, order, more people, then boarding another highway coach. The difference this time though was having a police escort and there was an army of friendly helpers. This is always the first reminder that you are heading into a major tournament: Baggage handlers, helpers and people anxious to welcome you. It feels so good. 

Now we have the afternoon off and even though it has started to rain, Sincy is anxious to see the remnants of the Berlin wall, while I intend to start with a search for a Starbucks. Wish me luck!

And, talking of wishing me luck, a big shout out and thanks to the players and coaches of the Lakeshore Soccer U12AA team, whom I met last May, 2010 at Maureen Cant's country place. I had a good time with the team  and they have written to me (through Leah) to say that they are all very excited for me and the Canadian team, and they are behind us 100% and looking forward to cheering us on at the World Cup.