Our second day in Maastricht.

Sorry for not posting last night. Very busy day and we switched to a hotel for a night and it was a hustle. Sit down, get something to drink (I have!) and enjoy the double entry.

Our second day in Maastricht was much like the first. We woke to a sunny and warm day. Our training sessions with Behr were hot, busy, and the girls began to understand the Dutch method and philosophy on ball possesion. As Behr says- "When we have possession- we make big!- When we lose possession- we make small!" The game against Sharn was a chance for the girls to use some new tools that they learned earlier. The first half was a bit hectic and the girls were trying to work toward Behrs teachings. It was 1-1 at the half. After some tea at the half, they came out motivated and determined to improve their performance. Their transitions were much better. We won 6-1. We had a drink at the canteen with the girls and once again found out that the only difference between them is their language. They are alike in all other ways. We went to a new hotel for the night and got changed for a night on the town. After dinner at a great Italian restaurant, we strolled through the cobblestone streets of Maastricht to get some bicycles. Once we all got adjusted to the bikes, we rode to the hotel and crashed hard.

In the morning we headed into town and explored the sights. We went into a beautiful Roman Catholic Basilica, shopped in a few hundred stores, visited an open air market, ate some excellent street food. Many of the girls tried new things. Walter- watch out, Sophie tried crab and she loves it. Ellie tried some cod, and could have eaten more. The fresh strawberries were awesome and the trip to the grocery store was fun. After that we got on the bus and headed to Margraten to the American Military Cemetery. The girls enjoyed the visit and learned quite a bit. We all had some very engaging conversations. After that we went to the "Three Points". We all stood in three countries at the same time and it was a nice experiencce as well.

We relocated to the hostel in Valkenswaard. got settled and after dinner, a team meeting and some journal entries, went to bed to catch up on some much needed rest. We are back at the two a days and a game at 6. I will update after the match. Enjoy the pics. All the girls are doing great. No one is homesick. We are doing the first load of laundry now and enjoying the clamor of 100 youngters playing games, and having a great time. Bye for now.