Field Hockey

Towson Field Hockey European Tour

May 25
Coach Lynette Mitzel

Team's Arrival in Amsterdam

After a seemingly endless trip, we finally arrived at the Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. We landed an hour earlier than we anticipated, but then sat on the runway for 30 minutes because there were no gates ready for our arrival. I was fine, the kids were fine, but Baby Mitzel was eager to get his/her “feet” on the ground. Fortunately, customs was a breeze (nothing to declare) and Cori, our Dutch guide, met us right outside the holding area.

We took a slow ride through Amsterdam (lots of traffic) to the canal. We boarded a boat and took a nice hour ride through the canals of Amsterdam. Our “captain” showed us the intricate gables on the houses, the famous seven arches, the home of the mayor of Amsterdam, and a replica of a 1500’s trading ship. Some of us took pictures, some chatted with Cori while others took a little nap.

Once we de-boarded the boat, the team seemed to have a new energy. As we scurried through a certain seedy section of town, pulling father and husband along, the girls got quite an eye opening experience. You sure won’t find many red lights in Fells Point! A few pubs and a nice Italian dinner (did we go to Italy and I missed it??) and we were ready to head to our hotel.

Located about 15 minutes outside the center city, Bastion Hotel is a nice little place. Of course, when you enter there, the first thing you encounter is a bar. Drink, drink, drink is all they seem to do here! The twin beds have very soft pillows, which I see as a potential problem. Good thing I only have to stand on the sideline.

Until tomorrow – goedenacht.

Coach Mitzel

May 25
Heatherann Schwartz

Group Shot in Amsterdam

After hearing from so many people what a magnificent city Amsterdam is, I know now what they were talking about. Having spent the first day of our trip in the city, I’ve come to realize how different it is from a major U.S. city. The atmosphere of Amsterdam blends rich, historical traditions with today’s latest trends. While the sidewalks are covered in souvenir shops, cafes, and trendy clothing stores, just a few blocks further lies a historic building dating back to the17th century.

Upon our arrival, we took a boat tour through the canals of the city. Along the way, historic buildings, ships, and modern places of interest were pointed out, including the home of Amsterdam’s mayor. The canals were lined with tiny boats, homes for those who couldn’t afford homes along the canals themselves. Amsterdam’s cars were an unusual site. Many were either extremely small or cars we as Americans think of as luxury cars, such as Mercedes and BMW’s. Such is not the case here, where Mercedes are used for taxicabs!

Following the boat tour, our tour guide Cori, took us on a tour of the red light district. It was strange to see something that is so looked down upon at home, being advertised and welcomed here in Amsterdam. Following the tour, we were given some free time to wander around before dinner. We explored all the tiny shops that adorned the streets.

For dinner, we ate at an Italian restaurant called Marco Polo. Here, we were introduced to some local customs different from those back home. Water here must be ordered and paid for; its not included during meals like at home.

Following dinner, we had a little more free time before heading back to the hotel. Another custom here much different than at home is the use of bicycles. In the U.S., bicycles are used mainly for recreational purposes, while in Amsterdam, bicycles are the primary source of transportation. Designated bicycle lanes are marked throughout the city. And, you best not get in their way because otherwise you might get run over!

Tomorrow, we have the first of our four matches. I am eager to experience a totally different level and style of hockey then we compete against in the U.S. There is so much we can learn from the Dutch players to improve our own game. Then, we’ll spend the rest of the day exploring more of Amsterdam, and the magnificent culture and history that it holds…..

Heatherann