Field Hockey

Towson Field Hockey European Tour

May 28
Andrea Schlezes

Tour of Man-Made Tunnels

We started off the day with breakfast in the morning. Once again we had our choice of toast, ham or cheese with a variety of condiments. (I think we are all ready for a real breakfast).

We then packed up for our day in Maastricht. First we went to the man-made caves. There are over 150 miles of tunnels that were hallowed out. The caves were used as a hiding place during many wars and invasions. On the walls of the cave are millions of inscriptions from people all over the world. Our guide has even gotten in touch with some of the troops or the relatives of the troops. The inscriptions were written during visits in the 1940’s. We also got a chance to see what it is like when there is no light in the tunnels. Needless to say we were all happy when Rick, our tour guide, turned the lanterns back on.

Next stop was the American Battle Monuments Commission Netherlands American Cemetery. When I walked through the gate chills went all over my body. The inscriptions and flowers all over were so touching. President Bush had just paid a visit a few days ago, so that was also pretty cool. We looked for his signature in the guest book, but couldn’t find it.

Next stop: Maastricht and SHOPPING! We shopped all day long. I think because we didn’t go out last night we had a bunch of energy built up and we all went crazy. It was a really cool town and there was tons of people shopping. The only problem was that after dinner we wanted to shop more but everything closes so early here. By 6:15 pm the town was dead.

After a long day we headed off to our game. Our team played very well. The other coach even said we were the best American team they’ve played. After the game the girls invited us to the clubhouse for snacks and drinks. We ate and chatted for a while but by 10:30 it was definitely time to go. Our hour-long bus ride and 12+ hour day pretty much decided our plans for the evening: shower and bed!

Andrea

May 28
Melanie Esders

World War II Memorial

Today, our wake up call was at 8 am. We went to breakfast and had the usual, bread, butter and cereal. We ate here in the Monestary. After breakfast we packed up and headed out for the ENTIRE day. We went to the oldest city in Holland, Maastricht.

We started off with a guided tour of the caves, or rather tunnels. It was amazing. Our tour guide, Rick, was great. The best part was turning off the lanterns and trying to find out way in the darkness. I also thought it was interesting how hospitals, ovens, etc. all existed underground in these tunnels. We were there for about one hour.

After that, we went to The American Battle Monuments Commission Netherlands American cemetery. It was very touching. A ton of beautiful flower arrangements were there because Memorial Day was this past weekend. It was a beautiful site to see.

After this we headed into the main town of Maastricht. All I have to say is… shopping, shopping, shopping. Also, to my surprise, we gave McDonald’s a chance and it tasted the same. I was pleasantly pleased. We shopped all day long, then met up for dinner at 4:30 at an Italian Restaurant.

After dinner we had a little free time then went to play our game. There was a mix up of the field to play at, but we eventually made it. The girls were very good. We played well. After the game, we had some food and drinks with the girls. They were very friendly and kind. We got back to the Monestary at 11:30 pm. Looooooong day, to say the least! Showers and bed seem like the great plans for the night.

Melanie