Days 1-4
By Ms. May Lin Kessenich, Macalester College

Day 1, March 10, 2005

I was lucky enough to be the first to arrive in the Charles de Gaulle Airport in France. I got off the plane at 7:30 am feeling pretty good, but also pretty out of it because of the change in time. On the plane I sat next to a French man, Phillipe, who spoke very little English, and because I speak very little French, it wasn't the easiest to communicate. He seemed very nice though, and I was determined to at least try to talk to him with my limited French skills. By the end of the flight, we were talking to each other using mostly hand motions and what few words we knew in either French or English. I learned quite a few new French words, and many of the words I learned have actually been very useful! I must also say that it was really frustrating not being able to communicate very well, and I would definitely recommend bringing a dictionary for the languages in whatever country you will be. After both getting our bags, he left and I went to find Emily, the next girl that was supposed to arrive. I was very grateful to have met Phillipe and to have had such a positive experience already!

I took the bus to the next terminal and began walking around looking for Emily. Somehow, I was lucky enough to find her at the money exchange counter. She happened to be with a man on her flight that lives right around the hotel that we were supposed to go to. They informed me that there was a strike going on in Paris having to do with the transportation systems (including the metro that we were supposed to use to get to the hotel), so they thought we should take a cab. We ended up doing so, but it took over an hour to get where we wanted to go because of all the traffic. The man that was with us was gracious enough to pay for the entire cab ride there. Emily and I couldn't believe that we had so much luck already! We got to the hotel by 10:30, checked in to our room, and rested for a little while. Then we went out and walked around, got lunch at a nearby restaurant, and sat outside. We felt frustrated with our lack of French skills; sometimes it was hard to get across what we wanted to say and we obviously didn't understand very well. But we worked it out and luckily there are quite a few people that speak English here. That afternoon gradually the team arrived, and we all met in the lobby to go to a gym in Villebon, 20 minutes outside of Paris.

We practiced for about an hour and then played the Pro F team RC Villebon, which is currently the third best team in France. Players on their team include one girl from the Croatian National Team, two from the Czech National Team, one from the Brazilian Junior National Team, one from the Slovenian National Team, and three from the French National Team. We lost in 3 games, but didn't play too bad for just stepping off the plane. The levels of women's volleyball in France goes Pro F (top level), National 1, National 2, National 3, and then Regional (R) Leagues (lowest level). We then all went to the Eiffel tower and took lots of pictures. It was really neat to be there, especially after seeing so many pictures and hearing about it so much. We were all pretty tired, and fell asleep fast!

Editor’s Note: Many thanks to Mauricio Paes and the girls from RC Villebon for helping us get into the gym and giving us a nice little match for our opening day.

Day 2, March 11, 2005

One of the other girls and I walked around a bit in the morning, admiring the unique architecture around the place we were staying in Paris. We left at 2:00pm and drove for about 2 hours to Evreux, France, where we checked into our hotel and ate a pre-game dinner consisting of cold meat and salads. We then went to the gym and played the local National 2 team.

The gym they played in was much smaller than the Villebon gym, which I didn't expect. We won the first game, but lost the next 2 by only a few points. Two of the players from the Evreux team came to dinner with us, and talked to us about their experience so far in France.

One was from the United States (Heather Evans, North Dakota State) and the other from Australia (Tea, from the Australian National Team), so it was nice to have both of their different perspectives on playing. We were pretty tired by the end of this day, and were glad when our heads hit the pillow.

Editor’s Note: Merci to Alain, Stephane, Manu, and all the girls in Evreux!

Day 3, March 12, 2005

We left this morning to drive back near Paris, and checked into a hotel in Villebon right near the sports center (Grand Dome) at which we had played the first day. We had a great 2-hour training in the morning, and then had several hours to explore the city of Paris again. So the group I was with went to Notre Dame, ate lunch at an Italian place nearby, and just walked the streets.

We discovered crepes, and how amazingly delicious they are, especially the ones with chocolate! After browsing in a few shops and trying some more food, we took the RER (Metro) back to Villebon to watch them play Beziers in a 1 st round playoff game, who they beat in 3 games.

Official Photos from the Villebon vs. Beziers Match on March 12, 2005

We went out to dinner with two of the Villebon players, one from the United States (Jo Fielder, U of Michigan) and one from Slovenia (Maja Gustin, U of Hawaii). Again, it was interesting to hear about their experience playing volleyball over here and to hear what they are looking forward to doing in the future.

Day 4, March 13, 2005

Today was our day off! It was nice to have a day to relax and just walk around. We left from the hotel to go to Reims, France in the Champagne province. On the way, Tim informed us that in each province in France, there is a culinary minister of the province that makes rules about how the champagne (in the case of Reims) and wines (Bordeaux, Chablis, etc.) have to be made. Every place that makes these products has to follow these rules in order to have it approved to be sold and have the name of that particular region. We stopped at the cathedral in Reims, and then went to eat lunch in the center of town. In the afternoon, we went to G.H. Mumm to go on a champagne tour.

We saw the champagne cellar and learned all about how champagne was made. We even got to taste some at the end! The drive back to Paris was gorgeous, with the sun setting behind the clouds and the rolling hills of the countryside. We returned to Paris and went to the hotel that we stayed at that first night. My roommates and I went out to a Japanese restaurant and then to McDonald's for a little dessert. We met a few guys while eating our delicious ice cream sundaes, and had a brief conversation in a mixture of English and French. We learned from them how to properly say goodbye in French, which is a kiss on both sides of the cheek. It was really fun interacting with people our own age and trying to understand them.

Days 5-8
By Ms. Richell Lee Wilson, Portland State University

Day 5, March 14, 2005

Today was our last day in Paris. After a morning of free time, we left the hotel at 1:00pm, never to return to Paris again on this trip. The white van was running on fumes so we had to stop for gas on our way out. But out of all the gas stations in Paris, Tim picked an underground station with a clearance height we couldn’t fit. The roof of the vans got a little scratched and we broke the antenna: just minor damage!

The match that night was horrible. We played an N2 team in Beauvais, and we couldn’t pass a ball to save our lives, and to make matters worse, Rashinda went down with a sprained ankle 10 points into the first game (big loss). After the match we had an inter-squad scrimmage to get the competitive drive in gear and end the night on a more positive note. We then socialized with the opposing coaching staff over crepes (handmade by the middle blocker) and Coke. Very delicious!

We then had a team dinner at a local pub where we got to meet Samuel Boutin, a BIP contact in France. After dinner it was a quite night at the hotel. A couple of people played pool and had some drinks in the hotel lobby. Tim and Marissa were the big winners! And another day comes to an end…

Editor’s Note: Many thanks to Dragan Milic and everyone in Beauvais for their kind hospitality and generosity. Also Merci to Samuel for making the effort to get all the way up to Beauvais and meet the girls.

Day 6, March 15, 2005

Today we woke up in France for the last time and it was a beautiful day outside. After a quick breakfast at McDonalds, we dropped Samuel at the train station (so sad to see him go, he was a hottie!) and explored the city of Beauvais for a couple of hours. The city was home to the oldest gothic church in Europe. And we even got to ride a carousel. We then made the drive to Charleroi and arrived at the Etap hotel, which had bunk beds (so cute!).

The team dinner almost didn’t happen tonight because in Belgium business close from 2:00-7:00pm for family time and rest. Fortunately, a pasta restaurant stayed open just for us. Funny thing, though, they had to go to the corner store to by bread (guess they were out).

The match that night was our best yet on this trip, despite the fact we still lost all 4 games. We played Dauphines Charleroi, a top team in the top Belgian League and we definitely gave them some competition. Deana was the MVP for the match, serving 10 serves in a row bringing us back from a 4-16 score. Everyone buys her a beer tonight! After the match we socialized with the opposing team and coaches in a bar at their gym. That’s right, a bar attached to the gym! So cool. I wish my college had a bar attached to the gym.

Straight from the gym we went to an Irish Pub to drink in honor of Coach Erikka’s birthday. Fun times had by all! Now off to bed, good night.

Editor’s Note: Thanks Patrick for all of your help! And thanks also to Sacha and all the girls of Dauphines Charleroi.

Day 7, March 16, 2005

Today we woke up at 11:00am to drive to Antwerpen, Belgium, which to most was an early morning considering the late night of partying for Erikka’s birthday. We got to the city around 12:15 but couldn’t find our hotel. So after about 20 minutes of driving around, Tim spotted a Holiday Inn and checked us in (American hotel equals ice machine, yeah!). After check in we decided to break into groups and wander the city. I personally thought it was the most beautiful city yet. There was this one church with tombs underground that cost 2 Euros to get in that was awesome (worth every Euro). I also liked it because there was a university in the city so more young hot guys to look at!

The match itself was very competitive (and hot, being that the gym heater was broken into the “on” position). We played Asterix Kildrecht, another top team in Belgium and a former European Cup winner. After beer, sandwiches, and socializing in the gym bar we returned to the hotel with the goal to go big for Cory’s last night with us. Unfortunately, the bars and cafes around the hotel closed at 11:00pm so most girls ended up just staying in (and they didn’t even get to eat dinner!).

Editor’s Note: Thanks Jan for all of your assistance in setting up the match, getting to the gym, and also the hospitality and generosity of your club for our girls and staff after the match.

Day 8, March 17, 2005

Cory left us today and we are all deeply saddened by the loss. The rest of the trip will not be the same without him! Today we endured the longest drive yet of the trip (about 3.5 hours), but conquered it with grace and style at the hands of stand in drivers Ashlie and Rashinda in the white van. A pitstop at McDonalds for lunch and we arrived safely at the hotel.

A couple of player from the Arke Pollux team met us at the hotel and escorted us to practice at their gym. Coach Erikka showed us the tricks of the USA National Team during our 2-hour practice. Down-up passing, punch pass, shin digging, and dig and back roll are all techniques used by the famous Coach Toshi that make the USA National Team one of the best passing teams in the world. All in all, it was a fun, yet hard and competitive practice.

beers with the opposing team and then back to the hotel for dinner. It was a night of laundry and fun at the hotel. I can’t believe that our trip is quickly coming to a close.

Day 9, March 18, 2005
By Ashlie Hain

Day 9 was slightly rainy and cloudy. We started off our final day in de Lutte with breakfast in the hotel around 9:30. The warm rolls were the best and there was plenty of bread and fruit to go around. Some of the girls ventured outside to feed the deer that inhabited the yard next to the parking lot some leftovers.

We did not play until later that day so we had some time to kill in the small town of de Lutte. The town had a few shops and a market where we could stock up on some necessities. Rashinda and I are dying in the white van without a CD player, but we made due with some 80s classics on the FM. We spent about twenty minutes there and were able to hit up all the stores twice. After leaving the center, we met up with Rowena Morgan, our Australian guide and hotel resident, who plays for this city's team. Although we were all excited for the nature walk Tim had decided on, we settled on a miniature golfing course off a dirt road. It was a cabin-typed setting tucked behind the trees. Some people hung out inside the lodge while most of us split up into teams and battled it out on the golf course; the sixteenth hole killed me by the way.

After golfing, it was time to go back to the hotel to grab lunch before heading to Oldenzaal for our final match. We had trained in this gym on Day 8 so we were familiar with the court and knew it was only a few minutes from our hotel. Arke Pollux, the team we competed against, included Aussie National Team Player Rowena Morgan and ex-Dutch National Team player Mirjam “Mirj” Orsel. Their players were extremely athletic and had playoffs the following day. The Arke Pollux coaches wanted to play with music on because they were going to be playing in a loud facility. We played them three sets and were able to keep up with the other team most of the time. Their offense was run faster than any team we had seen so far and they were able to win rallies consistently and set up an intimidating block. We were almost able to pull off the second set but were upset 25-22. After the game we finished up the volleyball part of the tour with a few short games playing against ourselves. We showered there and thanked Ro and her teammates for the game. We got back in the vans around 6:30pm to venture off to our next and final stop...Amsterdam. It was less than two hours away and we were all excited to get there. We were able to make it out around the town for a few hours and experienced the wild and crazy nightlife. There’s no place like Amsterdam!

Arke Pollux

Editor’s Notes: Bedankt to Ro, Mirj, and Jan & Jan for all of their assistance and gym time during our days in the Far East of Holland. We had a wonderful time over there and I can’t thank you enough for all of your time and efforts.

Day 10, March 19, 2005 and closing comments
By Coach Erikka Gulbranson

FREE-DAY in Amsterdam

Unfortunately, this is the last day of our trip! After a late night o the town with the girls we have decided to do our "tourist" stuff today: See the sights, buy presents for the family and EAT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE! I would have to say the food in Paris was the best! The fresh bread...the Paninis. We have definitely eaten a LOT of pizza on this trip! Today is exactly the same, I think I had 4 slices today! Many of the girls got up early and went into the Leidsplein or Dam Square. Both are pretty close and most of us walked into both areas today. I met Ashley Hain and Richell Wilson downstairs this morning and we headed into town on the tram. This entire trip it has amazed me how many people walk, ride a bike or take the metro. It certainly makes me think how lazy we are in America and how terrible our public transportation systems are in some areas. After this trip I would certainly be more willing to take the metro if it were accessible to me. It is a very easy method of transportation and much cleaner than I expected!

The museums that I had the chance to visit in Amsterdam were amazing. The Ann Frank House and Rembrandt's House were the two that I was able to visit today. It was really amazing to put myself in the house that I had read about when I was in school. The pieces of history from Ann Frank's Diary are amazing and it truly puts you in a somber mood wandering through the house and realizing what actually took place there. Rembrandt’s house was also interesting; one of the things that I thought was cool was that his art room still smelled of turpentine and paint. I guess he spilled a lot? He also had these amazing armoire style beds that I wish I could find in the US. They were short beds, but were encased in an armoire style closet. They were beautiful.

That evening several of the girls and I went to a professional volleyball match with Tim: AMVJ Amstelveen vs. the 8 th ranked team in the Top Dutch League. I really enjoyed watching the matches in Europe, and especially thought that these teams had a great idea in setting up a sort of "clubhouse" attached to the gym. These clubhouses were bars or quick-order restaurants that patrons, boosters, parents and fans could hangout in and watch the match through a glass window while enjoying a quick meal and a drink. After the match players and fans congregate in these clubhouses to enjoy time together and talk about the match. I think that it is a great way to get the fans to support the players. It is also a way for the players to thank the fans for their support. A very cool idea that might bring some life to volleyball back in the states.

Again, some of the girls decided to go out tonight. I don't know how they do it! But I guess I am just old! A few of the players and I decided to check out all the commotion in the “Red Light District”. Now, I will admit, I grew up a sheltered child, and am very thankful for that. I never would have guessed that this type of place existed. The character of people that hung-out in this area was a little sketchy, but I would have to say that I am VERY IMPRESSED with the presence of the local law enforcement and how things are monitored and maintained in this area. Not a place I would ever hangout, but I am always interested in how others live and was definitely ENLIGHTENED with this experience. I think that the girls would say the same.

I would like to finish by saying that this trip was amazing, and I am constantly thinking of ways that I can stay! Tim did an amazing job with the group. Never did we have to worry about housing, meals or travel. He was a lot of fun to hangout with, very professional with the players and always had a good story for us to laugh about while driving through the winding-one-way streets of Paris! Cory, who I have known for a few years, was equally impressive. With his laid-back approach he took the stress out of our typical American lives and helped us to enjoy our time away from our busy lives back home. I envy the life that these two men have made for themselves and hope that they are successful in the future.