July 25, 2006

OSLO, Norway - It's Tuesday about 10:00pm as I write this and we have had such an awesome time. I'll do my best to fill you in on everything we've had the chance to do.

Friday, July 21: Besides winning our second game we had a really great time! The morning started with a boat ride in New Haven Harbor that lasted about an hour. We were able to see some pretty old buildings and a few places where Hans Christian Anderson lived and wrote some of his books (The Ugly Duckling and The Little Mermaid). After finishing the boat tour we split up and my group walked up the Round Tower which overlooks the whole city of Copenhagen. It really was gorgeous. A walk back to the hotel led to a nap and then it was off to the game. After the win we were able to have pizza with the other team. It was cool to talk to them and learn about what they do.

Saturday, July 22: Our game was a little earlier in the day plus we had to check out of our hotel, but a few of us got up early to do some last-minute shopping in Denmark. I was able to buy a few souvenirs but soon it was time to leave. Again, we took care of business and then it was off to Sweden. We took the ferry across the water to Sweden. It took about 20 minutes and we were able to see a castle that helped inspire Shakespeare's Hamlet. We got to our hotel in the early evening. I made a few phone calls home and then headed to bed knowing we had a long day ahead of us.

Sunday, July 23: We were able to sleep in a little bit. One of the great things about these countries is the sun doesn't go down until really late in the evening. That means people don't start going out until later which results in breakfast being served longer in the day. We all jumped on the bus and headed to a ceramic outlet and a crystal outlet. The items there were absolutely beautiful. It was pretty expensive but I think I was able to find a few deals. I bought some really cool pieces for my house in West Lafayette.

The Kingdom of Crystal came into existence when the first batch of glass was melted at Kosta in 1742. Kosta is now the oldest glasswork in Sweden and is still making handmade glass. We then headed to a very beautiful castle overlooking Malmo, Sweden. Climbing all 157 stairs gave us a wonderful view of the city. By this time, it was mid-afternoon and I needed a nap. I woke about 5:30pm and went to church with Coach Grentz and her husband, Kristen, the Big Ten representative, and Matt, the Illinois manager. A funny thing happened as soon as we walked in the church. A woman asked Kristen to do the second reading. When it was time for the second reading Kristen headed toward the alter but a man three rows in front of us cut her off and she was left just standing there. It was pretty hilarious. Next we headed to a nice steak place for dinner and then to the casino. The steak was awesome but the casino was better because I won (not a lot, but I won).

Monday, July 24: We checked out of the hotel headed to Oslo, Norway. It was a very long trip on the bus but Bert, the bus driver, got us there safely. By the time we arrived in Oslo we were tired and very hungry. I went to a supermarket and bought bread, peanut butter and jelly because it is really expensive here. Knowing I have bills to pay when I get home I decided I am going to live on PBJ for the next three days.

Tuesday, July 25: This morning we had a bus tour of Oslo. This city is absolutely gorgeous. It's hard to believe that we are as far north as Alaska, but it is still 80 degrees here. We went to the top of Olympic Ski Jump in Oslo. The view up there was simply beautiful. We were also able to see some Viking ships that were found in this part of the world. I have taken so many photos and have my video camera running almost all the time. I have had an awesome time thus far, but I can say I do miss the U.S. I miss my teammates, my family, my friends, and my puppy! Well, off to get some rest because we have our last game tomorrow. Boiler Up!

Printer-friendly format	Email this article

Purdue Boilermakers