University of North Carolina Athletics
Heels in Holland: Chapter 7
June 13, 2014 | Field Hockey
It was another early morning for the Heels. After an early breakfast and checking out of the Ibis Hotel, we headed to the famous city of Amsterdam. Even though the team loved our hotel and Leiden, we were excited to get to see Holland's capital. Perhaps even more excitement was brought by our luxurious bus, which basically had a lounge and "conference table" in the back. Coach Grant Fulton seemed intrigued by the unique back of the bus and wanted to move the staff back there. However, many players were already lounging and asleep so no compromise was made.
After a short bus trip that consisted of Jessica Pereira's intense Sudoku challenge (she completed more than 60 puzzles by the end of the tour), Julia Young's brief acapella performance, and the rest of the team napping and watching film, we arrived in Amsterdam for a three-hour bike tour. We were divided into two groups and took on the busy city on bright red rental bikes. This was easier said than done. Despite many near-crashes with cars, trains, pedestrians, and poles in the bustling town, we all made it back in one piece after a beautiful tour of Amsterdam. We got to see all parts of the city- from parks, to expensive shopping streets, to the notorious Red Light District.
Later, we were given some free time in Amsterdam. Many of us recovered physically and mentally at a Pancake House before exploring the city. After an afternoon of searching the streets of Amsterdam for shopping centers, souvenir shops, bakeries, and tulip stands, the Heels reunited in the center of town and headed out for one of our last team dinners. After a long day of walking and biking, we were all starving. Many of us were anxious as we waited for our pre-ordered, surprise meals to arrive. Enthusiasm arose when each person was given their own large chicken. Many began to worry if this was all we would receive. To our surprise, massive baskets of french fries, or "frites," were brought out to us and were devoured within minutes. Salads were also brought out, but for some reason didn't get the same reaction as the french fries...
Following dinner, we trekked back to the bus and headed to our new hotel that we would stay in for two nights. After hauling our bags down the streets of Haarlem to a building that we thought was our hotel, we were quickly informed that we would be staying in a building down the street called the "Joops Hotel". Some of us ventured out through the streets of Haarlem that night because there was a mysterious festival taking place right outside of the hotel. Others called it a night and rested up for our third and final match that would take place the next morning. Everyone slept well after a great day in Amsterdam!
