Wednesday, July 26
This morning we took a walk to the Norwegian Resistance Museum located in a castle that was used as a prison for resistance fighters captured by the Nazis during World War II. Katie (PUR) and I also explored the Akershus Castle, which is right next to the museum.
Game time--we won our last game of the tour by 44 points against Oslo-Akershus BBC, which put a nice end to the basketball part of our trip. Coach Grentz was happy with our performance and all of us could not be prouder to have had the chance to play for her.
The Big Ten Foreign Tour was an amazing experience and I am very thankful that Coach Combs and Coach Grentz gave me the opportunity to be part of such a special event. I was able to get to know the amazing culture, architecture and landscape of Scandinavia, play some more great games and most importantly make some good friends on this trip. I will definitely never forget it.
Tomorrow we are going to take a cruise ship back to Copenhagen, Denmark where we will then take the plane back to Chicago. I had a great time here in Europe, but I also cannot wait to come back home to my team and friends...I hope the plane ride goes by FAST!
Tuesday, July 25
Today we got the chance to sightsee in Oslo. We visited the famous Vigeland Sculpture Park and the Viking Ship Museum. For me the highlight of the day was the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, the site of the sixth Olympic Winter Games in 1952. We went all the way to the top of the ramp which was pretty intimidating.After resting for a while I decided to check out the neighborhood of our hotel and went for a little run through the residence garden. LOL... the royal guards were rather surprised by me jogging on the "horse training grounds".
Now it is time for bed...we cannot wait for our last game tomorrow.
Miss you guys,
A.J.
Monday, July 24
My least favorite day of the tour, due to the 10-hour bus ride to Oslo, Norway. However, the incredible city (it turned 1000 years in 2000) made up for the long drive and we could not wait to take a walk through the downtown area. Kristen, Katie and I also went to a store to buy some peanut butter and jelly...I guess we do miss the U.S. a little bit.
Sunday, July 23
We got up early to go to a ceramic and crystal factory close to Malmo. Lol, the carry-on luggage on the flight back to the U.S. will be very heavy for all of us. After that we visited the "Hillenberg Castle" with its 156 stairs. That was our workout for the day. On the top of the castle we all got a little bit mad at Katie because she had to climb over the fence to get the great view over the city...really close to the "drop-off." Of course we forgave her and she fed us Sprees (my new favorite candy) all the way back to the hotel.
Saturday, July 22
We won game three by 32 points after being up only around five points at halftime. Coach Grentz told to focus on our defense and just have fun playing out there. That is exactly what we did. After the game we took the fairy to Malmo, Sweden. My roommate Katie (PUR) and I rested our tired legs for the rest of the day.
Friday, July 21
Sorry I let everybody wait so long for my second "journal" entry. Three countries in eight days keeps all of us busy.
After our first win, we took a beautiful boat ride through the new harbor of Copenhagen. We got a chance to see the new Opera House and the Savior's church with its golden stairs all the way to the top of the church tower. Upon our arrival back at the harbor, we visited Hans Christian Andersen's house (the author who wrote The Little Mermaid) and climbed up the Round Tower to get an incredible view over the old city of Copenhagen. Kristen (Big Ten rep), Katie (Purdue) and I tried to find the way back to the hotel but got lost...but English and German language skills finally brought us back safely.
Time for game two...we played more confident than in game one and won by 29 points. It is great to play with the girls and we have so much fun cheering and being on the court.
July 20, 2006
Copenhagen, Denmark
I think I will never get used to the eight-hour flights to Europe. On the other hand, the European breakfast was amazing. I felt like I was at home. Hard, dark, whole grain bread... I was in heaven (I'll bring you some back, Foams...LOL).
After breakfast we went on a sightseeing tour through Copenhagen. Our tour guide was great and took us to the famous Little Mermaid and the royal residence. Rene (Michigan State), Leslie (Minnesota) and I tried to get a picture with one of the royal guards. He just told us to stay five feet away with a mean look on his face. We got kind of scared.
It's 7 p.m. and game time. After a bumpy start (we did not box out well), we picked it up and won by 21 against Copenhagen Select. As a nice surprise, I met one of my former teammates and good friends from Freiburg, Germany after the game. I played with Pernille, who went to Michigan State and was born in Denmark, for three years and she was so proud that I shoot the ball more now. :)
The first day in Denmark was great and the whole team is a lot of fun. We all get along very well and I can already see what wonderful memories I will be taking home from this trip. Coach Grentz is amazing on and off the court and I am glad I am getting the chance to get to know and play for her. Can't wait for tomorrow...
To everyone back at Northwestern: keep up the good workouts and I miss you guys!