Well...back in the swing of things at work now which is rather depressing.
But on a much higher note...
I've got my ticket for the England v Germany game in August.
I've ordered my flag...8x4 with NTFC in the corners and SixfieldsBoys going through the middle...keep an eye out for it on the tele during the game.
And tomorrow were off to the speedway gp...COME ON BOMBER
Toodlepip
Tim
Friday, 29 June 2007
Monday, 25 June 2007
Sunday, 24 June 2007
I ache...
Well after a fairly lazy day on friday, went to the cinema to see "Wedding Daze", tis a chick flick so Debz enjoyed it, wasn't too bad, Isla Fisher is a fairly tasty lady ;)
Saturday, we went paintballing! we left home at 8 to go and collect Gav and Gaz then head off to Lutterworth for an action packed day!
Expecting rain i took plenty of layers, as we all did. Though for most of the day it was overcast then the sun came out...me and thinking its going to rain, then it been sunny is probably a good theme of this blog so far.
So we arrived and checked in with the manager, who in turn gave us the uber sexy overalls which we threw on over the several layers. Then after an introduction and a talk about the site rules, we got our goggles and head cover thing and were ready!
We got our guns, loaded them and went out for the first game. The first game for me was a bit of a drab affair, as my performance was, well, shite. I was the first out and after discussion, i'd not even been hit properly as the paintball didnt explode.
Through the rounds i got progressively better, which was a brucey bonus. Then came lunchtime, well, that was an event i'd rather miss, it was like a concoction of my least favoured foods. Mushroom, Onion and Carrot all together...in a slop with new potatoes as a side attraction...they were nice.
After lunch we played again, with the best games, personally, taking place.
The first of them in the afternoon was last man standing, in which we were men down due to people running out of money, and the other team cheating and hiding in the back corner. At least our team advanced to find them.
Secondly, one player from each side was given immunity and the power to bring players back to life, but they had to wear a coloured flag ontop of the head-gear. Gav nominated to do this, the mad bastard. Though the other team had a cunning plan, that sadly involved me. They'd shoot me, wait til Gav has healed me, then shoot me again. Though this brought a classic line. Gaz took a shot to the face, so when he shouted for Gav, he arrived with the comment, "Nice Shot!" and wiped his viser clean, twas an epic moment.
Thirdly, the final game of the day, a kind of last man standing/use your bullets up game and im proud to say, Me and Gaz were the last people off. During the game i managed to shoot (several times) while shouting Yipee-Ki-Yaye Mother F****er the person who'd mercylessly shot me in the previous game. Also in the game, accidentally she tries to tell us, but Debz shot Gavin!
Today though, being the day after, i ache, from all the walking, running and falling over yesterday.
It was a truly quality day, and one that im very thankful to Debz for getting me for my birthday.
Next up...The Speedway GP in Cardiff next Sat
Saturday, we went paintballing! we left home at 8 to go and collect Gav and Gaz then head off to Lutterworth for an action packed day!
Expecting rain i took plenty of layers, as we all did. Though for most of the day it was overcast then the sun came out...me and thinking its going to rain, then it been sunny is probably a good theme of this blog so far.
So we arrived and checked in with the manager, who in turn gave us the uber sexy overalls which we threw on over the several layers. Then after an introduction and a talk about the site rules, we got our goggles and head cover thing and were ready!
We got our guns, loaded them and went out for the first game. The first game for me was a bit of a drab affair, as my performance was, well, shite. I was the first out and after discussion, i'd not even been hit properly as the paintball didnt explode.
Through the rounds i got progressively better, which was a brucey bonus. Then came lunchtime, well, that was an event i'd rather miss, it was like a concoction of my least favoured foods. Mushroom, Onion and Carrot all together...in a slop with new potatoes as a side attraction...they were nice.
After lunch we played again, with the best games, personally, taking place.
The first of them in the afternoon was last man standing, in which we were men down due to people running out of money, and the other team cheating and hiding in the back corner. At least our team advanced to find them.
Secondly, one player from each side was given immunity and the power to bring players back to life, but they had to wear a coloured flag ontop of the head-gear. Gav nominated to do this, the mad bastard. Though the other team had a cunning plan, that sadly involved me. They'd shoot me, wait til Gav has healed me, then shoot me again. Though this brought a classic line. Gaz took a shot to the face, so when he shouted for Gav, he arrived with the comment, "Nice Shot!" and wiped his viser clean, twas an epic moment.
Thirdly, the final game of the day, a kind of last man standing/use your bullets up game and im proud to say, Me and Gaz were the last people off. During the game i managed to shoot (several times) while shouting Yipee-Ki-Yaye Mother F****er the person who'd mercylessly shot me in the previous game. Also in the game, accidentally she tries to tell us, but Debz shot Gavin!
Today though, being the day after, i ache, from all the walking, running and falling over yesterday.
It was a truly quality day, and one that im very thankful to Debz for getting me for my birthday.
Next up...The Speedway GP in Cardiff next Sat
Thursday, 21 June 2007
Journey home
As i may have said, were home now, we left the bright sunshine of Schipol, and are now in rainy Rugby.
Nice and easy, up at 630, checked out, headed to the airport, used the new fangled self-check in thingybobs, then went and waited.
Boarding time came and we went and sat in the boarding lounge, after reading the paper i looked up to see...Ruud Gullit! sadly the camera was packed and they'd asked for phones to be turned off so no photo :-(
Not that we wanted to talk to a Dutch footballer after the night.
Though we found out at Birmingham Passport control, he's secretly a Liverpool fan, with Ring of Fire as his ringtone!!
Home now, next up, paintballing in Lutterworth on saturday.
Nice and easy, up at 630, checked out, headed to the airport, used the new fangled self-check in thingybobs, then went and waited.
Boarding time came and we went and sat in the boarding lounge, after reading the paper i looked up to see...Ruud Gullit! sadly the camera was packed and they'd asked for phones to be turned off so no photo :-(
Not that we wanted to talk to a Dutch footballer after the night.
Though we found out at Birmingham Passport control, he's secretly a Liverpool fan, with Ring of Fire as his ringtone!!
Home now, next up, paintballing in Lutterworth on saturday.
England vs Holland
Well, semi finals day had arrived and so did our last full day in Holland (were home now).
A late start meant we got to the airport/train station at about 1215, with the planned train the 1321 giving us plenty of time to eat and mooch around, then get on the 2hr 10min long train journey!
However...just like British Rail, the train we wanted was cancelled...no reason given, just told to get on another train.
Fortunately this was already on the next platform, so we boarded the train, had to change at some small village called Weesp, then headed to Amersfoort. Fortunately in Amersfoort when we got off the train we were spotted by a very helpful dutch family, who guided us on to the right section of the train (had they not helped god knows where we would of ended up). So we got on the train, and it seemed like a complete eternity until we got there!
Finally, we arrived in Heerenveen, surrounded by Orange (and it was still hours to kick off). We decided to follow the crowds and get to the ground. During the walk one of the very very few England fans collared us as company!
In what only turned out to be a short walk, we went through the main street, which again was orange, filled with mad singing dancing dutchmen who found it funny that there were any english in residance. From the main high street there is a main town square, we had one of the UEFA parties on. There were about another 7 england fans there, we carried on walking and 2mins later were at the ground. More UEFA inflatables and more orange!
We found our turnstile and went in...time ticked by and we got some food and drink...the stands filled up and the stadium turned from the blue of the seats to the orange of the Jong Orange fans.
The Dutch players came out to warm up to a rapturous and the English jogged out to near silence, just a seldom clap here and there.
Time soon passed and the stadium was filled (pictures on the next post) and the teams were ready to emerge. The noise as they did was in our opinion loud (though we discovered a whole new level of loud).
The English national anthem was first, and that was surreal, just like singing on your own, then came a rousing version of the Dutch national anthem.
The game kicked off and in the early exchanges we had the better chances and more possesion, though we didnt make the most of it and when ever the dutch attacked, there no.9 Ryan Babel looked very dangerous and was time after time beating our defenders.
Then came the break through, a long ball launched up field, knocked on by Dave Nugent, Leroy Lita spun his marker and slammed the ball in. Que been stared at by approx 750 people as we went mad! not as mad as 2 lads who were not to far from us but still, mad enough.
This meant it was game on, a chance to see what the Dutch were really made of. A few mucked up shots were all they had until the whistle for half time.
The 15 min interval passed through pretty quickly, then the teams emerged. The dutch were attacking our end now, the noise went up several notches and the nerves were clearly evident.
Put simply, the second half began to the dutch in my opinion, they were constantly on the attack but just could not get passed the super Steven Taylor and Nedum Onuoha. Sadly Reo-Coker and Noble both got yellow cards, which would of ruled them out of the final. We had chances though, both following runs down our left, firstly Ashley Young burst free and was nastily taken out right on the edge of the penalty area, Leroy Lita stood up to take the free kick and smacked the outside of the far post. After another battering by the Dutch attack Dave Nugent broke free down the left wing, beating there defence and just as he wound up to shoot a dutch center half excellently snatched the ball away, leaving Nugent injured and unable to run. Though Psycho left him on for a while then brought on Matt Derbyshire.
More dutch pressure, then came the moment of the night for...us, we'd agreed to leave at 85mins in order to get to the station and get back in time thus avoiding any taxi fees etc etc.
We had just got out of the stadium car park, and the place went mad, we knew what happened, the Jong Orange had equalised. To say we were gutted would be an understatement. Extra time and we had left, we'd gambled and failed.
We trudged back to the station, que text messages saying how unlucky we were then 35 mins later sayng it'd gone to penalties, by this time we were well on the way home. No changes required this time.
About halfway home we got the message, that we'd gone out 13-12 on penalties, again more guttedness on top off what there already was, we were out, we'd missed the end, we'd missed a one off occasion with the spot kicks getting that advanced.
So we made it back to the airport at about 2235 and caught the last shuttle of the day.
Got back into the hotel room and put the tele on, more happy dutch people, just fcking brilliant!
We found Comedy Central and watched South Park then got some sleep as it was an early morning.
Gutted,
Tim
A late start meant we got to the airport/train station at about 1215, with the planned train the 1321 giving us plenty of time to eat and mooch around, then get on the 2hr 10min long train journey!
However...just like British Rail, the train we wanted was cancelled...no reason given, just told to get on another train.
Fortunately this was already on the next platform, so we boarded the train, had to change at some small village called Weesp, then headed to Amersfoort. Fortunately in Amersfoort when we got off the train we were spotted by a very helpful dutch family, who guided us on to the right section of the train (had they not helped god knows where we would of ended up). So we got on the train, and it seemed like a complete eternity until we got there!
Finally, we arrived in Heerenveen, surrounded by Orange (and it was still hours to kick off). We decided to follow the crowds and get to the ground. During the walk one of the very very few England fans collared us as company!
In what only turned out to be a short walk, we went through the main street, which again was orange, filled with mad singing dancing dutchmen who found it funny that there were any english in residance. From the main high street there is a main town square, we had one of the UEFA parties on. There were about another 7 england fans there, we carried on walking and 2mins later were at the ground. More UEFA inflatables and more orange!
We found our turnstile and went in...time ticked by and we got some food and drink...the stands filled up and the stadium turned from the blue of the seats to the orange of the Jong Orange fans.
The Dutch players came out to warm up to a rapturous and the English jogged out to near silence, just a seldom clap here and there.
Time soon passed and the stadium was filled (pictures on the next post) and the teams were ready to emerge. The noise as they did was in our opinion loud (though we discovered a whole new level of loud).
The English national anthem was first, and that was surreal, just like singing on your own, then came a rousing version of the Dutch national anthem.
The game kicked off and in the early exchanges we had the better chances and more possesion, though we didnt make the most of it and when ever the dutch attacked, there no.9 Ryan Babel looked very dangerous and was time after time beating our defenders.
Then came the break through, a long ball launched up field, knocked on by Dave Nugent, Leroy Lita spun his marker and slammed the ball in. Que been stared at by approx 750 people as we went mad! not as mad as 2 lads who were not to far from us but still, mad enough.
This meant it was game on, a chance to see what the Dutch were really made of. A few mucked up shots were all they had until the whistle for half time.
The 15 min interval passed through pretty quickly, then the teams emerged. The dutch were attacking our end now, the noise went up several notches and the nerves were clearly evident.
Put simply, the second half began to the dutch in my opinion, they were constantly on the attack but just could not get passed the super Steven Taylor and Nedum Onuoha. Sadly Reo-Coker and Noble both got yellow cards, which would of ruled them out of the final. We had chances though, both following runs down our left, firstly Ashley Young burst free and was nastily taken out right on the edge of the penalty area, Leroy Lita stood up to take the free kick and smacked the outside of the far post. After another battering by the Dutch attack Dave Nugent broke free down the left wing, beating there defence and just as he wound up to shoot a dutch center half excellently snatched the ball away, leaving Nugent injured and unable to run. Though Psycho left him on for a while then brought on Matt Derbyshire.
More dutch pressure, then came the moment of the night for...us, we'd agreed to leave at 85mins in order to get to the station and get back in time thus avoiding any taxi fees etc etc.
We had just got out of the stadium car park, and the place went mad, we knew what happened, the Jong Orange had equalised. To say we were gutted would be an understatement. Extra time and we had left, we'd gambled and failed.
We trudged back to the station, que text messages saying how unlucky we were then 35 mins later sayng it'd gone to penalties, by this time we were well on the way home. No changes required this time.
About halfway home we got the message, that we'd gone out 13-12 on penalties, again more guttedness on top off what there already was, we were out, we'd missed the end, we'd missed a one off occasion with the spot kicks getting that advanced.
So we made it back to the airport at about 2235 and caught the last shuttle of the day.
Got back into the hotel room and put the tele on, more happy dutch people, just fcking brilliant!
We found Comedy Central and watched South Park then got some sleep as it was an early morning.
Gutted,
Tim
Wednesday, 20 June 2007
Plan of attack today...
Just about to head off to the station, will get some top culinary delights at the Burger King, then head off on the 2hrs 10mins train journey to Heerenveen.
Fingers crossed, will make the 2026 train back to Schipol and then make the last shuttle, avoiding any taxi charges!
This is the last blog from the Netherlands, next time i write we'll be back in Barby, Near Rugby, ENGLAND.
Final thought....
Fingers crossed, will make the 2026 train back to Schipol and then make the last shuttle, avoiding any taxi charges!
This is the last blog from the Netherlands, next time i write we'll be back in Barby, Near Rugby, ENGLAND.
Final thought....
COME ON ENGLAND
Tuesday, 19 June 2007
So far...
...today we've been to the 'Dam and done some souvenior shopping, for my parents, they collect designer plates and as my dad gets them from everywhere he goes, we got one! Also after my mum murdered one of the shagging salt and pepper pots earlier in the year, we replaced them.
Lets hope she doesn't kill this as well!
Then we got some lunch, very nice ham sandwich (no fast food!!!!!!) and ate it in the scorching sunshine in 'Dam Square.
From here, we headed to find the Red Light District, after all, you can't come to Amsterdam and not see the famous Red Light District, some would say you have to visit a coffee shop and have some space-cakes, but thats just not us.
Now, i bloody well hope that at night they have better women, the ones we saw were, to be polite, big fat and ugly...Debz was sure she had seen a thin blonde but i think she was seeing things.
So then, next stop (after sleeping and swimming this afternoon) is Heerenveen for the Semi's...then back home :'(
Lets hope she doesn't kill this as well!
Then we got some lunch, very nice ham sandwich (no fast food!!!!!!) and ate it in the scorching sunshine in 'Dam Square.
From here, we headed to find the Red Light District, after all, you can't come to Amsterdam and not see the famous Red Light District, some would say you have to visit a coffee shop and have some space-cakes, but thats just not us.
Now, i bloody well hope that at night they have better women, the ones we saw were, to be polite, big fat and ugly...Debz was sure she had seen a thin blonde but i think she was seeing things.
So then, next stop (after sleeping and swimming this afternoon) is Heerenveen for the Semi's...then back home :'(
Success...
After ringing EnglandFans to find they can only reserve tickets for EF+ members (which i find a bit stupid in this circumstance) we headed into 'Dam, and at the train station i spotted a "TicketBox" logo...in we headed, 2 minutes later we had tickets for the semi final.
Come on England
Come on England
Monday, 18 June 2007
Plan of action tomorrow...
WOW...Shaun of the Dead is on Dutch TV Channel RT7
Anyway....
Up at a reasonable time, maybe go for a swim, give EnglandFans a ring to see if they can reserve me a ticket for the semi final...if not we'll head into 'Dam to try!
Also were going to do some souvenier shopping...whoopee!
Then back for a swim, a steam and a top notch McDonalds
Right...back to the film
Anyway....
Up at a reasonable time, maybe go for a swim, give EnglandFans a ring to see if they can reserve me a ticket for the semi final...if not we'll head into 'Dam to try!
Also were going to do some souvenier shopping...whoopee!
Then back for a swim, a steam and a top notch McDonalds
Right...back to the film
Ones to watch...
From the three teams we've seen...these are the players i think have a huge future...
ENGLAND -
Scott Carson -
England u21 keeper and also squad member in the first team should be challenging Robinson for the national no.1 jersey SHOULD Rafael Benitez give him a chance. He was superb for Charlton and made several top draw saves in his games, best we've seen was from the Czech freekick in game1.
Ashley Young -
Aston Villa's pacey left winger was a constant threat for both the Czechs and the Italians. Though was banned from the Serbia match after collecting 2 yellow cards. Why i think he has a big future...he plays on the left!
Leighton Baines -
Better than Cashley Cole, and has one hell of a shot on him. To get into the first team squad though i think he needs a move to a bigger club.
Italy
Guiseppe Rossi -
Came on at half time against us and was simply sublime, same applies for the first half last night.
Fergie will be making a big mistake if he lets him go, he could well be worth ALOT in a few years and could save United a bucket load of midfield.
Alberton Aqualini -
I think thats how to spell it, he was simply awesome last night, everything good the Italians did envolved either him or Rossi. I would say he capped it off with top draw free-kick, but he did that after 4mins. Currently playing in the SerieA for AS Roma, should he keep playing regularly it cant be long before he's playing alongside Totti and Gattuso in the first team.
As for the Czechs, none of them stood out!
I may add another post with some Dutch players after the semi!
ENGLAND -
Scott Carson -
England u21 keeper and also squad member in the first team should be challenging Robinson for the national no.1 jersey SHOULD Rafael Benitez give him a chance. He was superb for Charlton and made several top draw saves in his games, best we've seen was from the Czech freekick in game1.
Ashley Young -
Aston Villa's pacey left winger was a constant threat for both the Czechs and the Italians. Though was banned from the Serbia match after collecting 2 yellow cards. Why i think he has a big future...he plays on the left!
Leighton Baines -
Better than Cashley Cole, and has one hell of a shot on him. To get into the first team squad though i think he needs a move to a bigger club.
Italy
Guiseppe Rossi -
Came on at half time against us and was simply sublime, same applies for the first half last night.
Fergie will be making a big mistake if he lets him go, he could well be worth ALOT in a few years and could save United a bucket load of midfield.
Alberton Aqualini -
I think thats how to spell it, he was simply awesome last night, everything good the Italians did envolved either him or Rossi. I would say he capped it off with top draw free-kick, but he did that after 4mins. Currently playing in the SerieA for AS Roma, should he keep playing regularly it cant be long before he's playing alongside Totti and Gattuso in the first team.
As for the Czechs, none of them stood out!
I may add another post with some Dutch players after the semi!
Just like british rail...
Todays plan of action was to go in to Amsterdam and do some shopping, but, just like British Rail, when we arrived the train station we found there were no trains running!
I imagine there will of been plenty of pissed off punters in 'Dam who may well have missed flights...on the flip side...good day for taxi drivers here!
So instead we got some bits and bobs from the station as there are a few shops there, and headed back here, have been for a nice long swim and session in the steam room!
Had a look at trains to Heerenveen and there direct from Schipol...just waiting to find if it'll be worth it!!!
Fingers crossed
I imagine there will of been plenty of pissed off punters in 'Dam who may well have missed flights...on the flip side...good day for taxi drivers here!
So instead we got some bits and bobs from the station as there are a few shops there, and headed back here, have been for a nice long swim and session in the steam room!
Had a look at trains to Heerenveen and there direct from Schipol...just waiting to find if it'll be worth it!!!
Fingers crossed
Italy vs Czech Republic
A fairly drab day, matched a fairly drab match to be honest.
We left here with time planned to go to 'Dam and have a bite to eat and walk around, but when we arrived at 'Dam Centraal station it was worse than throwing it down, it was like bullet rain, and as its all open plan and theres no shelter we decided we might as well buy a sandwich etc from the station shop and eat on the train out to Arnhem.
So we bought our food and headed up to platform, 30mins to wait so while reading the sunday papers we tucked in. Mine was alright, but both sandwich and cake were out of date...the sandwich was going green at one end...NICE!
The train arrived and we took our seats, first class due to a special offer the Dutch rail! instead of the normal charge of about 58euros for the 2 of us in 2nd class, it cost 35 euros for us both in 1st class, and we could of gone anywhere!
Arrived in Arnhem and as normal, the sun was starting to shine. Was a much different atmosphere in Arnhem as all the shops were shut due to it been a sunday, tho about 75% of the bars were still open. We went and had a few drinks at the same bar as on thursday...Paisleys Lesbanic bar was closed.
With plenty of time to kill we wandered the long way round to the stadium, over the bridge and through the field we went through last time. On the way through the center i took a picture of Arnhem Church...
Then from the main square with the the church on its a short walk down to the river front and Cafe Smaak, which we discovered is actually open just round the corner. This area must be good for funny named companies...
So as i said, we wandered the long way round, and got to the ground early!
We went into the McDonalds at the ground and got some food, then as the sun was shining we went and sat outside on the grass looking out over the ground.
After a while and another read of the papers we were allowed into the ground where we got a drink and some food.
After a while the teams came out to warm up, though the ground was not filing up to anywhere near Thursday night, and the atmosphere was equally drab.
The teams emerged and the game got under way, in the first few minutes Italy were dominant and won a free-kick. This was excellently dispatched and by the very impressive Italian no.8 Alberto Aquillani (i think thats how to spell it). This raised the spirits in the Italian camp as for that moment they were through and we were out, however we'd only played for 4 mins. Then about 2mins later all went quiet, i wondered why, then i looked at the scoreboard and it beautifully read England 1-0 Serbia, i joked that Leroy Lita had scored after his woeful attempts in the other 2 matches. A few minutes after that more sloppy Italian defending let the Czechs in and Papadopolous tapped in. Then i got a text message telling me it WAS Lita who scored!!
It did'nt take to long for the Italians to get back on top though, another set piece was headed in by the captain Chiellini.
The italians continued there domination and just as i returned from the pre-halftime get food before the rush trip the also impressive Guiseppi Rossi made it 3-1. Then just as the Czech's had kicked off, it was half time.
At least during this interval the pitch announcer didn't come out and murder a song!
Second half kicked off, but to say it was dull and boring is an understatement. The best things were when the board said England were 2 up and when we left!
As we left the ground planning for a power walk, we spotted some taxi's and the driver said it would only be 15euros, BARGAIN! hoping we'd make an earlier train in we hopped. As it happens we just missed it so waited for the normal train.
Journey sailed through, then when we arrived at Utrech Centraal we saw that the train on the opposite platform was going back to Schipol, so we swapped trains and headed back. Feeling lazy and not wanting to walk for about 45mins we found a nice taxi driver! who only charged us 25 euros to take us back to the hotels and was a massive improvement on the last one!
Now...just got to get tickets to Herenveen for the England v Holland Semi...if not...its on the big screens at Arnhem pre the semi there.
Wish us luck!
Sunday, 17 June 2007
Plan of action today...
Match no.3 today, Czech Rep vs Italy...and we'll be cheering on the Czechs and hoping Serbia dont really try so that England can get the win we need.
No swim today as neither of us can be overly bothered, so we'll catch the 12noon shuttle into the airport, get tickets and head to 'Dam centraal.
We'll have something to eat and a wander round 'Dam, then head off to Arnhem for the match.
Same routine as the last one, leave early and power walk to the train station...hopefully make the 2258 train, only problem is getting from 'Dam to Schipol as it appears there are different train times!
Oh well, im sure it'll be good fun!!!!!
No swim today as neither of us can be overly bothered, so we'll catch the 12noon shuttle into the airport, get tickets and head to 'Dam centraal.
We'll have something to eat and a wander round 'Dam, then head off to Arnhem for the match.
Same routine as the last one, leave early and power walk to the train station...hopefully make the 2258 train, only problem is getting from 'Dam to Schipol as it appears there are different train times!
Oh well, im sure it'll be good fun!!!!!
Saturday, 16 June 2007
Knackered...
Today we labelled as another cheap-skate day, so we got up late, headed to the airport as they have a fair few shops and plenty of places to eat.
Also there (unlike any English airports to my knowledge) you can go on the roof and watch the airplanes land and take off...so we spent a while up there.
Then after the not to pleasant taxi journey back after the England v Italy we thought we'd walk back to the hotel, as a test run before the next 2 night games. It took us 50mins but we were only wandering so we can shave 10-15mins off that for the night games as we'll be walking fast then...needless to say...that walk...is why were knackered!
Rest of the day will be built up with a nap, a swim and another session in the steam room, then grab some dinner then watch a film (watched Reno911 last night) Shrek 2 is on the old gogglebox tonight.
Also there (unlike any English airports to my knowledge) you can go on the roof and watch the airplanes land and take off...so we spent a while up there.
Then after the not to pleasant taxi journey back after the England v Italy we thought we'd walk back to the hotel, as a test run before the next 2 night games. It took us 50mins but we were only wandering so we can shave 10-15mins off that for the night games as we'll be walking fast then...needless to say...that walk...is why were knackered!
Rest of the day will be built up with a nap, a swim and another session in the steam room, then grab some dinner then watch a film (watched Reno911 last night) Shrek 2 is on the old gogglebox tonight.
Friday, 15 June 2007
Paintballing...
Not to do with Holland...but we had confirmation of the Paintballing booking today.
So on saturday 23rd (just after we get back) myself, debz and two mates (gaz and gav) shall be paintballing in Leicester...bring it on :D
Then the following saturday...is the British Speedway GP!
No rest for the wicked
So on saturday 23rd (just after we get back) myself, debz and two mates (gaz and gav) shall be paintballing in Leicester...bring it on :D
Then the following saturday...is the British Speedway GP!
No rest for the wicked
Something not quite right...
About being sat in McDonalds...and seeing in the kids area they are showing...South Park!
There was a boy who could of been 5 at most sat there eagle eyed watching Cartman and co utter profanities is English...it is subtitled...but i dont know what it says when they swear.
Still...doesn't seem right that!
There was a boy who could of been 5 at most sat there eagle eyed watching Cartman and co utter profanities is English...it is subtitled...but i dont know what it says when they swear.
Still...doesn't seem right that!
Today...
Well, a day with no football...what to do?
After getting in at about 0130 in the morning it was going to be a late one getting up, so we decided to go into 'Dam center and visit Madame Tussauds then wander down the Danmark to the Sex Museum.
Left the hotel at about 1130 and went to the station, bought a paper and headed to 'Dam, on the way up to Madame Tussauds we called into KFC for the first meal of the day. This really pains me to say, but yet again i was far far fom impressed. I had two of there simple chicken burgers, one was ok (and thats pushing it) but the second, tasted like old cardboard.
Thats my moan over, we went up to Madame Tussauds, which is situated on 'Dam Square.
To our glee the people infront of us were bloody annoying and would not shut up, which meant obviously we'd be going round at the same time as them.
Oh well...another moan done with...we went up the lift and were given a dutch history lesson by a very bizarre looking err thing...
Then from here you move through to anothe historical Dutch section, where you are confronted by a wierd old man trying to sell you potions...
From here you move into a section with no photography allowed...the Pirate section...put bluntly as we walked through this bit, Debz shat herself (as did the woman infront of us) as you halve to walk past a woman in a cage going mad!
From here you emerge into the normal section, the first of which is world leaders then sports stars, the first of which was Lance Armstrong...
Armstrong is on the top floor, next to the big circle window that overlooks 'Dam Square...
I have taken a video and put it on YouTube;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVdvaBdHN78
The next section is more sport stars...
Next up was celebrities and music stars...then the tour was over.
As you can tell, its only the sports who interest me!
From Madame Tussauds we went back down the Danmark and visited the Sex Museum, whic for 3 euros is well worth it, though no photography is allowed!
It was amusing in some parts and sick in others, for example, at the back of the museum on the first floor they have montages of different types of fettish, two of which were about women and animals, featured dogs, horses a zebra and even a snake!
An entertaining day was ended with a nice swim and 15mins in the steam room!
England v Italy...part 3
After the trip to Oosterbeek to pay our respects we made our way back to Arnhem in such of a drink! and after the experience of last time we decided not to visit the bar that employs 3 lesbian feminists, so, we went next door where they were more than helpful and very polite.
This little row of bars were not full but had a great deal more English than it did on Monday which is what we had expected, one round of drinks later and Debz caught glimpse of an ice cream been served to someone else and decided she wanted one. So we nicked an Ice Cream menu and she was like a kid in a toy shop. Eventually after much deliberation she chose to have an ice cream entitled "The Kidz Crazy"...
The only problem was that on the little picture it showed Smarties, however in a twist much a like an Eastenders plot, there was no Smarties, in fact she got a lollipop...dun dun duuuurrrrnn.
From the bar in the center of Arnhem we decided we'd head through the center in the direction of the iron bridge (another famous part of WW2's battle "Market Garden")
On the way, in the main square infront of the church there was a UEFA event taking place which had a small 4 or 5 a side match taking place and a few other related events, as pictures below show;
Then from here we cut down one of the streets onto the riverside in order to walk along to the iron bridge. Down this street I spotted a bar with a name that, well, it just made me laugh!
Sadly though this bar was closed, so we could not drink at cafe smaak.
From here then we walked down to the riverside and saw the iron bridge and headed off in its direction.
For the full story of how Market Garden unfolded and was won and lost then go on to;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Market_Garden
So we walked over the bridge down the bike lane even though there was probably more mad moped drivers flying down there bipping there horns at us! Then as we were walking over there was a small car crash that made us jump! not off the bridge I must add.
It was a much longer walk round than the other way, but one we were glad we'd done.
So we got off the bridge and cut across a field path to head back onto the main road to the stadium. After what had been a scorcher of a day (what the weatherman had not predicted) the clouds were starting to come over and by the time we got to the ground the sun had taken his hat off and was no longer out to play.
With Pete needing to relieve himself and Debz and I both peckish we headed into the McDonalds next to the ground (more fast food i know.) Even at this early stage it was evident there was to be a much greater quantity of England fans for this match. So after our varied needs were sorted we went for a wander around the ground mainly to go round the back to see where the pitch goes when they have slid it out of the stadium;
From here we walked back around to the front of the ground where there was mini 1 0n 1 game taking place, which played some music, one of which was "Smack that" by Akon (i think) which when we heard we just looked at each other and laughed, so the new song of this break is "Smaak dat" in honour of the cafe.
Not long afterwards the team coaches arrived, the England team when they arrived were all transfixed with what they were watching on the tele, manier jokes were cast as to what they were watching, if they were watching anything at all! They got off the bus in the same grumpy old man style that the first team do, no time to acknowledge the fans who were there supporting them, of which considering it was only the u21's there was alot!
We also spotted Pete with his flag again!
So while we waited for the game to get going we got some food and drink, and another GelderCard! though we thought ahead this time and got one for the rest of the matches.
As the England goalkeepers came out to warm up, i looked up to notice the roof closing over.
So time roled on and it was very soon time for the teams to emerge from the tunnel, the ground had 3 stands not far off full with only the stand opposite looking empty. The teams emerged from the tunnel greeted by a rousing reception by both us, the italians and the dutch.
For the first 26mins England were amazing, we dominated, cut them apart and should of led by a larger margin than the 2 goals we did, with Steven Taylor having a bullet header excellently saved by the Azzuri keeper, Leroy Lita missed an absolutely amazingly easy chance then moments later he smashed the underside of the bar...then Davey Nugent got us going with a neat flicked header to make it 1-0 in the 24th min, then 2 mins later Nugent played the ball through to Lita, I'll admit i thought he'd miss after his form earlier miss, but he stuck it away, 2-0 up and looking simply awesome.
Though quite what went tits up I dont know, but the Azzuri got more and more into the match and they deservedly levelled thanks to a header from there captain and Juventus defender Chiellini. They spent the remainder of the half been the dominant force in the match. Though one of the Italians should of seen red for an x rated 2 footed challenge on Leighton Baines (even the Dutch people agreed).
Half time came, and i was relieved as it meant Psycho could get them in there and gee them up again like he did before the game.
In the interval the Italians made 2 changes including bringing on former Man Utd striker Guiseppe Rossi who turned out to be an influential player for them in the second half. They peppered Scott Carsons goal with shots, before he inevitable occured...2-2.
The question after 26mins was how many could we win by, now it was can we hang on. They continued been the dominant force though we had a few good breaks with Ashley Young again impressing and Reo-Coker also missing a good chance.
Then came the moment when the game from our point was dead in the water, Psycho replaced the hard working Nugent with Peter Whittingham, a defensive move that just said, im happy with a point.
Anyway, with 5mins left on the clock we made our exit in order to get back to the station to catch the 2258 train to Amsterdam Centraal, fortunaely this time there were no delays and we headed straight there. We arrived at Amsterdam at about 0010 and Pete made his way to his hotel in the center where as we headed to our next train back to Schipol. Where on the train some experienced England fans told us stories of there trips to 'Dam in the past.
By 0045 we were back in Schipol and on our way to que for the taxi, something we regret, as the taxi driver charged us 45 euros and was a complete and utter f&cking nutcase, he drove at about 150km pr hr, went the extreme longway in order to justify the ludicrous charge and then dropped us off at the hotel before tyre screeching off! so as you can imagine, that tosser didn't get a tip!
Oh well...next time we'll walk the 3km back to the hotel.
Next up...Sunday night...Italy vs Czech Republic, hopefully the Czech's will do us a favour and take at least a point.
England v Italy...part 2 - Oosterbeek
While in Arnhem we felt it was only right to visit the Oosterbeek war cemetary and pay our respects to some of those who died so that we might live as we are today...
RIP
RIP
England v Italy...part 1
Well, after a quick swim, a check on the fixtures for Northampton town next season (Carlisle away on Easter Monday) and also a check on the train times for coming back. We slightly changed our plan by going from Schipol to Amsterdam Centraal then to Arnhem, this was because trains from Amsterdam Centraal run alot more frequently back to where we are in Schipol.
Anyway we made our way via the shuttle and then off to Amsterdam where we met with Pete and headed towards Arnhem.
No problems on the trains this time and we arrived in Arnhem at about 1pm and as neither Debz or I had eater we went straight to the Burger King and had a Chicken Long (Royale) then we went and bought the train tickets to get into Oosterbeek war cemetary.
The photos are in part 2....
Anyway we made our way via the shuttle and then off to Amsterdam where we met with Pete and headed towards Arnhem.
No problems on the trains this time and we arrived in Arnhem at about 1pm and as neither Debz or I had eater we went straight to the Burger King and had a Chicken Long (Royale) then we went and bought the train tickets to get into Oosterbeek war cemetary.
The photos are in part 2....
Thursday, 14 June 2007
Todays plan...
Today, the big game out of the lot were going to see...
Well, we've already been for a swim and a session in the steam room, the pool was very cold today!
Just waiting now for the fixtures to come through, to find when we play away at Carlisle (roadtrip again), they should be through in about 30mins.
Then we catch the shuttle to the station...buy some supplies...and head in the direction on Arnhem. While we change trains at Utrech we'll get some lunch and maybe have a look around there....then if all falls together we'll meet Pete on the train to Arnhem...land at Utrech then go back on ourselves to Oosterbeek to visit one of many WW2 wargraves with 1000+ british graves...then back to Arnhem for a drink or 5 hopefully with more England fans this time! Then down to the ground to (fingers crossed) see us win and with a Serbia win that'll near enough give us 2nd place!
Then wee have a mad dash (inc leaving the match early) up to the station to make the 2258 train to Utrecht/Amsterdam Centraal.
Hopefully land back in the room at about 0100hrs tomorrow!
So then...
ENG-GER-LAAAAND
Well, we've already been for a swim and a session in the steam room, the pool was very cold today!
Just waiting now for the fixtures to come through, to find when we play away at Carlisle (roadtrip again), they should be through in about 30mins.
Then we catch the shuttle to the station...buy some supplies...and head in the direction on Arnhem. While we change trains at Utrech we'll get some lunch and maybe have a look around there....then if all falls together we'll meet Pete on the train to Arnhem...land at Utrech then go back on ourselves to Oosterbeek to visit one of many WW2 wargraves with 1000+ british graves...then back to Arnhem for a drink or 5 hopefully with more England fans this time! Then down to the ground to (fingers crossed) see us win and with a Serbia win that'll near enough give us 2nd place!
Then wee have a mad dash (inc leaving the match early) up to the station to make the 2258 train to Utrecht/Amsterdam Centraal.
Hopefully land back in the room at about 0100hrs tomorrow!
So then...
ENG-GER-LAAAAND
Amsterdam Arena Video
Below is a panoramic view of the stadium, taken from the top of the 2nd ring...the pitch is covered with metal plates due to it been concert season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j40HEwJvrSQ
For some reason I cant embed the video :S
Dont know why
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j40HEwJvrSQ
For some reason I cant embed the video :S
Dont know why
Wednesday, 13 June 2007
Tomorrow...
Is the big match...England v Italy
The one that most of the fans travelling over here for will be attending.
With neither side getting the start they wanted on monday it should be a cracker, a win will see England definately finish ahead of the Azzuri.
Changes to the England side are highly probable with Steven Taylor available after suspension and Anton Ferdinand available after injury so Cahill and Onuoha should now drop down to the bench.
With rain forcast...its time for England to raise the bar...how many time have we heard that old chestnut before
The one that most of the fans travelling over here for will be attending.
With neither side getting the start they wanted on monday it should be a cracker, a win will see England definately finish ahead of the Azzuri.
Changes to the England side are highly probable with Steven Taylor available after suspension and Anton Ferdinand available after injury so Cahill and Onuoha should now drop down to the bench.
With rain forcast...its time for England to raise the bar...how many time have we heard that old chestnut before
A Few little interesting points...
That i learnt from todays tour -
- A season ticket behind the goal, costs 200 euros (roughly £140)
- Ajax don't own the stadium, they rent it as they could not afford it so it was paid for by people buying seats, boxes (SkyBoxes as they call them) or corporations pledging millions.
- It takes 12 minutes to close the roof
- When built 11 years ago it was the first stadium to have a retractable roof
- Police are playing a gig there in September and are having to pay for the pitch to be relaid
- The total costs for building were 120million euros
- The away fans are encased in a bullet proof glass sectio which can be completely fenced of up to the ceiling.
- On the top tier (which is steeper) if you fall you will only fall down 4 rows, they know this via testing it
Bit boring i know...but still...
200 bloody euros for a season ticket!
Ajax Amsterdam Arena Tour...
Today we decided we'd go on a tour of the Amsterdam Arena, home of football team Ajax Amsterdam.
Juventus shirt from the 1995 final
AC Milan Shirt
From here we moved round into the press box, pretty basic room with a couple of seats and the advertising board behind like you see on Sky Sports and Match of the Day. From the press box we made our way back out to the ground via the concourse as we went up to the second ring. On the way you can see the first team training ground...
So after going for a swim this morning (which, again, knackered us both completely) we made our way to the front of the hotel and caught the shuttle down to the airport/train station and made our way to the Amsterdam Biljner Arena station.
Even at first glimpse from on the train you can't help but be impressed with the place, its huge.
So we made our way off the train and in the direction of the stadium, we found our way to the main entrance and booked tickets to go on the tour and while we waited for the tour to start we decided to go and have a look around the museum.
They had on show in the center there prize possesions, the 4 European Cups (1 of which is real as they won it three times in a row...
Surrounding this cabinet are matchday shirts of there opponents...examples been...
Juventus shirt from the 1995 final
AC Milan Shirt
Also in one display the 3 latest Eeredivisie (i think thats how its spelt) Championship shields...
There is also a large picture showing the clubs 2 greatest players, Marco Van Basten and Johan Cruyff, obviously they were never in the same XI together competetivly so this would of been taken during a charity match...
There were several other photos that i had taken but due to the glass infront of all of the exhibits and monuments the pictures are pretty shoddy :-(
So out from the museum and back outside the gound to walk back round to the main entrance in order to join the tour, outside the ground there are several large crests (as below) The Club was named after a greek god, and the clubs crest represents this. The interesting thing about the the crest is that the main image only features 11 lines, which is said to represent the 11 players out on the pitch at any one time.
The first part of the tour takes you out into the stadium, in the comfy seats. About half way up the first ring not far off the halfway line with the views as below, as its the summer the stadium is used for concerts so they cover over the pitch with metal plates, then in a few weeks they lift the plates remove the dead, yellow and smelly turf and bring in the new turf by the lorry load!
From here we moved round into the press box, pretty basic room with a couple of seats and the advertising board behind like you see on Sky Sports and Match of the Day. From the press box we made our way back out to the ground via the concourse as we went up to the second ring. On the way you can see the first team training ground...
They have 2 pitches, the pitch on the left is natural grass and is the main surface they use to train on, however for when the weather is particularly poor or there next opponents play on an artificial pitch they use the pitch on the right.
After the escolator ride up to the top ring we were given the chance to walk right to the top and take photo's...
From the top of here we made our way back down stairs as the tour was now done, bit dis-appointed you can't go in the changing rooms and walk out the tunnel to see the size of the place from the bottom.
While at the ground we decided to eat in the sports bar (first meal away from a fast food chain) and we were very very surprised, not by the food being very good...but they have a ring of shirts from former players, and there was a Stoke City shirt...picture clarity isnt brilliant...
So theres a lesson to be learn Cobblers...sign an Ajax players and have the shirt seen by shed loads of people!
Anyway, time for another swim i think
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