the lost cobblers

All gone quiet.

2007-07-09T20:37:00.000+01:00

After a few hectic weeks with packed weekends (by my standards) this weekend we had a quiet one which only featured Debz having an eye-test...rock and roll!!

Next up on my calender is a week today, next monday is the British leg of the World Cup...as Great Britain takes on Russia, Sweden and the USA, with the top 2 sides going through to the finals in Poland.

Why they dont do the finals in Cardiff is beyond me :S

Another quiet weekend it'll be then...though Debz does have to collect her new glasses...then not long to go until the football season kicks off...with us going to the 20Twenty finals day at Edgbaston!!!

On a plus note...my flag should arrive on wednesday

Saturday...Speedway GP...

2007-07-02T19:56:00.000+01:00

Sorry its taken so long for me to catch up on here...been otherwise engaged.

Well, what a day saturday was!

Gaz with his mother in toe picked us up at about 1030 and we headed off to Barwell to join up with Brian and Rachel and to have a pre-Cardiff car trip cuppa...and a look at Brians Speedway programme shrine...JEEZ...its mad...28,000 programmes, it just takes up a whole wall of there spare room!

Anyway...from here we headed out in't rain on the way to Cardiff....and near enough all the way it peed it down, though this was lightened by my musical choice. Gaz had requested that I "Welsh up" my iPod, so i did...i slapped on some Tom Jones!

Through the rain we battled and into Wales we went, Debz and I were abroad yet again...after a short time in Wales Brian phoned up to say he was pulling into the next services as he was bursting...the next services appeared...and we pulled over...what a mess they were! run down and probably the urine would be cleaner than the bogs there!

After a brief stoppage we got back on the trail to Cardiff and headed for the park and ride at Ninian Park...but when we pulled in...it was empty....despite been clearly sign posted as the Speedway car park...bloody welshies.

So we parked in the shopping park and ride...where there were plenty of other speedway fans and we got on the bus...which was a carbon copy of the old double deckers Gaz and I travelled to school on for the majority of our 5 years at the marvellously shite Daventry William Parker School....

And myself and Debz enjoying the comforts of the bus....

Only 5 minutes on the bus and we were at the Millenium Stadium, very impressive for the taffs i must add....

Just after we took this photo we spotted the main man...Chris "Bomber" Harris....so i took a photo of Gaz, his mum, Brian, Rachel and Bomber...we shook his hand and wished him all the best...

As you can see...we were all in our Gaz made T-shirts...which were praised by the other fans later on...asking where we bought them from!

From here we headed for somewhere dry to get some food and drink, found our way to the Cardiff precinct and found a BHS cafe which was fairly full with other Speedway fans...including a few other Bomber fans with there own personalised t-shirts.

When we'd dried off we headed back towards the stadium...and we went passed a local marked which had one brilliantly named stall;

Adds to the others we spotted in Arnhem!

We got back to the stadium and made our way to the gate we needed to go in and waited by the River Taff in the rain.

After a short wait they let us in!

Photos of first glimpses inside...

Then first on the track for a brief walk round were Scott Nicholls and his team followed by Bomber and his team.

Then there were 2 races by some young riders, supposedly to get you used to the noise...didnt work!

Then after this we had the pre-race entertainment...it was poor, piss poor. They had the McDougald brothers or something on from last years X-Factor, then Brenda from the previous years X-Factor then to cap it off...another X-Factor loser, the runner up last year Ray, whose songs didn't fit the mood so most just blew there air-horns to block him out :D

Then after Ray had buggered off the riders emerged for a parade lap on there bikes in rank order then they lined up in the middle...

Then shortly after the first race was about to begin...beforehand though Gaz took even more photos, because of where we were sat you can't quite appreciate how full it was...

I would write about each race...but i cant remember them all...other than Scott Nicholls was in the first race and came in third...and in Bombers first race he beat Crump and Nicki Pedersen which in itself was an incredible feat.

Anyway, as the night progressed it became evident that Bomber would make the semi's at least and Scotty struggled but thanks to winning his last ride and his nearest rival coming last.

The semi's came, Scott was first and it was looking promising until he hit a rut on the 3rd lap and he slipped to last so was out of the GP, but a valiant effort and his first Semi of the GP season.

Then the 2nd semi was Bomber, against Nicki Pedersen again, and pleasing to us on the 2nd turn Nicki slid off and into the air fence and was subsequently excluded. So this was Bombers chance...he missed the start but made it to the final.

Then a few mins later and it was final time...Greg Hancock (legend) jumped the start so a re-start was needed, again Bomber didnt make the start but it didnt matter as he razzed past Crump and Adams on turn 2, though he was over-taken again by Adams. He got into second on lap 3 and hunted Hancock down, then on the last lap back straight he went for it, round the outside, then Hancock had a quick glance, saw Bomber and went off his racing line, giving Bomber the chance and on the final 2 turns he nipped inside and undercut Hancock and crossed the line as the first Brit GP champ for 7 years!

There was pandemonium in the stands! it was mad!

After a quick lap round the celebrating fans he went back into the pits and did his bit for the media, then Crumpy and Hancock joined Bomber on an old style cadillac.

They then went onto the podium and Bomber was doused with champagne!

A quality nights entertainment and i would recommend to anyone!

First week back is over...

2007-06-29T19:18:00.000+01:00

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

Back to work...

2007-06-25T20:04:00.000+01:00

Today, back to work...gutted

I ache...

2007-06-24T18:31:00.000+01:00

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

Journey home

2007-06-21T13:51:00.000+01:00

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.

England v Holland...photos

2007-06-21T13:38:00.000+01:00

There in no particular order....

England vs Holland

2007-06-21T12:35:00.000+01:00

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

Plan of attack today...

2007-06-20T10:44:00.000+01:00

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....

COME ON ENGLAND

So far...

2007-06-19T12:51:00.000+01:00

...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 :'(

Success...

2007-06-19T12:50:00.001+01:00

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

Plan of action tomorrow...

2007-06-18T21:28:00.000+01:00

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

Ones to watch...

2007-06-18T15:13:00.000+01:00

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!

Just like british rail...

2007-06-18T15:09:00.000+01:00

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

Italy vs Czech Republic

2007-06-18T09:53:00.000+01:00

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!

Plan of action today...

2007-06-17T10:26:00.000+01:00

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!!!!!

Knackered...

2007-06-16T13:20:00.000+01:00

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.

Paintballing...

2007-06-15T21:34:00.000+01:00

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

Something not quite right...

2007-06-15T18:19:00.000+01:00

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!

Today...

2007-06-15T16:28:00.000+01:00

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

2007-06-15T10:07:00.000+01:00

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!

So after seeing that bunch of miserable people! we made our arrangements with Pete and headed into the ground just like last time, and just like last time when we walked in the players were out on the pitch

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

2007-06-15T09:44:00.001+01:00

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

England v Italy...part 1

2007-06-15T09:31:00.000+01:00

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....

Todays plan...

2007-06-14T09:28:00.001+01:00

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

Amsterdam Arena Video

2007-06-14T09:24:00.000+01:00

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

Tomorrow...

2007-06-13T16:51:00.000+01:00

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

A Few little interesting points...

2007-06-13T16:43:00.000+01:00

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...

2007-06-13T14:55:00.000+01:00

Today we decided we'd go on a tour of the Amsterdam Arena, home of football team Ajax Amsterdam.

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

Strange things we've noticed...

2007-06-12T19:06:00.000+01:00

At night...on the main roads, the road signs are not lighted
In a KFC in 'Dam...you had to pay to pee
Several shops we've been to you have to pay for the bag you want to carry in, and they tell you after you've paid

No doubt there will be more to follow

A day on the cheap...

2007-06-12T16:28:00.000+01:00

We decided today, we'd be tight fisted and just head into 'Dam central to have a wander round, see what the place is like find where places are in relation to the station.

So we had a lazy slow morning, then using the hotels mini-bus/shuttle made our way to the airport/train station, bought the tickets and headed to 'Dam.

Arriving at the station after a 20min journey we got off the train and into the magnificent old train station, its massive and very very impressive looking.

So we exited the station and headed in the general direction (as we didn't have a clue!) We walked up the Damark heading towards Dam Square, along this road on one side is a kind of carp park for boats! and on the other side are a few shops and endless restaurants. Out of all of these i spotted the colonel, with all of the fast food we've had nothing compares to KFC! So we ordered the usual, though i'll admit, i was not impressed with it one bit. In comparison, it just wasn't the same, lacked the Zing in the Zinger meal.

Anyway we then headed up to the Square, where we saw the old home for the dutch Royal Family...

And the historical building that houses Madame Tussuad's...

And the WW2 Monument...

And finally, the view back down the Damark...(and if you look closely you can see the KFC)

So then we headed further into 'Dam, as i say we were been very tight today to save for later days going to Madame Tussuad's, the Amsterdam Arena and all the other football matches.

Anyway, we wandered past more coffee shops with stoned people than i could of counted using the hairs on my head!

We had a good look round and know roughly where we need to go for future days, so i guess it was more of a reconnaissance mission today!

England vs Czech Rep...(part 3)

2007-06-12T15:15:00.000+01:00

Part 3, the journey home, from Arnhem to Schipol.

We left the ground and went over to the bus stop, waited there for a few minutes until someone pointed out that the next bus wasn't due for another 30mins and judging by the amount of people there were around there was no guarentee we'd even fit on it! So we decided to hope for the best and walked it, twas a nice walk and there were alot of England fans also making the same walk, over the river and into the center, after all the different time estimates people had given us it took us 25mins to walk back, though it was a very fast walk!

So knackered after the long walk and we made it to the station, up the flights of stairs, found the platform and down the stairs to the platform, the screen intimated the train was due in 10mins or so we got a cold drink (as it was fooking hot).

Then the display on our platform just went blank and we heard a garbled message on the loudspeakers that we picked out "Amshterdaam" on, normally the repeat this in English, but despite the platform been full of us English they decided not to.

After 5 mins and still no more information we made our way back up the stairs to find there was a 55 minute delay to our train, and it was the only one going to Amsterdam! Apparently in-between Arnhem and Utrecht someone (who must of seen the penalty miss) decided to make us feel at home and give us a nice train delay!

So the only way back to where the majority were staying was to catch another train which went to Den Bosh, then change there and head to Utrecht, and change again there to get to Schipol/Amsterdam!

With no option we boarded the train which just seemed to go on for ever and a day! We went through Nijmegen when Debz humoured us all with how the bridge there looked like the one in London, or is it Sydney, no Melbourne, no she did mean Sydney, then also commenting how a small Ferris wheel was like the London Eye and asked if the thing floating in the water was a boat!

Anyway, after what seemed like an absolute eternity we made it to Den Bosh, when we saw on the platform we were told there was a train boarding, so put simply, we f&cking legged it! and just made it but could only find seats in the 1st class sections. Which was no problem until the conductor came round and warned other passengers to move, so we again, f&cking legged it down the train...but we were only trying to find 2nd class...of which we struggled to do as we were right down at the end of the train!

Anyway, eventually we made it back to Utrecht where we left Pete and changed trains in order to get to Schipol...which we had a 30min wait for, and subsequently JUST missed our hotel shuttle, which meant we had to pay 25euros for 3min taxi journey...during the day there always late which annoys you, but when you want it to be late...its on time.

Well, we made it back in one piece, bring on Italy on thursday...

See ya

England vs Czech Rep...(part 2)

2007-06-12T09:35:00.001+01:00

So then, off the bus/tram we went right outside the ground and it is very impressive looking with the split roof tube type contraption above each side stand, though it has to be said (and the three of us had the same thought) that the logo is very remeniscent of a popular english place for the elderly women...

Yes...you can see where i mean...Gala Bingo, not the GeldeDome! Anyway all four stands are pretty much the same just as all grounds do one of the side stands was bigger due to boxes and other corporate stuff. After having a quick wander round and spotting several more England fans around the ground we went and picked up our tickets. No problems there, handed over my ID and copy of the e-mail and as per instruction and they handed over the tickets.

After a short wait we made our way into the ground, bar-coded tickets which worked very well. Off and up into the ground, inside the ground it is near enough exactly the same size as Wigan.

Below is the stand that was to our left;

Below is the stand opposite which had all the boxes etc in...

The stand to the right...

Thats my best effort at a panoramic photo taking 3 photo's! so i dont think i'll be giving up the day job just yet.

Though i did manage to take a good picture (considering the angle) of Petes England flag...

As we walked through both sets of players were out walking around the pitch having a feel for what its like on the moveable pitch.

As nothing was happening we went back into the concourse and attempted to buy some food, to find that in the Gelderdome you need to buy a smart-card/voucher thing to the value of 5, 10 or 20 euro's.

After a small wait the team came out to warm up...

Then as the wierd dutch people in the crowd tried to create an atmosphere by doing the conga along to some random tune that got very irritating after about 2 minutes, the flags emerged from the tunnel, shortly followed by the 2 teams.

As normal the national anthems was sung...though it was a strange feeling as we were surrounded by Dutch people so felt like we were singing alone!.

Just before kick-off the team had a pre-match huddle, quite why they do it, i dont think it makes a difference. Then kick off, in the early exchanges it was clearly evident that England were superior and the midfield of Reo-Coker, Richardson and the very impressive Huddlestone were going to boss the game.

I'll be honest, the game itself i can remember fragments of, mostly involving the dodgy german officials (if they were not German then i was informed wrong). Somehow the linesman on our side had given Nugent offside when he blatantly was onside, then within a split second of the whistle been blown Richardson had scored, but it did not count and the bias ref opted to show Richardson a yellow card. Moments later James Milner scored a perfect 6.0 with a triple pike and somersault, but despite the ref even mimicking that Milner had dived he failed to give him a yellow card. Nugent was then given a yellow for a full blooded challenge in which he won the ball...poxy european nancy's.

As the half wore on Huddlestones clever passing paved way for Reo-Coker to blast the ball over from about 12 yards which also proved to be Englands best chance. Through the first half Carson remained fairly un-troubled though he did have one save to make after some weak defending by Cahill and Onuoha. All over the pitch it appeared the english attackers had the beating of the Czechs, they just had to get stuck in and prove it.

Half time came after a fairly pleasing display, felt that we could go on and win it if we upped the tempo.

We kicked off the second half and went straight on the attack, within minutes Nugent was faced with his first real glimpse of the goal but he miss headed the ball, tho it fell in the direction of Richardson he could not react quick enough...

Shortly after a long ball up to the Czech striker resulted in a 50/50 tussle between the Czech and Gary Cahill, which the linesman adjudged to be a foul by Cahill. So the Czechs were given a free kick in a tricky position to deal with, there defenders trotted up and we expected a whipped in cross, but instead they opted to shoot and brought a tremendous save out of Scott Carson as he tipped the goal bound effort onto the post. That was them done trying to score now.

Dave Nugent again wasted a brilliant chance as he burst in to the penalty area and dragged his shot wide of the far post.

Then it came, the big moment, a hand ball inside the box, we'd been practising penalties in training and even had a mock shoot-out in the warm up game. The normal taker Kieron Richardson had been subbed so the duty fell to Leroy Lita who cockily stood on the spot and waited for the ball with some of the Czechs attempting to psyche him out, well, we all know what happened...he bloody missed...a shocking penalty.

Still, five minutes to be played, though when ever the Czechs got forward they ran it into the corners hoping for a point.

Full time, all in all a dis-appointing match to tell the truth, Huddlestone, Reo-Coker and Ashley Young impressed me but we'll need to be ALOT better on thursday night.

So then, out of the ground we met with Pete again and made our way to the bus stop to begin the journey home...and that is where part 3 will begin.

England vs Czech Rep...(part 1)

2007-06-11T23:20:00.000+01:00

Right, lets start at the best place to begin, the start!

After an early morning swim (which knackered us both!) we made our way via the hotel shuttle bus to Schipol Airports train station and purchased our return tickets to Arnhem.

Made our way down to the platform and low and behold, our train got delayed! All the other trains we saw on varied other platforms all arrived a few mins early and left slap bang on the scheduled time. Anyway about 10-15 mins later our train turned up and we made our way to Utrecht where we had to change. All went smoothly with the change and for the rest of the journey to Arnhem.

We arrived there early and promptly headed down to the nearest Burger King and feated on 2 Chicken Royale's, or as there called over here Chicken Long Original. After munching these we headed in to Arnhem center and had a look around, very nice town put simply and spotted a few more England fans dotted around. Though without knowing you would not of been able to tell there was to be UEFA Tournament featuring there. Anyway as the time passed we went for an Ice Cream where we waited for an EnglandFan member who was travelling on his own. Just as we were finishing the Ice Cream he arrived having made his way across from the train station.

We then upped and went for another wander around Arnhem center noticing a slightly increased amount of England fans. After a while the walking got to much so we found a bar and had a drink...served by 3 lesbians called Paisley...and a wierd bloke. They didn't seem to keen on us English, as was proved when we had to wait 5mins to be served (as did all the other English using that bar) where as the Dutch were getting served in seconds. Eventually we got served, small portions and served with a grumpy attitude! We decided on another round, which was met with the same level of enthusiasm. I opted to go inside and ask, tho was blanked and then despite having the drinks in hand one of the 3 lesbians wanted to take the drinks to the table. These were notably downed and as time was clocking on we decided to make a move and get the bill...how "Can i have the bill please" sounds like "I want a Coke" I don't know but obviously its a dutch lesbian thing...after several attempts by myself and Pete (the EF member) Debz offered, and they sorted the bill out straight away! Thus why there lesbians, or femenists....oh well.

From here we went back towards the bus/train station, met a few England fans who told us it was only a 30min walk down to the ground. We'd already been told it was an hours walk!

Following both sets of information we opted for the bus, which some old (probably gay) dutch bloke helped us out and told us which bus/tram to get....not bad for 1euro but it was bloody hot on the bus...

Anyway onwards to the ground....and the match....but that'll be in part 2!

Hotel...

2007-06-10T20:24:00.000+01:00

To the left you can see our residence....there is a bigger block to the left of that picture that has the swimming pool and gymnasium...and also our room

To the right you can see our room....tho ours didnt have those flowers and has a different painting...but still...leather seats and a frickin Plasma.

All picture courtesy of BestWestern.com

Lost in translation...

2007-06-10T20:13:00.000+01:00

As we didn't feel up to much we opted to go to McDonalds...on the tills there is a small display on the front that scrolls across visible to the the customers...though the message made us both chuckle....

"De Kunt Beginnen"

Im sure that in dutch it means nothing...but still...he he

Arrival...

2007-06-10T16:59:00.000+01:00

Well, were here now, safe and sound.

Arrived at Birmingham in plenty of time, in fact probably to much time...then as the flight time got round to when it should of been boarding...it was blinking delayed (no real surprise though i suppose)...only 30mins which is not as bad as it could of been...then the new time came and went all the board said 1400 more information...anyway...1400 came and about 5mins later the little plane was to be boarded...so on we went, not long later we were air-bourne, then plied with a nice cheese sarnie free and a beverage for free...then just as that had been finished the pilot announced we were about to start the landing procedure....you could say the time just flew by.

So we landed about 45mins later than we should of, darted thru passport control, our bags were in the first few to come along the contraption....then we had the joyful task of finding the shuttle bus...which we did, just the shuttle bus took its time arriving....oh well....we here in the room now safe and sound with a tele filled with british speaking channels (just a shame one of them is BBC1 currently showing the EastEnders omnibus...woohoo) i feel i must add though, its a fairly dappa tele, plasma screen, better than i've got at home!

Will probably head off to the bear by McDonalds for some high class food and beverages.

Now were here...bring on the football...

The time is nearing...

2007-06-09T17:41:00.000+01:00

Just arrived back at home, printed off all the flight tickets, hotel reservation and email from UEFA about my football tickets.

The old mans doing a BBQ tonight, and there be a the Danish Speedway GP to be watching shortly (Come on Bomber and Scotty) then tomorrow morning at 1030 we leave for Birmingham Airport and off to Schipol Airport on the 1315 KLM flight.

My next blog will come direct from 'Dam...

See ya

Wahey...

2007-06-08T18:39:00.000+01:00

Thats it, works done now for 2 weeks.

Just about to have a quick shower and then off to Debz's for the night, shopping in the morning for the last few bits and bobs, back here tomorrow night then we jet off to 'Dam.

Still no tickets through the post though, have had to cancel them and arranged for duplicate tickets to be printed and made available for collection on match days.

On a lower note, i read earlier that Bentley has pulled out of the squad claiming he's suffering from fatigue after a long season, tis a real shame as he is one of the squad i was looking forward to seeing after his impressive season for Blackburn, oh well, every cloud has a silver lining and im sure whoever gets the chance on the right wing will give 110% ala boss Stuart Pearce did when he donned the England shirt.

The basic diary for the next 2 weeks...

2007-06-07T22:58:00.003+01:00

Right,

A quick plan of action for what we'll be doing for the next two weeks....

Sunday 10th - Fly out to Amsterdam
Monday 11th - First Match - England vs Czech Republic 1715ko in Arnhem
Thursday 14th - Second Match - England vs Italy (the big one) 1945ko in Arnhem
Sunday 17th - Third Match - Italy vs Czech Republic in Arnhem OR England vs Serbia in Nijmegen 1945ko
Wednesday 20th - Semi Final in Arnhem 1945ko
Thursday 21st -Fly back home to Birmingham

Those gaps will be filled in...Debz is wants to go to the Cheese museum because apparently they all wear clogs in there...where as i just want to go to the Sex Museum...says it all about how a male mind works.

Theres a massive theme park not far from where were staying so we'll take that in one day as well as a stadium tour of the Amsterdam Arena home of Ajax Amsterdam

One left...

2007-06-07T22:51:00.000+01:00

Having worked for nigh on 3 years now with out a two-week break...i have one day left then im offski for two weeks to allow for the trip to Holland.

We've been waiting for what seems like an eternity for this time to come, and now its here....just want to get out to Holland now and hopefully cheers on the team.

Introduction...

2007-06-07T22:28:00.000+01:00

First things first...hello.

Secondly, the name of the Blog should kind of hint as to what i shall be writing about.

Myself (Tim) and my girlfriend (Debz) are off to Holland for 10days following the England U21's in the Euro 07 U21's tournament. During our time in Holland we'll take in at least 4 matches, in Arnhem whilst staying just outside of Amsterdam.

So in this Blog i shall report about the time out there...and then when were back...just blog all about following Cobblers around this fair land (and Coventry Blaze Ice Hockey team)

Hopefully...enjoy....