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So I woke up at 5:30 this morning...don't know why. Took my shower and worked on my pictures. After Gilles got ready we walked to the little grocery store around the corner for some drinks and snacks for the room.
We had breakfast around 8 then I worked on my pictures and edited my blog. We got on the bus at 10 and headed to Kromeriz. We went to the gardens of the Emperor Franz-Josef. Poor Garry he had a flare up of gout and he was walking with a pretty good limp and his foot was almost swelling before our eyes.
We put him on the train that toured the gardens and we all walked around together. They were quite pretty and very peaceful.
We headed to the city centre and were left on our own from noon until 3:15. Gilles, Matt & I had lunch with Garry, Denis, Rick, Tyler, Carl & Phil at this "American" food place. Matt and Gilles had cornflaked chicken sandwiches and I had a grilled sandwich. The fries were waaaaay too salty but the burgers were good. Matt went off with his friends so Gilles & I just meandered around taking pictures (of course). Saw another beautiful church. You weren't supposed to take pictures of it but I have to admin I snuck a few with Julie's camera without the flash.
We all met at the fountain in the square at 3:15 and walked to the bus. Then we ended up having to wait because 2 of the parents were late showing up. While we were waiting there seemed to be quite a bit of drama happening on the sidewalk. There were 3 policemen that seemed to be guarding this lady and her baby stroller. She was crying and there was a guy with her. Then another lady came and started talking to her and it looked like they were talking about the baby. The lady was crying, our boys seemed quite concerned about what was going on - really upset that they might be taking her baby away. We never did see what ended up happening because the parents came and we had to leave.
It was a 2 hour drive to Ostrava where we were to play our first game.
Things are so different here. We were early so we sat in the arena and watched the camp going on before our game. The coaches don't wear helmets, they were on the ice with the zamboni and there is no netting around the rink. Best of all - I was allowed on the bench with my camera!
Well it turns out the team tried to cancel their game against us because they were afraid to play a Canadian team - we play such a rough game. So our guide convinced them to play but instead of the local team they took the best players from 4 area teams including a few 18 and a 19 year old. We got out butts creamed 15 to 2. Our boys were getting frustrated but then they loosened up and had a good time. Considering they were playing such a stacked team they did pretty good and they had been up early and out and about all day - I think they did awesome and I was so impressed with them on the bench.
The tour company provided supper in the arena for us - it's a restaurant that they closed to accommodate us. We didn't eat until 9:30. We had some kind of home made chicken noodle soup. They brought tureens to each table and we served ourselves but then they came and took the tureens away before we were finished...we all thought we could eat everything in the tureen so most people took a small bowl to start. Then they brought chicken, rice, french fries and a spoonful of salad (lettuce and oil).
They are not big on vegetables here. There is a lot of protein and starch in their diet it seems. We really appreciate the fruits and veggies we get at breakfast. I bought grapes for the room...I am missing my veggies. They also don't serve condiments. I found out today that you pay extra for ketchup or mayo on your food unless it says it is included and I have yet to see a ketchup packet or anything with any fries we have had.
For dessert we had crepes with a berry compote and whipped cream. That was very good. We were back on the road at 11 and got back to the hotel at 12:45 am. It was a very full day.
We found out that the team we were supposed to play tomorrow is also afraid to play us and they wanted to cancel. Our tour organizer convinced them to play us and gave them 2 days to practice. So our Thursday schedule is now happening tomorrow (Vienna) and our Tuesday schedule is now happening Thursday (our second hockey game).
It is now 1:45 and I need to get some sleep for Vienna tomorrow!
I hope to be able to actually load some pictures in the next day or so. it has been hard because we have been touring around so much I haven't had the time.
Ciou for now!
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Dinisha Vanasse Holy cow.... maybe had I come with you guys, I would have gained a pound or two.... hahahahaha