First days in Sweden

Well, everyone arrived safe and sound. Our travels went quite smoothly and we even arrived early. Everything is running quite smoothly.

Today we visited the Nya Allaborg Fortress that was built in the 1600s to protect Gothenburg and its harbor. On the ground of the fortress are the prison cells, cannons used for defense, and the living quarters used by soldiers, officers, and their families. On the ferry ride back to the harbor we had special guest drivers, as Elena and Amanda both had the opportunity to steer the ship. Elena is now using nautical terms like port and starboard and she thinks she's a sailor. Watch out U.S. Navy, here she comes.

Our school accommodations are what one would expect. Thirteen girls and a coach in one room can make for cramped quarters. I'm glad that I'm staying in the office across the hall; it affords me some private time and allows the girls to take a break away from me.

We've started out eating in style, as our first real meal that we had was dinner on Saturday night at the Hard Rock Cafe. I really don't hope that they think that all our meals will be gourmet meals. Later tonight we start having cafeteria food at Ugglumskolan, the school where we are staying. On Monday we will be taking a canal ride of the city, learning more about the city. At night we will be at the opening ceremonies.

I think the girls are looking forward to getting on the pitch and kicking a soccer ball around.

Until next time...

Hogie