I'm back home and it's been quite a journey. It started the day before the final. We travelled by train with the crew for the third/fourth place match so we could be nice and rested and not have to travel game day. The train system over there was pretty cool. It was kind of like a cross between a plane and the BART system in the Bay Area. The guys who drove us to the train system were really nice and made sure we got on the right train and right section, but the German referees were also there to steer us right.
The morning of the match, I walked around the hotel a little before we met for breakfast. The hotel we were staying at in Bielefeld was up on a hill with lovely trees and paths all around. from the hill top, the city looked beautiful and peaceful. Walking around in the park gave me the chance to reflect and just soak in the moment.
After breakfast, I went back and had a quick nap before we left for the match. We travelled to the field. If it hadn't started before, travelling through the streets to the match really built up the feeling of anticipation and excitement. Even though we arrive quite early at the stadium before a match, there were already crowds of Germans waving their flags and with their faces painted walking to the match. Once we got there, we were able to watch a little bit of the third/fourth place match and get a quick photo (above).
Once we got to the locker room, I felt so lucky to be part of such a great crew. They had a great combination of professionalism, focus, and enjoyment of the game. Warming up, I definitely noticed the difference in the excitement and anticipation looking at my heart rate monitor. By the end of the warmup though, I had started settling in and feeling a lot more comfortable.
Una Hong (Korea) and Rita Munoz (Mexico) Carol Anne Chenard (Canada)
When we got to Bielefeld, the local volunteers took us to a local restaurant in an old church. Fortunately, the referee for the third place match Bibiana Steinhaus from Germany was there to translate for us. For those who know me, I'm lactose intolerant and it really took a weight off my mind to have someone check there was no milk in the dish I wanted to get. She also managed to acquire some tap water for the crazy American to drink. Apparently, they really like to drink water with bubbles in Germany and even still water sometimes is like mineral water. The food was really yummy and it was made even better with the great company for one of our last nights in Germany.
The morning of the match, I walked around the hotel a little before we met for breakfast. The hotel we were staying at in Bielefeld was up on a hill with lovely trees and paths all around. from the hill top, the city looked beautiful and peaceful. Walking around in the park gave me the chance to reflect and just soak in the moment.
After breakfast, I went back and had a quick nap before we left for the match. We travelled to the field. If it hadn't started before, travelling through the streets to the match really built up the feeling of anticipation and excitement. Even though we arrive quite early at the stadium before a match, there were already crowds of Germans waving their flags and with their faces painted walking to the match. Once we got there, we were able to watch a little bit of the third/fourth place match and get a quick photo (above).
Once we got to the locker room, I felt so lucky to be part of such a great crew. They had a great combination of professionalism, focus, and enjoyment of the game. Warming up, I definitely noticed the difference in the excitement and anticipation looking at my heart rate monitor. By the end of the warmup though, I had started settling in and feeling a lot more comfortable.
Of course, walking out onto the field was amazing. The music, the signs, and all the fans cheering really brought home the importance of the game and the wonderful opportunity I somehow stumbled into. As we walked out, I was thinking that this is what it's all about. It struck me how lucky I was and I was really grateful that everything just seemed to line up right.
Here's the German team celebrating their victory after the game.
Here is the crew from the final with our medals and Sonia.
Here's the German team celebrating their victory after the game.
Here is the crew from the final with our medals and Sonia.
I feel really privileged to have been part of this match and have such a great experience. Thank you for all the support.
Marlene
