Farewell to Gottingen... you've been oh so kind, beautifully quaint and ideal in the stage of our preparation but... I'd be lying if i didn't say we were ready for some hustle and bustle. We've been told Dusseldorf may provide this :)

Just an indication of the enormity of the 2011 German FIFA WORLD CUP...

- We have just boarded our OWN Aussie bus. FIFA badges and sponsors covering the windows, Australian stickers and flags pasted along the sides. [Check out the recent facebook photo uploads for a visual]. Each day we are all continually amazed just how grand this tournament is proving to be. And the best thing about it all, it hasn't even started yet...

- There are sticker books of each footballing nation for fans!!! We have been bombarded with fanatics hanging around our hotel. Apparently you buy them over the counter of general stores. The exact same way all sporting cards work. You have no idea what cards you are getting. Sometimes we find ourselves signing several- the poor things have duplicates ;) Im assuming they must increase in worth once signed, they then swap. Initially it felt surreal but after signing several it feels quite normal. Funny how something so foreign becomes so familiar in a matter of days. Every now and again it hits us and it then becomes an unbelievable experience yet again. I think its important we keep reminding ourselves.

Something that makes me feel so proud to be a Matilda is how we are received EVERYWHERE we go. I think we can put this down to several factors... Tommys coaching prowess (who now has twitter i must add- Hello 21st century)...Our staff as a collective unit ... they just work so well together making our journey as athletes pretty smooth.
The people we meet as a result of touring the world always have something nice to say upon our departure, a compliment to pass on, or a smile to savour...

eg- This morning we had a presentation as we were leaving the hotel in Gottingen. Bubs addressed the group of staff and media. We presented them all with gifts, simple Aussies bits and bobs, including clip on koalas :) the fun stuff foreigners love. The local police officers also had a presentation to make- engraved hand cuffs were handed over on a platter to our manager, Jo and liaison officer Karina. How cheeky. One of the officers had a note folded up inside his pocket, he wished us good luck and spoke of how much they enjoyed protecting our group :) escorting us left, right and centre.

THEN... I was presented with something...Supposedly one of the male officers was 'a little bit in love with me' (their words not mine)... :) cute. I went bright red, thanked him dearly and popped the Polizei beanie on straight away... It will definitely come in handy upon my return to Canberra's freezing cold winter.

Speaking of home... Most of our supporters have left the shores of Australia destined for the mighty Deustchland. We are all really excited for our family and friends to arrive. I think the greatest thing other than representing your country and self is providing your family and friends with the opportunity to join the chase. Some games i cannot remember- Its as if the adrenaline and overwhelming nature of the environment caused my memory to disappear. But for family and friends these games will be forever lasting memories. We sometimes underestimate the power and impact of sport, even the effect on our own families. It's all a powerful cycle really, initially without their support we would not be here anyway.

Excuse me whilst i collect my valuables and prepare to don my Carla Zampatti suit in order to arrive at our next hotel in absolute style.

This is real.

Thanks for joining the Chase.

Ships.