So I've finally got a minute to write. We are in fact, in Amsterdam. One of the greatest cities in the world. The people are all very laid-back and friendly for the most part. We've done a lot of walking through what feels like almost every area of the city. Today we will head to Utrecht to see what they have to offer.

As most of you know, we've coordinated this trip to follow the World Cup. Last night was incredible. The english had not seen this coming! A early goal in the first 5 minutes of the game certainly was not expected, however Howard bucked up and saved our ass many times to give us a 1-1 tie with a *lucky goal by Dempsey half way through the first half. The English fans graciously shook our hands after the match, left very quiet and somber, almost as if they had lost, which was definitely not the way they came in that night.

The other cool thing we have stumbled upon is a sand soccer tournament in the middle of a main square not too far from our hostel. Friday we caught a match of 8 year olds and yesterday (Saturday) we saw the adults playing. It was interesting to see the different techniques to adapt to the sand. The rules are just like soccer, but the way you play the game is very different. They would setup mound of sand to take a free kick and they would try to keep it in the air as much as possible especially when shooting. One guy would volley it up for the other to shoot, we have some cool video!

This is all I've got for now. I need to get out of this smelly hostel before it drives me nuts! Unfortunately, the wifi isn't working here so I can't upload any pics just yet. Most likely will be able to share more come Tuesday when we land in Berlin.

Thanks for following!
Maria (and Brian and Carlos)