THE HAGUE

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Time I caught up again with news of our trip. We had the opening ceremony for the hockey tournament on Wednesday, and it rained and rained. Luckily all the girls were able to secure a seat in the small covered grandstand, and watch without bring saturated. However the men got fairly wet in their tracksuits, but after the ceremony, the sun came out and they soon dried out! There are about 1,200 players here from around the world, covering 16 nations, with 56 teams. It is a record for a Masters Tournament. Yesterday,(Thursday), the men played their first game against South Africa. It was the worst preparation as well. We had a bus organised to pick up the group at the hotel at 10.30 am, and it was an hour late. We arrived at the fields eventually at midday, for a game at 12.30. The men usually like to arrive at least one to one and a half hours before game time, so a few people were quite anxious. Anyway the game began a little late, thank goodness, as there was extra warm-up time, and then it began to rain and rain. It was miserable for the players, but the girls cheer squad (all the wives) stood along the fence (in ponchos, which we bought a couple of days earlier in case of rain), and with umbrellas, and warm coats as it was very cold, and cheered them on to a 4 - 1 win over the South Africans. It was a good start to the tournament. During the week, we also had a Tournament Dinner for all the Australian teams at the Restaurant of this hotel, four teams, Over 60's, 65's 70's and 75's. A good night and beautiful food was had by all. Actually the breakfast each morning here in the Hotel Restaurant is a beautiful spread as well. Too much temptation to over-indulge. Today was a free day but the team coach wanted the players to go to the fields to watch two of the teams they will be playing. The men caught taxis to and from the fields, then went to the World Cup Stadium just up the road to watch some games on the second field. They wanted to try to get tickets to watch Germany play Netherlands in the men, but the game was a sell-out, especially since Netherlands was playing. So Donald is presently watching the game on TV in our room with Dutch commentary!! Interesting!! The girls decided to do some exploring/sight-seeing Today. We caught a tram and went to a nearby town called Delft, home of the famous Delft blue hand-painted wares. Some girls bought lovely pieces, but I had purchased a plate on a previous visit. It was a lovely relaxing day and we also saw four weddings where the couples were married in the beautiful Town Hall. It was also a lovely warm day in the 20's. Amazing after the wet and cold yesterday. In Delft there are a number of historic churches. One has a spire which is open for people to climb if they so choose. Well five of us decided to climb the 330 or so steps up to see the view. It was worth it, as the views were amazing. It is a 1300's church, so historic, and undergoing repairs presently. The crypts of the Royals are in this Church. Anyway we had a lovely day exploring and checking out some souvenir shops, quaint side-streets and watching the locals. The main square of the town was surrounded by cafes, old buildings, the old church we saw and the Town Hall - a lovely place. Tomorrow is another game against Wales, and hopefully another win, and again on Sunday, the men play Germany. That will certainly be a tougher game, and that is followed on Monday with another game against Italy. So three games in a row which is a bit tough for masters players. Anyway the weather is meant to be lovely now for a few days, temperatures in the mid 20's. We are all hoping that is the case. So everyone till next time, Donald and Carol

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