We Made It.

Update from IDBF world championships in Prague from Jim Hinsvark:

We are settled in Prague after a good trip over the ocean. It was a very good (short feeling) trip intp Amsterdam where we had time to play.

We figured out hoe to get tickets for the metro and were off to the city for an exploration. We had 8 hours to sightsee and wanted to make the best of it.The first problem was that it was 8AM and there was hardly a soul in sight. After a walk around we found a small cafe and had a buffet breakfast. We drank coffee and juice as the city began to awake and start the work week. When there was a fair amount of folks out there we ventured out to see what we could see. Canals and flower shops and sex shops it ran the gamut.

Then we found a bike shop and rented 2 bikes, grabbed a map and were off to see the city. Amsterdam is laid out for walkers and bikers. The cars know that there is always another biker coming so they keep an eyeout. The only unsafe part was the bikes are old style and you need to back break. After a few bumps Janet finally stopped bumping me. Bike are a great way to see the city. So many sights and so little time :-). We returned the bikes and headed back to the airport to rest up and then off to Prague.

Arriving a bout 10PM we were ready for the hotel. Problem.... the other plane was late so we had to wait for them. The driver let us in the car and turned on some music. Techno and rap for 45 mins. Not my favorite music, but I was better off than Janet, she picked up a stomach bug along the way and was in no mood or condition to sit around anywhere to long. When we finnally left the airport the driver , who felt bad drove fast to make up lost time. Not good when one has to hold onto not only thier seat, but "other "things as well. We arrrived at the other hotel first so Janet ran in and the driver, who had been informed that Janet needed a toilet, and I chatted for a bit. We arrived at the hotel late and I , shall I say, slept better than Janet.

Breakfast was buffet and large. Off to the metro and down to old town for a walk. It is easy to see why people were telling us to just walk. The stuctures here are old, ornate, amazingly well crafted and great fun to look at and try to pick up all the detailing the old craftspeople did. Lunch in a park by the river, across form the Nat. Theatre, was quite pleasant. Back to the hotel and I was off to practice. Janet slept most of the afternoon to try to recouperate. She did that that well and was ready for dinner when we got back.

The venue was built for an Olympics a while ago, no one could remember which one, so it is very nice. Good practice. The last member of the team joins us tomorrow and we go do it again.

Love you all.

Jim