August 10, 2015 at 3:26 p.m.
Hodags vs. the World blog
Hodags tour London
Hodags vs. the World blog
1st Day in London: Friday, Aug. 7
We started the day with craziness, like trying to get to the train on time as a large group. The train ride was about two hours long. Many slept. After that we had to get tickets for the tube (subway) which was stressful because there were many people pushing to get places and we had to get on very quickly. One parent got stuck and had to force the doors open to get all the way on.
Chinatown was a different experience for most of us. We wish we could have spent a bit more time in there exploring their stores and markets. A few tried "weird jelly balls" from a pastry shop in Chinatown.
Next we walked to Piccadilly Circus which was packed. We learned that this is "the Times Square of England." We went into a soccer shop which was huge!
Then we walked to Trafalgar Square that had cool street performers. Coach Chris (Frederickson) and a few players tried to ride a truck bike ... no one was successful. We also saw some chalk artists that were drawing flags from different countries ... we placed money on the USA flag!
Then we walked to get a bite to eat ... ordering at the bar and paying first was new for us. Also, they had glass bottled water either still water or sparkling water. Some experienced bangers and mash (sausage and mashed potatoes) others tried fish and chips (deep-fried fish and French fries), some had burgers, all were different from America.
After eating we walked past Big Ben. We were amazed because many of us have only seen pictures or read about it in books. There were photo opportunities aplenty!
We checked in to our accommodations, freshened up and were off again quickly ... we were glad to get rid of the big bags! Then we got on the tube again to go to the Shakespeare's Globe where we were instructed on how they dress for plays. We then walked through the exhibition with audio tour.
We then went on the Thames Clipper which took us for a ride down the Thames River ... we saw the London Bridge, London Tower, and much more. Next we grabbed a bite to eat from small side carts and headed to the London Eye line. The food was good!
The London eye ride was gorgeous seeing the view from the top. We could see the whole city and had perfect timing with the sunset!
Love London, but not sure about the crowds.
Hodags vs. the World players Gwen Frederickson, Jaden Olski and Madi Losch
Match Day & More: Saturday, Aug. 8
Up early, for some, today to attend mass at the cathedral. The rest took an opportunity to sleep an extra hour for the first time this trip.
We then toured Westminster Abbey and saw where Sir Isaac Newton and (Charles) Darwin are buried. We saw the coronation chair and where many other poets, scientists, and kings were either buried or memorialized.
Then we walked to Buckingham Palace through St. James Park. the weather was beautiful.
On to Harrods where we saw a single belt that was over $750 and tennis shoes that were over $400. This was next door to an indoor Ferrari shop.
We left for our second match of the trip that turned into quite the journey. We walked, took the subway, transferred to a bus, then walked for 1 hour and 10 minutes in 80-degree weather, all to play Loass FC which is a London team that went undefeated in their regular season. Unfortunately we lost 3-1, but the Hodags gave a great effort despite being dehydrated and exhausted from the journey. Fortunately, we took cars back to the subway and rode to the train station. Our train back to Manchester is about two and a half hours. Then a bit of a walk back to the hostel!
Everton training and match tomorrow. What an adventure.
Chris Frederickson, coach
Everton: Sunday, Aug. 9
It was an incredible day! We got to see the girls train with an Everton coach. I thought the different skill stations he did with the girls really helped with their overall play. When we asked the girls what they liked best about it, they said they really liked that he made them all a game and kept it fun even though it was at a fast pace. It was fun seeing them work together as a team during the different drills. As a parent it was fun to talk to some of the locals at the pitch to get the history of the city and the competitiveness between Manchester and Liverpool.
We went to the stadium to watch an exciting game between the Everton Ladies and Millwall Lionesses. We noticed similarities between their parents and our parents while watching a football game. It was a highlight to see the girls down on the pitch to compete in Everton's crossbar challenge (you shoot from about the top of the box and try to hit the crossbar, if you are successful you win season ticket to the ladies' game). All the girls got to give it a shot... Izzy (Haverkampf) hit it!! She didn't get a season ticket, but got a program of the girls! So awesome to watch!
Many of us caught up on laundry tonight, walked around Manchester a bit, and ate some treats! Much more relaxed and full of football!
Renee Oettinger, parent
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