20 July 2003

Last day away from home and wow did it take long. 4 hour bus ride to copenhagen, kids slept the whole way, what a surprise. They were great with the early wakeup and their rooms were cleaned up nicely and quickly. Guess they are ready to get home.

Flight to Iceland and some time for last minute shopping, still no Americal fast food ban but soft drinks are allowed again and most of the kids do not go back to the soft drinks, a lesson learned maybe? Flight to Baltimore and we say goodbye to each other as Dallas heads off to flight and Chicago heads off to their flight. Chicago catches their flight and is home at decent hour, but for us Dallas people we miss our flight and have to stay in hotel for the night.

We had fun though and a great meal and then a real bed, but not for long as a 4:30 wake up call to go back to the airport. Caught our flight and then bad weather kept us in air longer than expected and we once again get delayed in Cincinnatti. This is becoming a quest to get home.

Mcdonalds for breakfast and all of a sudden the weather clears up and we rapidly run to our gate to catch our flight. 38 hours after we leave Gothenburg, we arrive back in Dallas, a little weary but happy to see our families and busting with memories to share with our families.

Just wait until ya'll see the video. Upon my return, I received an email from our Icelandic friend Dadi and here is what he wrote to our kids.

 

"Thanks to all on the 2003 Stars and Stripes team for being excellent ambassadors for their country while visiting us in Iceland. Your smiling faces and great attitude left a lasting imprint. Best of luck to all of you in the future."

- Dadi Rafnsson, FC Haukar, Hafnarfjordur, Iceland

 

What an absolutely great trip and I thank all of the players and families for their hard work and support and especially to Tom and Ange for being great once again. Another successful Stars 'n Stripes trip without losing any kids, how do we continue to do it.

"Isn't it time you got serious about your soccer."

Ed