“Stan” was brought in shortly after I arrived… a former Republic of Ireland player; I remember there was much to do in the press.

Sweden is a solid club that boasts more than one international star. They scheduled this friendly (that is, a scrimmage) as a tune up before upcoming World Cup play this summer in Germany. Last year, Ireland failed to qualify.

I am expecting a spirited Ireland effort, a young squad under a new manager, but to eventually fall to a stacked Swedish team.

But, as the Jameson began to effectively fight off the winter chill, and I allowed myself to get swept along in the cheers, chants, fanfare and pageantry, I noticed that the scrappy Irish squad was sticking around.

Eventually, Damien Duff struck a ball off a defender’s foot and behind the Swedish goalkeeper. 1-0 Ireland.

Ireland ended up winning 3-0 (or in Irish, “tree – nil”) and I ended up having a grand old time for myself… cheering and chanting with the supporters, and even making up some of my own.

While it was a mere friendly, to the 49,000 + people in attendance, it certainly felt of much more. And, for a few hours at least, I could say I was a part of the future of Ireland “football”.

Thursday: I took some time off from my internship and decided to meet my girlfriend in Brussels. She is studying abroad in Spain and we chose a time and place to meet… Brussels, Thursday.

So after a day of traveling and a night of sampling the many varieties of Belgian beer, we retired until…

Friday...

Upon more than one recommendation, mi novia and I took a bus tour of Brussels, and it was a pleasant treat – much like the chocolate.

But, by early afternoon, we were ready to visit a classmate studying nearby – in the world of canals and coffee shops.

Amsterdam.

After a sleepy train ride, and a whirlwind ride through the city via tram, we hit the town pretty hard.

And here is where the blog will get a little hazy… “When in Rome…”

Saturday/ Sunday...
I distinctly remember seeing the Heineken Brewery and the Van Gogh museum.

Classic, colorful paintings and free half-pints.

And I also remember seeing the red-light district… a trip in and of itself.

Little more than a few shady streets, it was not exactly what I was expecting.

Potential customers stroll down narrow alleyways lined with wide, open windows with red neon lights surrounding the windows.

(Closed windows means business is being transacted…)

Prostitutes can be seen in these windows, acting coy or employing little catcalls. Some pretend to idly chat on their cell phone or nonchalantly twirl their hair and blow bubbles with their gum.

My personal favorites were the ones who were blatantly talking to themselves, but still playing the “part”.

For some reason, they felt the need to pretend to be uninterested in customers to be effective. It was all very funny.

And despite their professions and brazen exhibitionism, they were also very camera shy.

Sorry, no pictures, Mom… Although, I did snag some of the city so look for those here soon.

All told, I had some fun while seeing some unique foreign culture. Amsterdam is a beautiful city… fantastic architecture and sprawling canals… modern and fast-paced transportation, and people bike Everywhere! … Must be all the coffee.

Thursday I head to the west side of Ireland to Galway and the Arran Islands… So check back for some new additions.

Cheers!

-brian h.