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12/15-12/20 Caitlin Bell The Pride of Cincinnati in Amsterdam Well, from the 15-20 of February we took a trip to the Netherlands for the European Regional. It was an amazing trip. We had a blast. The trip started out a little rough for me, but it only got better from there. We were supposed to meet at K-mart in Florence, Kentucky on Wednesday to drive to the airport together. Kim and I got REALLY lost on the way and were the LAST people to arrive, but we all got to the airport with plenty of time. After being on airplanes for many hours, we arrived in Amsterdam. We were very exhausted, but we weren’t too worried because we all planned to sleep while we waited in the airport for 5 hours. But, apparently, it’s ILLEGAL to sleep or sit on the floor in public places in Amsterdam. So after making my self an excellent bed on my suitcases, I was rudely awoken by a NOT NICE man in a fluorescent yellow vest. So I was a little cranky, but finally I outsmarted them and slept anyways while sitting on a bench with my head on my suitcase (it was reminiscent of high school desk sleeping). Finally we left the airport, got some food and arrived at Pride Hall (where we would be sleeping for the next 3 days). We rehearsed and went to bed. Friday we rehearsed and then went to dinner with the mayor. They gave us a reception and took us all to dinner at a restaurant on the canal. Then we did the clinic with Oracle. That was great. It was good to see their show and how different their style was than ours. They were great and really nice. Saturday was a whirlwind of events. We rehearsed for 2 seconds, did prelims, rehearsed for 2 seconds, and did our FINALS performance. Both shows were great and so much fun. It was nice to get that much reaction and energy from the crowd. We had a blast! After that we went back for our “party” at Pride Hall. All the Pride of the Netherlands people was there and we hung out and danced all night long. Which did cause us to sleep in an hour and a half later than planned on Sunday morning. J But it was worth it to get to hang out and meet all those great people. After our late start, we finally made it to Amsterdam on Sunday for our free day. Everyone broke into groups and went off to experience the beautiful city. Our first stop was the Anne Frank House. It was a terrific experience and well worth the 45 min wait outside. After that I shopped and ate and then went back to the hotel to nap and meet up with the rest of the POC, but…they weren’t there. Sam and I were the only 2 out of 31 members at the hotel. We had no way to find out where everyone else went so…I fell asleep for 3 hours until everyone started making their way back to the hotel. Once everyone was back, we hung out down in the hotel restaurant and then headed to our rooms to unwind from a long weekend. Then it was time to embark on the EVEN LONGER journey home. But we all made it back safe and sound and after waiting 4 hours (not quite that long J) for a shuttle we got in our cars and drove home back in the good ole USA. The trip was super fun and I will never ever forget it. Love always, Caitlin
Back to the 2006 Diaries page!
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