Sweden x3

Hey all! Its that time again, volleyball season! I arrived in Sweden last Tuesday morning, groggy and with very few hours of sleep to run on. I was even more distracted then I usually am on a regular basis, if you can imagine. The flights were pretty smooth and I must say that I wasn't as scared or nervous as I have been in the past. Go me! I was picked up at the airport by the manager of the club, Olle, then driven to the train station in Stockholm to take the train to Orebro. There I met Maddis at the station and then driven to my new apartment. I met our new setter and back up setter at the apartment. Hopefully I was not to out of it to make a good first impression. That night we had a practice, however I sat out this time since I was nervous of hurting myself or anyone else on the team in the condition I was in. Getting zero sleep doesn't exactly make things easier on your motor functions.

The next morning we had the entire day off, which would have been great if I hadn't woken up at 6am wide awake again. I took my time through out the day and was able to go grocery shopping (carrying 4 full bags does a number on your neck and shoulders). My new place is situated in a perfect location. I am around the corner from an ICA (grocery store), a very cute and cozy cafe, a bike shop and on the corner is the second best pizza place in Orebro. I have three teammates in the area as well, Angie, Hanna and Elsa. All with in walking or biking distance.

Thursday we had morning practice at 8am, which was easy for me since I was awake at 6am again anyway. After morning practice Angie, Kris, Maddis and I decided to try out the cafe around the corner from me. We spent a good 2 hours there during lunch and found that the place was in fact cozy and the food was great. I will definitely be making visits occasionally through out the season. That night we had a scrimmage match against Lindesberg (the team who won the championship last season). There I also finally got to talk to/see Brittany Brown. She played at Northeastern University as well. We never played together but I had seen her play a couple times in my 5th year. The scrimmage was a good time for our team to get it together somewhat and also find a rhythm with one another. It was a good time for me to shake off the jetlag and get in a few swings. It was a good learning experience for us all and showed us that we still have things to work on individually and as a team.

Friday we had a practice and then set off to a summer camp that our coach works during the summer. Although, we did not know this getting in the bus for the trip right away. When we got there, everything was revealed.

(To be continued...)