I just wanted to let you know that our German friends arrived safely in Germany. After two incredible weeks of excitement, they are back home "digesting" their newly experienced impressions. When Coach Norm and I dropped them off at the airport Wednesday afternoon, we both had the impression that all 15 German guests were happy. They were appreciative of the two weeks they had spent with us and they are looking forward to welcoming us "on their turf."
All swimmers felt that they were in much better shape than they were two weeks ago thanks to Coach Ray's creative practices. They were begging Coach Peter to incorporate some of the workouts in his practices. It was fun to watch the German swimmers compete against the American swimmers at the end of a practice. They did have practice on THursday afternoon and doubles on Friday. Everybody showed up and they were really pumped up for their practices. They just wanted to show what they had learned training with Coach Benecki for two weeks. Just today the local newspaper in Essen published an article about their training camp with the FISH in Virginia.
I also know that our guests experienced America at its best. Thanks to those families who were able to host a swimmer or a few swimmers, or host a dinner, they were able to see how an American family lives and what differences do exist between the two cultures. This exchange clearly broadened their cultural horizon.
I also know that our guests experienced America at its best. Thanks to those families who were able to host a swimmer or a few swimmers, or host a dinner, they were able to see how an American family lives and what differences do exist between the two cultures. This exchange clearly broadened their cultural horizon.
Some of the sightseeing highlights included visiting the Mall, the Capitol, the Zoo, Arlington Cemetery, Great Falls Park, Old Rag Mountain, the Udvar Hazy Annex, the German Embassy, Theodore Roosevelt Island, Tysons Corner, having dinner at Fudruckers, visiting Georgetown, a tour at George Mason University etc. There were some interesting moments, too. I can't tell you how many times they got lost! All of a sudden a simple trip from Spring Hill Rec to my house in McLean lasted one hour. At one time I had to chase them for nearly two hours to finally connect with them againin DC when we had started in Virginia. They also got stuck in a toll booth. It was funny and they had a good sense of humor about all this.
Needless to say, this was a huge success and I want to thank you again to all the families for their generosity to make this a positive experience for both teams, the SG Essen and the FISH.
Needless to say, this was a huge success and I want to thank you again to all the families for their generosity to make this a positive experience for both teams, the SG Essen and the FISH.
For visual impressions please follow link:
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