NORWAY WITH WEAVER >>

Tuesday, January 23, 2006

A few weeks have passed now since my arrival in Haugesund, and I have just returned from our first team trip to Bergen. There has been a bit of disappointment for me because I injured my ankle during our first training match. Consequently, rest and rehab have been my routine for a week now, but I should be able to return to training this week.

Aside from dealing with the injury, the trip to Bergen was full of excitement. The three-hour trip was made by ferry and bus. The ferry ride was not unlike a trip from Seattle through Puget Sound with remarkable scenery of islands and ocean as we traveled along the rugged coast. Riding the bus out of the mountains into Bergen, my eyes were wide open, trying to take in everything I could. The town is built on the ocean, and in and around the numerous fjords. The landscape juts pretty much straight up from the water to white-capped mountains, with homes built into the slopes. Bergen has an incredibly picturesque backdrop.

The team followed a typical roadtrip routine - trainings, matches, team meals, etc., and played two matches against other first division teams, winning both. On the last evening, we had a nice dinner together and threw a social to encourage the team to get to know each other better. The social included a series of games and entertainment in a private room at the hotel. A few of the Norwegian players were quite hilarious, and not at all afraid to put themselves out there for the sake of a good time. After the social, many of the players went out to explore the downtown, myself included. The Bergen nightlife was bustling with people. The bars, clubs, and cafes were crowded, and everyone seeming to be enjoying themselves.

After a late breakfast the next morning, we traveled back to Haugesund. Now I sit here writing from my kitchen table, looking out at the snow falling. I am anxious to get back to training tomorrow, but also glad that it will be indoors.

- Cam