Miami's women's basketball team in Paris.  • Europe Trip Index Page

"I'm leaving on a jet plane. Don't know if I'll be back again."

The basketball team embraced this motto during this trip to Europe, from beginning to end. Everyone on the trip knew that the trip could be a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore the various locations of Switzerland, Germany and France. Differences came with how members of the team handled this knowledge.

Some team members made sure that they brought plenty of gifts a home, a taste of everything. Among these items were the wine and chocolates from Switzerland. I, in fact, had to carry a separate bag to carry all the chocolate I bought to share with brothers and sisters. Wine from Switzerland is not exported, so many bought some to bring home as a unique gift. Unfortunately, it didn't all make it back without breaking. Hopefully Maria can find a skilled dry-cleaner or else it's another day of maternity clothes shopping!!!

Other treasures brought back were mugs and glasses from Germany, in remembrance of their love of barley and hops. World Cup souvenirs were also purchased...what an opportunity to watch the World Cup Final in the country of a team who was in the final!! It seemed that Paris souvenirs came mostly in the form of postcards or drawings of the Cathedral of Notre Dame and other landmarks, rosaries from Notre Dame, and any type of clothing that contained the word Paris on it. Then again, some players, like Kim Smith, decided to do personal shopping no matter where she was.

Others cared less about souvenirs and concentrated on capturing moments of the trip with their camera. By the end of the trip we were all "pictured out". However, it can be assumed that the pictures will not be able to fully capture the moment with the same intensity as the personal site of it was. The Alps of Switzerland and Lake Geneva, surrounded by the petite houses and lively apartments has to be seen to fully appreciate its beauty. Also the laid back atmosphere of Germany, with its stone roads and Munster Cathedral cannot be captured in a photo. Neither can the feeling one gets when atop the Eiffel Tower in Paris (mine was fear)!

Though souvenirs and pictures are an attempt to remember this trip. The trip's most important benefit is the time that the team was able to spend together on and off the court. Each game displayed an improving team, and the days of practice before hand helped us take an important step in lifting the Miami Women's Basketball Team to a new level.

Finally, some seemed to not only take away the different lifestyles and ideals of the various foreign countries, but also gained a greater appreciation for the good old USA! Free refills, ice, ice, ice, television stations, not having to pay for the use of public bathrooms, and sane drivers (believe it or not!) are just a few things our team has gained an appreciation more.

So as we all sit here on our 9 hour flight back to Cincinnati, it will be interesting to see who has had a taste of a different way of life and wants more, and who has had their fill and will probably never leave the United States again (Jana?). No matter what the outcome, the trip was worth the 2 years of fundraising! We will never forget this experience.

On behalf of the entire team and staff, we would like to thank anyone who helped in anyway to make this trip possible. Any effort to send us to Europe is greatly appreciated! Thank you.

Colleen Day

P.S. Thanks to Lois and Austin Gleason for providing meals for the trip.