Hello, everybody!
 
Sorry it has been so long; we have encountered more Internet trouble which is unbelievably frustrating. I can’t even remember the last time we wrote, early last week I think. So, quick updates, we still have no jobs, either one of us. Both teams are searching for us now, I know Jen’s coaches/managers are now looking a little more diligently and my manager and teammates have started keeping an eye out and asking around. Hopefully something comes up soon. We are going to go to Basel on Monday and do the old walk in and ask if they have any openings. We have found a few English/Irish bars and a few other nicer establishments that we will look in to see if they need an experienced bartender. Jen is looking into a fitness center that has English-speaking clients and perhaps room for an English-speaking trainer. 
 
My team had our first real game on Tuesday this week. It was a Cup game, which means it wasn’t in league play; we played a team in the league above us and although it was close, we ended up losing by 7 or 8 I think. I unfortunately didn’t get the chance to play; we have run into a problem with our player cards. Many thanks to Steve for working quickly and diligently to solve the problem. We both have games later today, the first of our league matchups, both games are at home.  They are at the same time though, so we will not be able to watch each other.  Jen will for sure be able to play and I think I will.  Player card issues!  Regardless, we will both be able to play next weekend for sure. 
 
We worked Wednesday and Thursday of this week for Jen’s coach. Much easier work this time; not so much manual labor and I escaped unscathed Blessings! Side note: My Achilles has healed wonderfully, the scar is actually not so big (disappointing) and I have no after effects. Gotta love American-schooled doctors.  The little bit of work that Jen’s coach has been able to provide has kept us from going bankrupt, we live rather cheaply, only spend money at Starbucks so we can use their internet and on gas for the Vespa, which is literally like $10 a gallon – Ridiculous!
 
Starbucks has been amazing for us though.  The workers let us sit for hours and use the Internet.  It is always interesting getting to Basel to the Starbucks but we always make it.  I ride the Vespa and Jen rides a teammates’ bike.  Basel is like any big city in the US with one ways and such, but with a few added obstacles: A. I really don’t understand the signs and they apply differently to Mopeds. B. Some roads are for buses only, some for people only and as mentioned in A, I don’t understand the signs.  C. Bikers usually but not always have their own marked lanes and Euro bikers are crazy and there are a million of them.  Many who have very little disregard for their own lives apparently, because they feel free to ride in the middle of busy lanes all over the city.  I can’t stop envisioning smashing a biker with the Vespa, hope it never happens.  I have only been pulled over once but Jen and I ride in fear of breaking some law every trip to Basel.  Hopefully it never ends in a visit to the impound, for you must remember these vehicles are not ours.
 
Last weekend was our last “free” weekend and we enjoyed it. I spent Friday night with my teammates.  We started at the local bar they frequent in Weil, called the Sit In. We then ventured to a festival that was thriving on the streets in old town Weil. Déjà vu struck around midnight when I found myself surrounded by old men singing German folk songs. After a few minutes of this, my teammates introduced me to a new wrinkle in the festival; a makeshift bar that played young/hip music. It was a nice change from the Old Man Folk Karaoke. I got home late but had a blast with my teammates.  Saturday night Jen and I joined her teammates at one of the team houses for a cook out.  We played German Karaoke on the PS2, Jen and I are not good singers as is, so you can imagine what we sounded like singing German songs. Needless to say, our team did not win. We spent the rest of the evening chatting and playing a variety of games. It was a very enjoyable evening. 
 
We are both improving greatly in the handball area, which is good because that is the whole point of moving to this beautiful country. Practices are going well; we are understanding more and more to the point that we don’t need our teammates to translate drills and instructions anymore. 
 
We are signing off. Gotta head back to Grenzach for our pregame meal. Hope all is well back in the States.

P.S. Congrats to Gary Hines on the MVP nomination. Keep up the good work, big fella.