Meeting El Tel starts the day

Arriving into Schipol
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Once we arrived at the airport we could see the weather forcasts were right and we would be bathed in gorious sunshine for the day.  Before we reached immigration we decided some liquid would be a good idea.  I was just waiting in the queue when Swainy started talking to a small man.  At first i thought it must of been one of his dads friends untill he turned around and i realised the small man buying a coffee was none other than the legend that is Terry Venables.

The guy was a true gentleman and a real pleasure to talk to.  One asked whether he was going to the match, he replied "I see you lads certianly are, no unfortunately iv got to get back to England this morning for some business."  "Iv just come from Eindhoven actually on a bit of business talking to Steve McClaren".  Make of that statement what you will, charity match on the previous night, next Boro boss or helping McClaren in the new England set-up, either way the rumor mill will be turning.  A quick photo, some 'good' luck and we were on our way with a feeling that this was a sign, could this be boro's day?  You can see from the photo that El-Tel is pure cheese on toast, they guy must practice that smile in the mirror.

28 degrees ensured sunburn would be due

The Legend El-Tel
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We managed to clear immigration and buy some train tickets quickly to get on the first train to Eindhoven.  I must say the Dutch railway system is miles better than our own and the trains seemed state of the art with luxury leather seats.  What are our train companies doing wrong?  When the train left the underneath of the airport we saw what a lovely day it was and it was clear that 28 degrees ensured sunburn would be due.

On our way we saw the Amsterdam Arena where Ajax play and from the outside it seems like an amazing stadium, why the final wasnt played there where it is closer to a major city (most of the boro fans had to go through Amsterdam) and a much larger capcity, only uefa know.

The outskirts of Amsterdam
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One thing we noticed on the train through the countryside, is how flat the country is.  You can literally see Horizon to Horizon in every direction with no obstacles, but the odd tree and windmill.  You have to see it to believe it!