Purmerend and Noord Holland

Yesterday (Saturday) I got to meet some of Boudines family at her little cousins track meet. I got to meet a few of her aunts and uncles and her two cousins. They were all really nice, and kind enough to speak English around me. After the track meet, Boudine and I went to downtown Pumerend to watch the Netherlands play Russia. The Dutch team lost 3-1 in the European Championship quarter finals. I have never seen such crazy sports fans! They definitely put all American sports fanatics to shame. After the game we hung out at the bars in downtown Purmerend and I got to meet some of Boudines friends. One thing I've had to get used to here is the Dutch greeting. Instead of a handshake or a hug, they give three kisses. It was definitely wierd to have random guys I've never met kissing me on the cheeks! Even though their team lost we still had a really good time. Today we drove to the northern part of the country to go mountain biking with Boudines parents. The bike trail took a couple hours and was one of the hardest things I've ever done. (My butt hurts sooo bad haha) Even though it almost killed me, the view from the top was one of the most awesome things I've ever seen. Tomorrow morning we leave for London, where we will meet up with Katie, Dave, Keller and Eric. I hope everyone is doing well....I don't miss home yet and I'm having an awesome time.