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We start the day with 8:00 am breakfast at the hotel. Unlike our prior hotels, this is a true continental breakfast with breads, cereals, juices and coffees. A small plate of cheese and salami are the only protein available.
While the boys finished breakfast, one family sought out a familiar destination - the first one in Hungary.
While the boys finished breakfast, one family sought out a familiar destination - the first one in Hungary.
Lunch was back at the restaurant near our hotel. We started with a fruit yogurt soup that arrived at each table in one enormous bowl. Once tasted, the boys devoured the sweet soup. This was followed by either chicken fillets or spaghetti with meat sauce. The boys ate their fill and then some.
After lunch we were treated to a guided tour of Budapest. Our Hungarian guide spoke English and gave the team a detailed history of the city as we drove to different parts of the City. Our first stop was Freedom Square, which features statutes of 12 heroes of Hungary.
It was the perfect setting for a team photo.
The final stop on the tour was the castle that sits in the hills about Budapest. Our guide gave us a brief tour, showing us some of the highlights and giving us time to explore portions of the castle on our own. The team gathered in areas to take in the views and learn more about the history of the area.
Our second scrimmage took place at 5:30 pm at the National Training Center. The team faced the same Hungarian club who they thoroughly trounced earlier in the day. It appeared that the Club brought a couple of extra players, but it would not make a difference. Newport rolled and scored at will. After 90 minutes of play, the coaches signaled that the scrimmage would end after the next goal. The Newport defense held strong to ensure that the Hungarians would not score. I'm not sure the Hungarians realized what Newport did at the end of the game, but the team decided that the last goal would be scored by our starting goalie, Chris Whitelegge. And sure enough, his goal would end the scrimmage.
Our final dinner in Hungary took place at our regular restaurant, Don Pepe's - a pizzeria with a name that suggested they served Mexican food (something we all missed). The wonderful meal ended with closing remarks from both coaches and team leader, Andrew Duhoux.
The boys returned to the hotel to relax and prepare for the departure tomorrow.
