Updates Soon

As may have been noticed, there have been no updates lately. I have literally had nothing to say. My parents arrived here on Tuesday and we are heading to Ireland for my final shot at anything while over here on Monday. I will have more to talk about as soon as things happen...Sorry for the lack of updates.
Brian

Back in Augsburg

So I am back on the train headed back to Augsburg after just four days up near Gelsenkirchen. However the experience was a great one and truly one that will allow me to have confidence going into the future. After Tuesday’s session I felt pretty tired, but was energized for Wednesdays Morning sessions with Schalke II’s full team. As mentioned earlier, Tuesday’s session was only with Goalkeepers. You can see the pedigree that each of these guys come from, they are huge in comparison…6’3” 200+ lbs and athletic as hell. It’s pretty imposing but you hold your own and ear respect. There was an obvious level of comfort with each drill however I felt good about my performance. Anyways, at Wednesday’s session, I arrived around 9:30am and got changed into my get-up for the day. The practice started with a 30-minute team meeting, that I understood little of, then down to the field for a 10 minutes job with and without the ball around the field. After a bit of stretching the trainer Oliver called out the GK’s to go get warmed up…I was the only one to step out. What was going on? Where is the rest of the group? I was confused but went on and warmed up with an assistant by the name of Sven. As I’ve discussed in the past on my blog, everyone is really nice, and it is no different with the fussball guys. They understand your situation and just want to see what you got. That warm-up lasted about 10 minutes as the full-team did a crossing drill to two small goals for a bit. After that a drill was set up to work on 1v1 situations with a defender. Imagine the 18-yard box with each team of the 2 lining up at the edge of the box even with the goal. I would roll a ball out after a command to the middle and the opposite teams would sprint to win the ball, whoever got their first, went to goal…if you lost you defended. It was a pretty fun drill, that got expanded to 2v2 and I did well so I was encouraged. Practice ended with a conversation with a guy named Jonas who plays in Norway that was just training with the team, very nice guy who actually has a friend that plays for UIC.... we talked about the league and contacts and we will see if Norway is in the cards for me in the future. The trainer drove me home that day and we talked about everything but soccer, which was nice. As he dropped me off he told me to come to practice again the next morning with the team and head to GK training afterwards. I was pretty excited to keep being given these opportunities to continue training but realized that getting ahead of myself was far from possible. Nevertheless I headed to training that next morning. It was at the stadium where the second team plays its games, pretty cool old little stadium. Man, was it hot! I have been limited to training only a few times in the last few weeks and I definitely felt it that day. We started by doing a coned warm-up drill that seemed to last for maybe 15 minutes. Afterwards, Lars, another GK and I warmed-up for maybe 10-15 more minutes. We were then called into a drill that once again simulated 1v1 opportunities. However, this time there was no defender and it eventually turned into 2v1. It was from a through ball so it was constant sprinting up to cut down angles to a dive, back to the line…repeat. After 10 minutes I was gassed and it showed in my positioning and technique. I was too tired to continue at the pace I was looking for. Nevertheless, I wasn’t too happy with that session, but what can you do. After the session, Dennis, an agent who has been in contact with my brother got my attention from the stands. Great, I was hoping that he wasn’t there that day seeing as I wasn’t happy with the way I performed, but he was.ehh it’s fine. Anyways, immediately Lars and I traveled to the Arena for GK training. I didn’t know how I was going to be able to do this for another 1-2 hours. We did a lot of the same drills that we did on Tuesday, and I actually did really well. I was a lot happier in the afternoon than I was in the morning. I spoke with the GK trainer, who had another really German name that I can’t remember at the moment. He asked me if I was still going to be there tomorrow, but informed me that tomorrow (now today) was the last day of GK training before they had to make a decision on their four keepers. I knew that this was the end of the road for my training with Schalke, but I was totally content with what I did. I could still hope as Andreas was going to talk to the coach on Friday. Thursday turned out to be a very, very long day. I had left the house at 12:30, had team training at 2:30, GK Training at 4:30, and now had to take a 1ish hour train ride that I had never taken before back out to Hagen so Bianka could pick me up. I didn’t end up getting home till about 9 p.m and was so tired. I had to eat since I was starving and could barely stand…It always seems that whenever I am extra tired, I have no problem staying up late. Andreas arrived home around 11ish and told me to plan on heading to Frankfurt in the morning so I got ready to leave. However, on Tuesday, my cousin Bernd called me and informed me that Bernd Meier, the former 1860 GK that I trained with earlier in the trip had called him saying that a team in the Oberliga (6t division) was looking for a goalie. So I have decided to head to NederBayern once again to give it a try. After Andreas spoke to the coach at Schalke, we talked about what they thought of me, and their decision. Andreas told me they thought I was good enough to play in Germany’s 3rd or 4th division, which was a huge boost of confidence. In either of these leagues, soccer as a main source of income would be available, and to hear such a prediction from guys that are so high in the German structure really made me pretty happy. Although those are just words, I can take a lot from it. Also, they know who I am and how I play now, I will for the moment and maybe for some time be in their minds should anything every happen, or if a team comes calling in need of a GK. So that is awesome. Nevertheless, I am currently on the last leg of my return train and cant wait to see my family from the south again…it will be good to see some familiar faces. We will see what the next week or so holds. I think it will be pretty instrumental in my trip over here. If nothing works out with Oberhausen, or if I don’t get an opportunity to go anywhere else to apply my trade, then my voyage may be done. As always, I am missing home and more each day. Especially my girlfriend, not having anyone to share this with is sad in some respects but distance makes the heart grow fonder right? A quick shout-out to my guys from LUC. They have a game vs. Oakland at the National Soccer festival in Ft. Wayne, Indiana tonight and then head to Omaha, Nebraska to take on highly ranked Creighton in the season opener for both teams. Would be amazing to play at that place on opening night. I wish nothing but the best for those guys…they’re going to do some amazing things this year…just watch. Too much talent and experience not to. Before I finish this blog, I want to thank the Pokorny family for their kindness and help throughout this entire process. They went far and beyond what was needed and I am grateful. Hope everyone is doing well back home and all is well.
Ciao,
Brian

Schalke 04 II

So today I had a training session with the second team of Schalke 04. The entire day went by incredibly slowly, much like a game day in college does on a Friday night or something you're really looking forward to. After pacing around the backyard and playing on the computer for a bit, I finally left for the training ground. The drive took about 45 minutes, and we arrived 30 minuted before I was scheduled to meet the GK trainer. Probably the coolest thing about the entire facility is that it is open to the public. Right when we walked up, the entire first team practice is going on with hundreds of fans just watching Kevin Kuranyi, Manuel Nauer and co do their thing. It was pretty cool to see these professionals train in their environment and see the drills and stuff they do...very fun. So after a bit of wandering trying to find out where I needed to go, we finally met the Goalie trainer and I headed upstairs to change. I was nervous all day and the first moments of training defintely showed it. The ball seemed like something I had never seen before at first, but eventually I got my bearings back and calmed down and di my thing. I have lacked training so my goal was to not make any stupid mistakes...I accomplished that, but it may have not been as clean as I would have like..but overall it was a good session. The original plan was to come back Thursday, but they told me to come back for a full team practice tomorrow so that's pretty exciting...Anyways, we will see what happens..But now I have to get up in 8 Hours..which is gonna be hard...but wish me luck as my adventure continues...

P.S. The vidoes are obviously of the first team session, I am going to train and have the Pokorny's take some pictures, video of Thursday session from the team I am with.
Ciao,
Brian

Trains

Augsburg HBF: Train Stration

So, I’m writing this entry on the second leg of my train ride for the day but we’ll get back to that. Obviously, I have been waiting for the next chance at my dream. I finally got it. Today I have left for Gelsenchirken, the home of Schalke 04. While there, I will be training with the second team of this German giant. Schalke sits in 1^st place in the Bundesliga, and has made all the right moves to become Deustchemeister this year: Talent across the board, new coach who is a year off of leading his precious team to it’s first Bundesliga title…and bringing me in..no I’m totally kidding about that last part…however, Schalke is the real deal. I was at Bernd’s house yesterday eating dinner when we finally got the call from a family friend, Andreas to come up. After saying good-bye for the second time in a week, I was at my aunts. (BTW Baumgartner family..I will be back…I need to fly out of Munich when all is said and done…and besides, I left a bunch of stuff at Amparos.) It has been a hectic 12 hours but, it’s all for this. I will be training at least Tuesday and Thursday, who knows if I’ll be here later than that…but we can dream…I will be updating on the trainings throughout the week. Anywho: I began my day around 8 a.m after failing to be able to sleep at peace. Upon finally falling asleep after a massive headache I had at night. the family cat, Rico, constantly was running around the room, jumping on the bed and clawing at my sheet covered arms…not to mention I actually woke up shivering from the lack of heat in the late-August air. Anyways, after waking up at the said time, I went to go lay down again for a split second before my intended wake up of 9:30 only to land on the bed to a crashing noise. Yes, I broke the bed…must be the pretzels I’ve been eating day and night. I headed to the train station around 11 to recharge my cell phone minutes and arrive with enough time to not freak about missing my 12:03 departure time. Needless to say, we arrived with plenty of time. Just some dude as we whizz on by.

I jumped onto ICE 518. The ICE, Inter-City Express Trains, are awesome. They are the type of trains you see on Japanese ingenuity advertisements. You know, the trains that go 1,000 miles in 3 seconds. Well, actually I only saw the train reach 180 MPH, but still pretty sweet. The ride is incredibly smooth, another testament to German engineering. The first leg took just over 2 hours and I arrived in Mannheim with minutes to reach my next train, a simple EC 100 Ride. This train is similar to the train I wrote about in a previous blog, still incredibly smooth, just nowhere near as fast. However, as the views were nice, there are nowhere as nice as I have had on the second leg. We have been riding along a winding river the entire way on our voyage towards Koln. Castles, classic churches and prestine villages line the green water. Summer is definitely evident in Germany today. Tons of tourist boats find their ay through the water, bestowing great views upon each guest…Think it’s time to take a break, I’ll continue when I reach Koln and switch trains. Some of the views:

So I've just made my first mistake, let’s hope that it is my only one (update: It was!). The time window for my switch between the 2^nd and 3^rd train was only 5 min…not that the stations are big, but obviously you worry a bit when you are in a uncomfortable situation. I raced over to the gate, seeing that my window had been shortened and found another ICE train waiting for me with the train call number. I boarded, read the overhead message and was immediately confused. I said “Please do not board.” Abiding by the rules, I left the train and waited for another train to come. Waiting for 3 minutes as the train cleared, I expected another to come the same way. None did, rather another on the same track went the other way…well that was my train. Now I am on another commuter train heading to the same destination, however, I don’t know when I will be arriving….I had to race over because I only had 2 minutes to jump on this one and eventually make my way over. I think I should be arriving 20 minutes later…let’s only hope. I do not want to put my hosts more out of their way than they already are. I guess I will just sit here, listen to music and wait for the train voice to tell me, “Next Stop: Haggen HBF.” PUMPKINS!Once again: The train system here is truly remarkable…Not only are the train a hell of a lot smoother and newer than Chicago’s transit…the are cleaner, and even have bathrooms and garbage cans…It doesn’t hurt to not have drunken Hobo’s wandering around peeing on the floor…than again it’s not 3am..who knows what goes on in Germanys railway at that hour. So, I’m off the train and headed to my next destination…now to finally meet Bianca, Luca, Leon and Andreas. I walk off the train to see two people greeting me. Bianca and Leon...it is an immediate notion of what this family is like. Bianca is a very nice woman and it's immediately seen in the kindess of her smile. Leon is the families eldest son and loves life, and loves talking. When we got to the house, he took me on a 20 minutes walk around the woods in their back yard hills...reminded me a whole lot of the house I grew up in...child's paradise. Upon arriving, the fmailies younges, Luca, introduced himself and we went inside to finally meet Andreas. One again, two of the nicest people, and I could tell that my Dad acknoledged that they were "good people." The boys and I played some soccer in the back for maybe 20 minutes and then dinner was served. Ian, a family friend was with us. I knew that Ian was a professional hockey player from Canada, same with Andreas (from germany)...but I didn't realize what past this guy had. He had played in the world championships and NHL in the mid 80's with guys like Mario Lemieux, Wayne Gretzky, Paul Coffey, just to name a few..very cool...also he was an incredibly nice guy. Anyways, after dinner my Mom and I had a nice skype chat...yes, My mom is on Skype...it was good to see her face for the first time in months...hopefully my Dad can come home and join the party too...
Anyways, I should probably head to bed seeing as tomorrow is a big day...Gooodnight all, talk to you soon!

Mein Ticket

Ciao,
Brian

Family Trip! Family Trip!

So, I've been here now for the last 6 weeks. I miss everyone back home...from my parents and family, to my girlfriend and friends. However, what this trip has also allowed me to do is see what family really means. I have a great family at home and understand that my immediate family and the Velinski family is what I have had surrounding me my entire life. They have been my family for my entire life. Nevertheless, I have been blessed to have family all around the world, from South Florida, to Portland, to Spain, Germany and Ireland. Obviously, it begins to get tough when you see the brothers and sisters of your parents only 1 once or twice a year if that..however my family overseas...that's another story. Until this trip, I have seen Bernd and Simone a total of 3 times between them. I do not even remember the first time I saw either, however I did see Bernd in Jamaica for my sisters wedding two years ago. Simone and I basically met when I got here. However, the Baumgartner family has allowed me to realize despite the number of miles, the distance between, and years of separation family is still family. We have adopted eachother into a large estranged family that enjoys one another company and has grown into a larger family of sorts.
I have travel everything and anywhere with Aunt Amparo, Bernd, Simone, Alex, Marcela, Alyssia and Co. It's been great getting to see things with them and finally get to know and understand each one of them. Lately, the Bernd Clan and I have traveled to water and amusement parks, and began our adventures in Knippeing. First, we traveled to SkyLine Park which is a smaller version of six flags. However it really is the perfect amusement park for me. I hate standing in lines for 3 hours and getting on a 30 second ride. The rides at Skyline are good enough to have a great time and the lines never exceed 30-40 minutes...if they even get that long. The Park wasn;t very crowded for the two days we were there, and each ride was quick enough to go on and move on. The rides range from roller coasters, to a bungee ball ride called the Sky Shot. By far, one of the most heart pounding experiences of my life. There is something about a bunch of springs and strings holding together your life that gets me. The funny thing is, while I am not nearly as composed on these rides as my cousin, he is the exact opposite of me on roller coasters. He hates nuts and bolts, I hate strings and springs. Anyways, After the two visits to the amusement park, we headed to an indoor/outdoor swimming park, Galaxy Erding. It has all the slides and rides you would expect, but all inside. In fact it is home to two Guinness book World Records, for distance. The plaques are on the walls, so that was col to see. It was my first experience doing something like this in maybe 10 years, so to say the least I was very excited. The pool was home to the largest tube slide in Europe, nearly 400 meters long. Once again, the rides very very fun and not nearly as packed as some of the lines that I am used to in the US, so to me it was a cake walk and a great experience. I am lucky to have Bernd offer me these trips and make my trip that much more enjoyable. After each of these long days, your feet are understandably tired. We all know the feelings of coming home after a full day on your feet, and you need nothing more than a message. Enter Kneipping, defined technically as the"Kneipp Cure", or a form of hydrotherapy, a system of healing involving the application of water through various methods, temperatures and pressures. Sebastian Kneipp founded the process of healing by water when working in the fields all day. With a swollen foot, he had scheduled an appointment to see the doctor. Prior to the visit the next day, he worked in the fields. His feet, surrounded by damp water all day were healed when he woke the next day. Basically what this is in today's terms is a walking pool, as shown in the picture, when you walk with one leg in the water at a time. The water is cold, and filtered throughout the day. Imagine taking a slightly warm ice bath for your legs. You do about 2 or three circuits around the pool which measures probably 30 or 40 yards in length. Then, surrounding the Kneipp pool is a series of "sandbox" type structures. Each box differs from pure sand, cork, shredded plastic pieces, protruding rocks or wooden planks. Each aims to stimulate the senses in your feet, and is a welcome end to a long day of walking. By the end of the experience you feel completely rejuvenated and any sign of being tired or fatigued is relatively gone. To be honest, its something I will explore when I come home, to either build or find...if possible. The states could completely use something like this. Also, i would have definitely done this each day before a game if I had it in my backyard. It's become a past time of ours now, as we go 3-4 times a week. It's been great spending time with everyone. After all of these activities we also go back to Bernds house and play some Wii. I'm the Hula King...
As you can notice, there has not been much discussion about soccer lately. There has not been much going on. I was supposed to head up to Schalke 04 II this Tuesday but that got pushed back until next week, We are still waiting to hear from anyone in Ireland and any possible Agents. It;s a bit frustrating and I find myself becoming more and more homesick and missing those who are important to me. It would be different if things were actively going on, but this stalemate makes it harder and harder. We will stay strong and try things as they come...

Anyways, I'm Out.
Miss You All...
Brian

See, this is a late night snack made by my Aunt...awesome family

Other Travels

Apart from Dachau, I have been able to visit Landberg, Munich. Landsberg is a beautiful town with old stone streets, a seemingly italian feel and beautiful architecture and landscape. A huge river runs parallel to downtown and the building are picturesque colors and construction. It was a short trip with my aunt and cousin, but it was fun and allowed me to see yet another part of the country. The next stop, one that definitely came better late than never was Munich. Obviosuly when in Bavaria, you must visit this incredible city. With over 1 million calling it home, the huge city has managed to stay away from the big city feel...well at least for me. Yes, there are swarms of people, but the layout and building structure is nothing more than what would be expected from a large European town and not a world mega-center. After a 30 minute drive and a seemingly shorter train ride to the center of one of Europe's greatest cities, we finally arrived. Walking up the stairs I really didn't know what to expect, great skyscrapers or old stone roads. I guess I was just expecting Chicago. However, the structure of every European city was still prevalent in this place. A town square, old buildings and great eats. We walked around and saw the Frauenkirche, what a beautiful church. Our day was limited to about 5 or 6 hours, so each visit was short. We basically just walked around and saw what we could. We saw the town hall and other normal things that you visit when in Munich. It was a fun trip and a great experience with family that I would be shortly be leaving.

Update

Wow, it's been a long time since I wrote on this information medium. Anyways, here it goes. I'll start with my non-soccer adventures once again since, there really hasn't been much going on here...unfortunately. Ha, I don't even know where to start it's been so long. Okay, so after the castles, it's bascially been a long running tourist show with my Aunt and my Cousins Bernd and Simone. One of the more "American" things that I have done since being here was to visit the Concentration Camp at Dachau.
This was an awesome experience and was filled of countless emotions and revelations into the 5th grade student that was Brian Byrne. As Americans, we are constantly shown videos, pictures, primary sources and other historical anecdotes to the atrocity that was Hitler's Third Reich. Every american thinks they know what an interment camp is/was. However, until you experience it in real life, and take the countless images of slain victims from WW2 and have them peiced together in front of your eyes, and allow your memories take over your senses...you have no idea. Seeing the unused "showers" the Barracks where 40,000+ lived the final stages of their lives in wooden crates was unreal.
The crematoriums are definitely a creepy sight and just to have all this stuff actually in front of you makes you feel a differnt way than you did in class. To be honest, and this is a bit obvious...the blog isn't going to do any justice so I'll just end it here..I went to a concentration camp, it was sad, emotional and information filled. Here are some pics