Hi Judy:

Sounds like you are having a good time in Holland.

Do the USA teams receive any funds from the ACBL to cover expenses?

We wish Bobby and his team and the other USA teams the best of luck.

Darwin & Kay

Dear Kay and Darwin:

We’ve had fun, eating up a storm but the serious stuff will soon begin. As I prepare to meet Bobby at the Opening Cocktail Party in half an hour, he and his teammates are assembling with their captain to discuss lineups, strategies, other teams’ systems, etc. This is what just walked out my door in compliance with the ‘uniform code” (ha! ha!).

Black shoes, navy socks, khaki pants, navy jacket, red tie and white dress shirt. I can’t imagine what happened to the guy I’m married to. The whole room will be filled with the same ensembles. Glad I have choice of my own outfit. You might think you were at the academy.

As far as expenses, the USBF gives a paltry stipend (in lieu of the cost of airfare alone) and $150 toward the “uniform code’ which cost me three times that as we will be here three weeks an I don’t intend to play laundress so I bought a healthy supply of shirts. Bear in mind most are decently sponsored teams, so many are very well compensated in addition to the USBF allowance. In answer to your question, it doesn’t begin to cover expenses, but it does help.

Thanks for your good wishes.

Cheers,

Judy