SATURDAY: 13.07.2024

Our journey was plagued by a police operation, confusion and delays by the DB, as well as the aforementioned train cancellations. For this reason, we arrived at the hotel around 5 PM, about an hour late. Despite everything, it was worlds better than the trip to Bordeaux. Conveniently, there was a restaurant right next door to feed 14 hungry ER-Force members after a 9-hour journey. After unpacking and setting up, we decided to unwind a bit and explore Eindhoven:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUNDAY: 14.07.2024

At 9:30 AM, hunger was great, so we set out to find breakfast. Since most cafes were too expensive and the bakery had little to offer despite open doors, most of us ended up at McDonald’s, where we discussed the day’s plan and the status of the various sub-teams. Back at the hotel, things quickly got underway, and some were surprised to find it was already 5 PM and time for the Journal Club – the ETDP discussion of other teams. This took place in the same spot as in the morning, but it was much fuller now. After 2 hours of discussion and a filling dinner, we went straight back to work on the robots, which lasted for some until 12:30 AM:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MONDAY: 15.07.2024

Full of anticipation for the hall, the tournament, and a bit more space to work, we set off around 8:30 AM. While most of the team brought the equipment into the hall and set it up, a small group went to get essential snacks and breakfast. At first, there was concern about getting the badges for entry. They were only available in the paperless RoboCup against a signed piece of paper, and we didn’t have a printer in our hand luggage. However, the procedure was fairly quick and painless. By now, everyone is strengthened, and the work on the robots is in full swing.

Fun Fact: The site of the ETDP discussion also featured a statue of Frits Philips, the founder of the Philips company, who lived to be 100 years old and witnessed both world wars.