Wilkommen Zum Football..


...or something like it. Started this lightning trip on Wednesday after work jetting into Hamburg at 10pm-ish. My eskimo guide Nadine met me at the airport and we were back at hers in no time. Thanks to a highly efficient bus system. I think it was modelled on the London bus system but with literate bus drivers who could read time.

I was starving when i got in, but Halibut Cheek and Loin of Seal was out of season due to it being summer in the Arctic and all. So Nadine dished out exotic Brot and Wurst which is just as good, well almost.

Game day. Ecuador vs Costa Rica. At the gates for the first time in a long time, i was not manhandled or searched by police or security officials. This time it was Nadine's turn. Obviosuly from the company she kept.

While i was in line i ran into these Parramatta EELS supporters. When i asked them about the shitty season they replied in Spanish "Ole Ole Ole Ole, Ecuador, Ecuador". I think it has something to do with Olive Oil delivered to your door.

Inside the stadium, me and Nadine proved quite popular and these two star-struck fans stopped us and requested a photograph. Who were we to deny them of their good fortune?

Inside the stadium it was packed to the rafters with Ecuadorians and Costa Ricans. By the way Costa Ricans fans should be employed by US Immigration. They stopped all the Mexican Waves. Party poopers.

After the game which was won by an outstanding Ecuadorian outfit, we ended up at the beach. Or as close as i have been to a beach since Thailand. There was sand, and sunchairs, and cushions... cushions??? what the??


So after much sand and sun and drinking sangria, we headed home. An early morning wake up and back to the real world of work. Where I write this... on the man's time. Yeah....