Sunday football

The nice thing about staying in and relaxing on a Saturday is that you get to start your Sunday off early. As summer approaches the sun comes out earlier and earlier and stays up later and later… The weather has been beautiful recently and thanks to the Asshole at the track (see previous post) I found a beautiful park nearby with a mile-long path around it. I have yet to go running there without seeing children playing and other people with their dogs and I can let Dexter off the leash as long as he is ‘under control’. It’s great.
Tristan and I got up early and went for a run…again, a benefit of having someone around. I got my fastest time so far (which is still too pathetic to mention here) and felt great afterwards.
Claire came by and picked all three of us up at noon and we took a cab out to Watford to watch the Carling Cup Final at Walkabout (an Australian pub). I must say, I already know one of the things I’m going to miss when I leave the UK is the pub atmosphere… especially during a football (soccer) game. The game didn’t start until three, but it was a good thing we got there before one because the place was completely packed even before the time the game started. Out here, everyone comes out to the pubs to watch the big games instead of sitting at home. Everyone yells and screams at the screen… random people argue and cheer with each other as if they are old friends… and my favourite part is the chanting and singing. Each team has a variety of songs and chants that the fans use for all different types of happenings throughout the game. There are also assorted chants and jeers that are directed at each team from the opposition’s fans. And everyone seems to know them… it’s awesome. Also, when they play a game on TV here the only time there is a commercial break is during half-time… you get 45 minutes of action, 10 minutes to pee and refill food and drinks, and 45 more minutes of action. In yesterday’s game, we got even more than that, as it went into over time and ended in a shootout. Again, awesome.
I find myself becoming a fan of the sport too… after watching a few games, it’s easy to see why this is the number one sport in so many parts of the world. These guys are literally running their asses off the entire time they are on the field…they are tremendous athletes. Also, anything can change at any given moment and the fouls provide plenty of fodder for debate and interpretation (“He clearly didn’t do that on purpose!” or “He clearly did!!”). I don’t even have ‘a team’, but I find myself getting involved and cheering or jeering with the rest of the crowd… it’s infectious enthusiasm and a lot of fun.
Tristan and Katharina went home after the game and Kelly, Claire and I went to a pub down the street from my house. I went home at a responsible time (considering my new working hours this week), but the fact that I started drinking at noon caught up with me and today has been ROUGH.
Totally worth it.