Galgenwaard is the name of the soccer stadium in Utrecht. Pronounced in the local dialect, it sounds like you’re either swallowing or spitting up something non-edible. A rather nice venue, built over half a century ago, but rebuilt to resemble a modern stadium, with a acoustic that is quite impressive. The fans of Utrecht don’t have the greatest of reputations - they are usually put into the trouble-maker category. Not very fond of fans - or players for that matter - from other cities than Utrecht, particularly not Amsterdam. When “Oranje” - the Dutch national team - for once visits Utrecht [View Full Entry]

---

---

Nya Ullevi, Gothenburg, Sweden. Largest arena in the country. The arena that back in 1985 literally caved for Bruce Springsteen. The crowd back then got excited and carried away to the extent that they rocked the foundation of the building until it cracked. No injuries or such, but they decided to close the arena for concerts. Nowadays it’s improved and enhanced, and again open for big concerts. Paul McCartney puts on one of those big shows that requires a stadium of this size. The arena is not completely filled despite the big name and a beautiful summer day, but still around [View Full Entry]

---

---

Holland is a great country in many ways. So great that very many people have decided to live there. Apparently it didn’t occur to all these people and all these people that Holland is quite a small country. Nor did it occur to the people who designed all the public places, public transport facilities, streets, etc. that Holland is a country of many people on a small area. This results in a country of crowds. Try shopping on a Saturday in Utrecht. Crowds everywhere. Try finding a seat on pretty much any train in to Amsterdam in rush hour. Crowds who [View Full Entry]

---

---

London, UK. One of the largest and most famous cities in Europe. More tourist attractions and sights in one concentrated area than most other places. Enough to create memories for a lifetime for the average person. My first visit left one single impression. Ok, I was six, not an age when you absorb and appreciate the might of a world city. So, what out of all these sites caught my attention to the extent that it left an unerasable memory? A safe bet would be being in the crowd of an Arsenal-Tottenham derby at Highbury. The derby of derbys in the [View Full Entry]

---

---

What is it about me that unmistakably give people the impression that I’m a bearer of all information that is needed in order to satisfy their needs? Ok, I admit, I don’t mind this epithet. In fact, I seek it and honor it. But, what make complete strangers single me out of a crowd and request me for information? A mystery. Getting off the bus in central Luton on a Thursday evening. Have never been to the city. Don’t know a soul there. Don’t have a map. All I know about the city is an address to a Bed and Breakfast. [View Full Entry]

---

---

The Generator youth hostel is a wonderful establishment. Dirt cheap and safe accommodation in central London. With a late night bar. Generous prices in the bar, gaming activities, big screen TV, and pool tables. What else is do you need? This bar naturally attracts the better part of the clientele visiting the hostel. Would almost be a crime not to honor its activities with a couple of beers. The crowd is split up into the groups in which they arrived. We have the Scandinavian guys joining in on the trivia games. We have the American high school kids chatting around the [View Full Entry]

---

---

The ship is a little bit worn down. Seems ok though, should manage not to sink at least for one more time on its route between Tallinn and Stockholm. Equipped with most facilities - bar, casino, nightclub, sauna, pool, stores, restaurant, sitting lounge - as slightly more modern ships, it appears to be a safe ride. Concerns arise when listening to the rigorous safety instructions, more detailed than those of any given airline. Why do we need to know that the car deck is super-waterproof? Shouldn't that be pretty obvious? Then the memories go back to the fall of 1994. Estonia. [View Full Entry]

---

---

The ferry ride between Stockholm and Helsinki is commonly known as a booze cruise. It is therefore no surprise that the gang in the pub is very happy. More surprising is that they are Italians, not very common at this latitude. La Cosa Nostra going into Finland? Naw, probably not. Rather a group of friends or colleagues going on a business trip or just entertainment trip. The guys are very loud. Not great singers, but louder than the lonely British guy with the guitar and microphone on stage. When the singer and the Italians join forces the party really kicks off. [View Full Entry]

---

---

The setting is perfect for a Sunday night beer. The heart of the Södermalm island in Stockholm, Medborgarplatsen (The Citizens' Place), certainly invites to enjoying a cold one among friends on a warm summer evening. The outdoor restaurant is sparingly populated, and the atmosphere is very calm and relaxed. Yet, my buddy was brutally terrorized by security. Oh, well, maybe not molested in the most violent sense, but yet a reminder of the pathetic attitude of the bouncing profession in Sweden. From hearsay, the conversation went something like this: BUDDY to bartender: "A beer please". Enter Amir. AMIR: "I'm Amir, head [View Full Entry]

---

---

Watch a pride parade just for fun? I'm not homophobic, but a bunch of fairies in extravagant costumes strutting around in the middle of Stockholm trying to make a politically correct point, but probably just adding to the stereotypes of homosexuals...? Well, as my buddy and also host thinks this is a good idea, I won't argue. Turns out my prejudiced ideas were a bit skewed. It's not like any other parade, that it ain't. The gay movement is strongly associated with the rainbow flag, and the colorfulness is reflected in the floats and costumes. Magnificently ornamented floats are mixed with [View Full Entry]

---

---