A Day at the FIFA World Cup

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I had always wanted to make a return to a world cup match; my first, and to date, my only experience had been back in the summer of 1990, in Florence, Italy when the FIFA world cup came to town. 16 years later and here I am again! Frankfurt in Germany was the trip, and the visit of my friend Lee from the States was the reason. We had planned a trip from East Anglia, in England, across France, Germany and into Italy. Car problems and horrible traffic jams forced us to alter our plans, so we decided on staying in Germany at my other friends house, Mark, and see some of western Germany.

Frankfurt was our main destination, and long walks through town during the day had revealed a lovely traditional German feel town. The typical Teutonic colored buildings, the water fountains and sausage shops, all made for a great experience of Germany. I had lived in Bavaria during the early nineties, so this was a totally different kind of atmosphere from Munich or Nurnberg. For Lee it was the first visit outside of the USA.

The afternoons and evenings were spent dressed up in our world cup jerseys and scarves, and my Italian flag, browsing through the various open air bars and restaurants set up for the world cup fans. It is my favorite experience to be somewhere that has a festive worldly mix, and Frankfurt was the true example to how people from all nationality and backgrounds can enjoy each others company without resorting to violence! Koreans, Americans, Iranians, Japanese, Russians, Germans (of course), Italians, Mexicans (Lee!), and everybody else you could think of, sharing stories, drinks, attempts at communicating....it was incredible!

Tickets were impossible to find under 600 Euros, so we decided to head to the Fan-Zones, with the giant screens and beer-food stands. After the games, the live bands went on-stage and played music from the lore of rock and roll and popular music, that's when all enjoyed themselves and basked in each others company.

I plan on going to Beijing in 2008 for the Olympics, until then I will have to settle for normal vacations! Bye for now!

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Photos

Fan Zone
Here we are at the Fan Zone in Kaiserslautern

Fan Zone 2
A view of one of the Fan Zones along the river in Frankfurt

Frankfurt
Lee in front of the newer part of Frankfurt

Frankfurt 2
The heart of traditional Frankfurt, is was full of the colors of the World Cup!