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Published: December 2nd 2006
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Brian - Our Honourary English Gentleman
After a few bevvies at the after-game party. "In my mind I'm gone to Carolina... Can't you just feel the Moonshine..."
We've been to the Deep South to visit and stay with Jona's cousin Brian Godshaw in his University town of
Clemson. After stepping off a surprisingly bearable 12 hour coach journey, our host Brian took us straight to the party. Finishing five days later.
Walking across the campus at sunset we had no idea what lay before us. When the doors to "Peacock's" apartment opened to the sounds of Blink 182 we were greeted with many smiles and handshakes. Everyone seemed pleased to meet us. We all think the Americans and Southerners are much more hospitable and welcoming than the Brits. Before long we were thrust in front of a camera and told to "pose with John O". This was an initiation for any visitors to their parties, and our photos to be added to the wall of "pose with John O". Funny little traditions are great.
Our next initiation was our inaugural game of "Beer Pong". This involves two teams, a large table, ping pong balls, 6 cups a player and a lot a lot a lorra Beer. Throw in a healthy
Entering Death Valley
This was the name of the stadium. Jona as you can see is in his wife-beater. dose of Anglo-American competition, banta and jeers and it's game-on. Caught in the cross fire of friendly insults were the Queen, the President, "Freedom Fries", Empire, Rednecks and general culture. Check out the video.
After staggering home pretty drunk we grabbed a couple of hours kip before we were up at 8am to prepare for the big game. The Clemson Tigers Vs The University of South Carolina. Kick off at Noon. First things first we headed down to the Tigers' Gift store to get kitted out in Orange apparel. Brian persuaded us that studies at Clemson have found that the best cure for a hangover is more drinking. A half hours later and 1/2 a keg down we found this to be true.
In a semi-delusional state we wondered off to the stadium beneath the blistering sunshine. On the way we mixed traditional olde English chants with American ones to create a hy-bred of musical genius. Good times.
Welcome to Death Valley
The game itself felt like a real sporting occasion. The only downside was that we missed what is described as "The most exhilarating 15 seconds in College football". Touching the rock.
Touchdown!!!
The atmosphere was electric. Still, We squeezed our way through to a great view in front of the posts, for the kick off. A funny moment (or rather moments) was the repeating chant of C-L-E-M-S-O- (pause)-N. Every time Alec anticipated the N just a few moments too early. The English boy all alone shouting N, and 90,000 people looking on in disgust.
Jona also had troubles fitting in with the crowd. Having opted to buy a Clemson hoodie, he spent the game scantily clad in nothing but a white vest. Sam wasn't an expert either. 2 minutes to go in the last quarter and the USC corner of the stadium erupts in delirium as they take the lead. Clever Sam shouts out, "WAS THAT A TOUCHDOWN THEN???". We were certainly lucky these Americans from down south are so tolerant...
By the end we were tired and weary, not helped on by the fact that we lost. Still, a pitch invasion was in order for the essential "Cheerleader photo" which we hope our friends working 9-to-5's in Bristol will appreciate ;-)
In our time after the main event we enjoyed living a slightly more chilled out existence. Days were spent relaxing in
the impressive Library, enjoying the warm autumnal weather and watching some classic American movies. One real discovery was the fantastic all-you-can eat canteen. We could choose from an astonishing array of food. Many 3 hour eating sessions kept us to our "high carb, high fat diets" which we have come to enjoy in America. Thanks for all of the comments regarding this issue- "you are getting fat" etc. Jona and Alec have been to the gym once thank you. Sam seems less keen on exercise and lives by the phrase "When in Rome..."
We would like to thank our crew down in Clemson for showing us a great time sharing beer and trucks! A special thanks to Brian for putting us up, keeping us entertained and leaving us with many good memories of the South. We would love to return the favour if you came to England. By the end we felt like true Clemson Freshman.
We will soon be flying out of Atlanta, Georgia to continue our College tour of the states.
Next stop:Dayton, Ohio...
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morley
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woop woop!!
HOOOOTTTTEEEEERRRRSSSSSS!!!!!!