Blogs from Province of Utrecht, Netherlands, Europe - page 13

To watch a good soccer game is undoubtedly on of my favorite past time activities. To watch my favorite team win a title gives a satisfaction that may not last for very long, but a memory that is inerasable from the mind. After many many years the time had come when my favorite team - Liverpool Football Club - had a shot at the biggest of European titles, Champion’s League. Unable to watch the game on site, the next best thing with some atmosphere was the local Irish pub. The British team/Irish pub combination appeared to be a good scene for the battle. The opposing team - AC Milan - had a few supporters in the pub defending the Italian colors, but the pub crowd would predominantly wear the beautiful all red Liverpool jerseys. As did ... read more

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 for an international match, the fans do nothing to hide their dislike for out-of-towners. Lichtenstein is visiting Holland this evening. Lichtenstein as a soccer country has experienced about as much success as Jamaica in ice ... read more

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 are prepared to rip your body apart to get on that train before you do. Try making your way up the escalator when you get off the train in rush hour. Crowds, and you could ... read more