It was Rowan's turn to post...
Everyone must be wondering why this blog update has taken soooo long, well the fact is that Greer asked me to do it. (Those in the know will now understand).
Currently we are hanging out with Greer`s friends in beautiful Le Rove (Not to be confused with beautiful Witten) in Southern France near Marsielle.
Back to Munich for a bit...
Munich was enjoyed with a diet of Kebabs, Bratwursts, Pretzels and Beer. Nutritous and Delicious, everything a growing body needs.
Our first mission on arrival was to Aussify ourselves. To my disgust there was very little Australian gear about. After an afternoon of research we were able locate the secret contraband. Using the insurance money I invested in a "Home" Mark Viduka shirt (my preffered blue "Away" shirt had sold out), flags, stickers and a scarf.
The viewing location for our first game was at the Munich Fan Fest. A great setup with a huge screen and 3,000 Aussie fans, 300 Japanese fans and 2,000 randoms. I guess now everyone knows what happened... what an emotional rollercoaster! The feeling of deflation toward the end of the game and then...Joy. I was jumping around like a little kid. I picked Greer up and flung her around like a rag doll.
More importantly, it meant that we were back in the World Cup!
The days before the Brazil game we travelled down to Fusson, a small town on the border where King Ludwig liked to build castles, including the one that inspired Walt Disney, until one day when he was taken out JFK style.
While in Fusson we grabbed lunch at Croatian resteraunt, to our amazement we were not allowed to keep the plastic bottle of water (recycling reasons quoted); This made the future defeat of Croatia even sweeter!
Also the food was crap and expensive. I hope he cried when Croatia lost.
Game Day!
The night before the big game was spent watching funny german game show tv. It used some very interesting techniques to encourage viewers to call in. Doubt you'll see it on Wheel of Fortune any time soon.
Most of game day was spent in central Munich on the beers (34° Day)having running debates and sharing beers with Brazilians fans. You could feel the excitement in the air, All the Australians fans (including us) felt that the Socceroos genuinely had a chance of beating brazil.The train ride out bit of a sing-a-long affair, I was not deterred though when Bon Jovi's "Living On A Prayer" was sung.
The stadium in Munich is amazing, an engineering masterpiece, our seats were in a mixed section behind the camera left goals intermixed with Aussies and Brazilians. We got in with plenty of time to spare so we were able to catch the last quarter of the Jap vs Cro game. A good result and kept the pool open.
The game itself was a tense affair, not just watching but focusing entirely on the game was draining. Aus played well but couldn't finish, Brz played average and could finish.
Put simply, when you play Brazil you need to take all your chances and don't expect to get any help from the ref (who was disgracful in this game).Robinho for Brazil was electric, Emerton played well for the Aussies and Ronaldo got ripped by his own fans.
The post game evening was bit of a diaster...it was all a bit much for a certain Greer Susan, who took on a foul mood and started to complain about the price of EVERYTHING. The truth of the matter was that she just needed to have a little cry, let some sadness out. I explained to her "Thats Football" Very cute.
The World Cup has also seen the transistion of Greer into a Football Analyst/Commentator/Fan/Expert/Tactical Advisor to Guus Hiddink/Referee Critic.
After the Brazil game the original plan was to head Stuttgart and hang around to watch the Croat game there, instead travelled to beautiful Witten to spend time with Sarah Borchet (A wonderful lass who came to Tas on exchange to Greers High School way back in 1995). We had a great time there with her and her boyfriend John (except the fact the Greer "ruined it")Sarah was kind enough to put us up in home by ourselves which was really nice.
On the eve of Croatia I felt a renewed feeling of Aussieness in my heart so I set about downloading "Waltzing Matilda" and "I Still Call Australia Home" for inspiration.
We caught the game in a small football stadium near Dortmund.
To our suprise, there was a live performance of a talented rnb before the game. They were so good that in my drunken state, I informed Greer to get my Viduka shirt signed after the performance. This a something that I now very very deeply regret doing.
The game was simulcast (back and forth) with the BRZ vs JPN game, so there was an agonising wait for AUS game to be switched back on. The worst feeling is during the waiting time when you would hear the commentator (loosley translated) say "We have a goal here in Stuttgart!" not knowing weather it was Australia or Croatia that had scored. Tense stuff.
But in the end justice prevailed and Australia moved on, and I ran around with the staduim topless waving my shirt above my head.
After the game, we moved on to a Tram and had a big sing-a-long, while Aussie fans in Stuttgart we're heard singing "Your Red, Your White, Your Going Home Tonight".
I could imagine the tears in Fusson!
We were joined for drinks afterwards by some randoms we picked up along the way, two coked up kids and some neo-nazis. An intersting mix for sure, Trying to bring about more harmony in the world I set about discussing Multi-Cultral Australia with my new friends. It was beautiful, I could've written an essay.
The next day we ate MacDonalds (an embrassing amount)...Thats about it.
After 5 nights in Witten we waved goodbye to Sarah and John and caught a train up to Amsterdam.On the train we had a fascinating chat English Ticket broker talking about how the industry works, buying tickets from shady dealers etc. He also loves Guus Hiddink.
Amsterdam was awesome – actually very pretty – did another city bike tour (Such a great way to see European cities – especially the flat ones!!!) and indulged a little in the local, natural and legal products…
Funny times – nothing too crazy, but many a laugh was had between the two of us – nothing made us laugh more than the meeting Al, the man with the longest face in the world (think about a 42inch widescreen plasma tilted vertically), and almost being bowled over by a Nanma in a space mobile powered by a lawnmower engine.
We also had the pleasure of dining and the hotel resteraunt and being served by Chris, a man who takes his job very seriously and provided great service. He also made reference to the kitchen as "His Kitchen" and ran his fingers through his hair when he clearly didn't have any.
We then caught the train to Brussels, where we bought a small bar of what Greer thought was "the nicest chocolate I have ever eaten" – I wasn’t convinced… and am still holding the batton for Cadbury Dairy Milk… - trainsisted through Paris and arrived in Bayeux, Normandy (France) just in time for the Australia vs Italy game…
Devastated...
Allow me to quote an SMS from David Marshall:"Don't think I have ever been so sad losing a match i've played in...such a harsh way to lose. They must be devastated."
The local pub was right behind us. (They also love Guus Hiddink)
Looking back we played well, dominated possesion but sorely lacked Kewell and Emerton, Especially Kewell to break down Italian defence, we needed a skilled dribbler on the wing. We should of scored against 10 men.The Totti penalty was virtually unstoppable, no shame there.
Definately not a penalty. Sad to think of how far we could go, the Semis were definately in our grasp.
The next day toured the famous D-Day sites the large US cemetry and landing beaches. It's impossible to comprehend the scale of what happened there. and it was somewhat of an amazing experience to be standing on Omaha beach – site of one of the D-Day landings, and to stroll through the sea of white crosses at the American War Cemetery. Emotional and overwhelming – but beautiful and peaceful.
We both want to watch Saving Private Ryan (Well at least the first 30 mins) again now that we have a better grasp of what it was all about and of the historical facts behind it.
Also toured a church built in 1077.
After Bayuex headed down to Marseille on the superfast train to our current location.
Yesterday had an introduction into French beach culture, strange and freaky.
Heading to Corsica tonight for a couple of days. Kinda similar to Norfolk Island in Australia, French, but not really French.
Well thats me, it's now up to Greer to write the next ten posts.
France to win the World Cup.
Currently we are hanging out with Greer`s friends in beautiful Le Rove (Not to be confused with beautiful Witten) in Southern France near Marsielle.
Back to Munich for a bit...
Munich was enjoyed with a diet of Kebabs, Bratwursts, Pretzels and Beer. Nutritous and Delicious, everything a growing body needs.
Our first mission on arrival was to Aussify ourselves. To my disgust there was very little Australian gear about. After an afternoon of research we were able locate the secret contraband. Using the insurance money I invested in a "Home" Mark Viduka shirt (my preffered blue "Away" shirt had sold out), flags, stickers and a scarf.
The viewing location for our first game was at the Munich Fan Fest. A great setup with a huge screen and 3,000 Aussie fans, 300 Japanese fans and 2,000 randoms. I guess now everyone knows what happened... what an emotional rollercoaster! The feeling of deflation toward the end of the game and then...Joy. I was jumping around like a little kid. I picked Greer up and flung her around like a rag doll.
More importantly, it meant that we were back in the World Cup!
The days before the Brazil game we travelled down to Fusson, a small town on the border where King Ludwig liked to build castles, including the one that inspired Walt Disney, until one day when he was taken out JFK style.
While in Fusson we grabbed lunch at Croatian resteraunt, to our amazement we were not allowed to keep the plastic bottle of water (recycling reasons quoted); This made the future defeat of Croatia even sweeter!
Also the food was crap and expensive. I hope he cried when Croatia lost.
Game Day!
The night before the big game was spent watching funny german game show tv. It used some very interesting techniques to encourage viewers to call in. Doubt you'll see it on Wheel of Fortune any time soon.
Most of game day was spent in central Munich on the beers (34° Day)having running debates and sharing beers with Brazilians fans. You could feel the excitement in the air, All the Australians fans (including us) felt that the Socceroos genuinely had a chance of beating brazil.The train ride out bit of a sing-a-long affair, I was not deterred though when Bon Jovi's "Living On A Prayer" was sung.
The stadium in Munich is amazing, an engineering masterpiece, our seats were in a mixed section behind the camera left goals intermixed with Aussies and Brazilians. We got in with plenty of time to spare so we were able to catch the last quarter of the Jap vs Cro game. A good result and kept the pool open.
The game itself was a tense affair, not just watching but focusing entirely on the game was draining. Aus played well but couldn't finish, Brz played average and could finish.
Put simply, when you play Brazil you need to take all your chances and don't expect to get any help from the ref (who was disgracful in this game).Robinho for Brazil was electric, Emerton played well for the Aussies and Ronaldo got ripped by his own fans.
The post game evening was bit of a diaster...it was all a bit much for a certain Greer Susan, who took on a foul mood and started to complain about the price of EVERYTHING. The truth of the matter was that she just needed to have a little cry, let some sadness out. I explained to her "Thats Football" Very cute.
The World Cup has also seen the transistion of Greer into a Football Analyst/Commentator/Fan/Expert/Tactical Advisor to Guus Hiddink/Referee Critic.
After the Brazil game the original plan was to head Stuttgart and hang around to watch the Croat game there, instead travelled to beautiful Witten to spend time with Sarah Borchet (A wonderful lass who came to Tas on exchange to Greers High School way back in 1995). We had a great time there with her and her boyfriend John (except the fact the Greer "ruined it")Sarah was kind enough to put us up in home by ourselves which was really nice.
On the eve of Croatia I felt a renewed feeling of Aussieness in my heart so I set about downloading "Waltzing Matilda" and "I Still Call Australia Home" for inspiration.
We caught the game in a small football stadium near Dortmund.
To our suprise, there was a live performance of a talented rnb before the game. They were so good that in my drunken state, I informed Greer to get my Viduka shirt signed after the performance. This a something that I now very very deeply regret doing.
The game was simulcast (back and forth) with the BRZ vs JPN game, so there was an agonising wait for AUS game to be switched back on. The worst feeling is during the waiting time when you would hear the commentator (loosley translated) say "We have a goal here in Stuttgart!" not knowing weather it was Australia or Croatia that had scored. Tense stuff.
But in the end justice prevailed and Australia moved on, and I ran around with the staduim topless waving my shirt above my head.
After the game, we moved on to a Tram and had a big sing-a-long, while Aussie fans in Stuttgart we're heard singing "Your Red, Your White, Your Going Home Tonight".
I could imagine the tears in Fusson!
We were joined for drinks afterwards by some randoms we picked up along the way, two coked up kids and some neo-nazis. An intersting mix for sure, Trying to bring about more harmony in the world I set about discussing Multi-Cultral Australia with my new friends. It was beautiful, I could've written an essay.The next day we ate MacDonalds (an embrassing amount)...Thats about it.
After 5 nights in Witten we waved goodbye to Sarah and John and caught a train up to Amsterdam.On the train we had a fascinating chat English Ticket broker talking about how the industry works, buying tickets from shady dealers etc. He also loves Guus Hiddink.
Amsterdam was awesome – actually very pretty – did another city bike tour (Such a great way to see European cities – especially the flat ones!!!) and indulged a little in the local, natural and legal products…
Funny times – nothing too crazy, but many a laugh was had between the two of us – nothing made us laugh more than the meeting Al, the man with the longest face in the world (think about a 42inch widescreen plasma tilted vertically), and almost being bowled over by a Nanma in a space mobile powered by a lawnmower engine.
We also had the pleasure of dining and the hotel resteraunt and being served by Chris, a man who takes his job very seriously and provided great service. He also made reference to the kitchen as "His Kitchen" and ran his fingers through his hair when he clearly didn't have any.
We then caught the train to Brussels, where we bought a small bar of what Greer thought was "the nicest chocolate I have ever eaten" – I wasn’t convinced… and am still holding the batton for Cadbury Dairy Milk… - trainsisted through Paris and arrived in Bayeux, Normandy (France) just in time for the Australia vs Italy game…
Devastated...
Allow me to quote an SMS from David Marshall:"Don't think I have ever been so sad losing a match i've played in...such a harsh way to lose. They must be devastated."
The local pub was right behind us. (They also love Guus Hiddink)
Looking back we played well, dominated possesion but sorely lacked Kewell and Emerton, Especially Kewell to break down Italian defence, we needed a skilled dribbler on the wing. We should of scored against 10 men.The Totti penalty was virtually unstoppable, no shame there.
Definately not a penalty. Sad to think of how far we could go, the Semis were definately in our grasp.
The next day toured the famous D-Day sites the large US cemetry and landing beaches. It's impossible to comprehend the scale of what happened there. and it was somewhat of an amazing experience to be standing on Omaha beach – site of one of the D-Day landings, and to stroll through the sea of white crosses at the American War Cemetery. Emotional and overwhelming – but beautiful and peaceful.
We both want to watch Saving Private Ryan (Well at least the first 30 mins) again now that we have a better grasp of what it was all about and of the historical facts behind it.
Also toured a church built in 1077.
After Bayuex headed down to Marseille on the superfast train to our current location.
Yesterday had an introduction into French beach culture, strange and freaky.
Heading to Corsica tonight for a couple of days. Kinda similar to Norfolk Island in Australia, French, but not really French.
Well thats me, it's now up to Greer to write the next ten posts.
France to win the World Cup.
posted by Row at 5:50 am
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