I'm back! Tales from the World Cup - Germany

[Cristian]

Hi guys, I'm finally able to use my computer again and I would like to share my experience with you all....it will be a long post, you've been warned!

 

Before I go into the details, let me say "hat off to Germany and its people", they've organized an amazing tournament, people were friendly beyond belief and everything worked perfectly. I've been to many towns (Hanover, Frankfurt, Kaiserslautern, Hamburg, Essen, Dortmund, Dusseldorf, Berlin) and the atmosphere around the tournament was brilliant, the way it should be, people from all over the world coming together and having fun. Football brought us together in a way that only sport can do.

 

As you can all imagine, I'm still basking in the glory of being world champion...Italy won it!

 

My journey to Germany began on the 12th June, Italy v Ghana in Hanover. It was a hot day, in the city centre the beer was flowing and we had a great time. The Ghana fans were amazing, dancing and playing drums. People danced together, took pictures and had fun while watching other games on tv. Then I went to the stadium at around 8pm, it was buzzing with excitment and both set of fans sang and danced before kick off. A guy from South Africa was sitting next to me and supported Ghana "The Black Stars". It was a good game and Italy had to play really well to win 2-0...what a start! The party went on after the game and early in the morning I set off to Frankfurt where I had a plane o catch, destination Vienna. I spent the day in Frankfurt but unfortunately couldn't meet with Daywalker, to the next time buddy!! I really liked your town and I'd like to go back soon.

 

The day after I was in Vienna to see my school friend Pasquale whom has been living there for 8 years. I wasn't planning to, but at the end I spent 7 days there and loved the place. There was a good vibe for the world cup and watched several games in bars surrounded by people of many countries.

 

On the 17th we flew to Bonn and then drove to Kaiserslautern: Italy v USA. We had no tickets and couldnt find any there but that night turned out to be one of the best ever. Each world cup town in Germany had the fan fest zone where fans could watch the games on big screens, play games and, mostly, drink beer!! There we met some great guys from all over, USA, Mexico, Norway, England..it was a blast! The game ended 1-1 and was somehow disappointing but we didn't care much then. We were up having fun until 4am, then we slept few hours in the car and left in the morning to catch our plane.

 

Italy's last group match was in Hamburg on the 22nd v the Czech Republic and this time we both had tickets. Again the town was full of fans and we had a good time before kick off. 50,000 fans filled the stadium and there was a great vibe...Italy had to battle for a 2-0 win which sent the team to the next stage. Then we spent the night in and around Hamburg and watched Brazil v Japan at the fan fest which was brilliant. It was in the St Pauli district and it was huge. They had stands and there was a fun fair atmosphere. Then me and Pasquale parted and I spent the day there before my flight to London and also had a great vegan meal at a restaurant in St Pauli!

 

Had to watch some other games in London, Italy made it to the semifinal where they were to play Germany in Dortmund, the host!! I already had a ticket for that and was once again on my way to Germany. It was a scorching hot day, there was a great buzz at the fun fest and, naturally, the German fans outnumbered the Italians. Still I had a wonderful time before the game, met some great guys from Italy and also a father and son all the way there from Montreal!! We had tickets in the same stand so we made our way to the stadium singing, after one too many....

The Germans fans embodied the fair play spirit, the joined in, took pictures together...great! The match was probably the best one of the tournament, open play and both teams wanted to win. It went to extra time and Italy scored twice in the dying minutes...Berlin here we come!! Heartbreak for Germany, glory for us, the scenes on the stands were unbelivable. We were up till late, and I'm glad to say there was no trouble whatsover and German fans stopped to shake hands; a night I'll never forget.

 

Back in London I was pondering wheter I should go to the final in Berlin without a ticket, then, I had a call from a friend who works in broadcasting and...he had a ticket for me! I couldn't believe it, I was over the moon!

 

In Berlin the vibe was sensational, the German team was parading infront of their fans and the fan fest under the brandenburg gate was buzzing.

I was a bit nervous before kick off, I then spent an hour or so outside the beautiful Olympic stadium which was great. Then I went in, it wasn't the greatest atmosphere as most tickets were given to corporate companies but who cares, it's the final. The game was tense, it ended in dramatic fashion and Italy won on penalties. Being there was amazing, difficult to describe what I felt. I know it's only a game, but this is just special, the world cup is truly unique. I was probably one of the last ones the leave the stadium, I wanted to enjoy it all. Then outside, Berlin was all Italian for one night, great party and also met with my friend Patrick who was working there for CNN's world sport. They even interviewed me but not sure if they aired it!

 

It still feels great after a week, what a month, it would've been great even if Italy had lost the final, the international nature of the tournament made me feel proud to be Italian and happy to be there.

Now to the next one...see you in South Africa!

 

I've taken hundred of pics, here's some of the best ones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[finbarrio]

SWEET stories and photos!

 

Thanks for sharing.

[offense74]

Niiicce

I was in the US during the World cup and the atmosphere there were a little different. The Americans were into it but mostly they complained about people falling over too much, like:

OH, come on, it wasn't that bad, GET UP you sissy

[Tarz]

I'm glad your trip had the desired outcome. Sounds like a once in a lifetime trip.

[_raVen_]

Awesome! Welcome back, Cristian!!

 

What a great rundown of your experience. I'm particularly impressed with the cooperation amongst nationalities! Warms me heart . And don't we need it???! I love that; thanks, you've made my day!

[Cristian]

Awesome! Welcome back, Cristian!!

 

What a great rundown of your experience. I'm particularly impressed with the cooperation amongst nationalities! Warms me heart . And don't we need it???! I love that; thanks, you've made my day!

 

Hey Raven! Glad I made your day!

We certanly need more cooperation and the world cup provided that, I'm sure all the people that were there will have learned an important lesson...we're all the same!