I went to my first European fooßball game! It was.... what I would have expected - crazy fans all pumped up on sausage and beer. I went with Niklas' parents. We went to the University to park and took the tram to the stadium. When we got there we had a sausage and some pommes with a beer. Took our seats. Did the song thing before the game to pump everyone up. The other team had their own section - it was very isolated, as not to start a riot I guess. Nik's mom told me that the other team's fans come in with buses, escorted by police. As soon as the game started the other team lit fireworks and it was on. Well not really. It kind of just ended with the fireworks. But it was still some excitement. There was more excitement when the game started - one of the best players on the team was seriously injured. From what I understand today, he fractured his skull and eye socket - ouch. The team we went to cheer for, Arminia Bielefeld, I'd say, was comparable to the Leafs - if you understand that, you'll understand how good the team was. They lost 3-0. It was a great first experience! Niklas' brother was also there - he was in the crazy fan part. If I am to go again, I'll want to go with him just to have that kind of experience. It looked pretty crazy (and FUN!).
This past week there was a holiday on Thursday which meant no school Thursday and Friday - long weekend! However, I lost a day at work but made up for it by substituting Wednesday night. I also picked up another class Friday afternoons teaching children! Slowly but surely I'm getting busier and busier. Wednesday night we went into Bielefeld to party to a club called 'Elephant'. It was definitely different from any of the clubs I've gone to before. It was much more 'upper class'. Girls wore heels there - not just sneakers (which apparently is totally acceptable here - girls all dressed up wearing chucks - I don't get it!!!!) Anywhooooo.... Germans will be Germans (and I just need to get used to it).
I'm really looking forward to the coming weeks - Oktoberfest, I want to make a traditional Thanksgiving for Nik's family (since they don't celebrate Thanksgiving here), and it's Niklas' birthday at the end of the month! Many fun times ahead! xo
Before the game next to the field with Nik's mom
One of the German food groups - Beer, fries with mayo and sausage (not on a bun, small dinner roll on the side) Nik's mom and dad
The fireworks from the other team - their very small section
The crazy fan section for Arminia (Bielefeld's soccer team)
Again, the other team
The soccer game - there were only 18000 people in attendance (the stadium holds something like 25000?) Jaaaa!
