Friday, June 27, 2008
The Thrill of the Fight
Innsbruck, Austria 6/25/08
One of the first things you learn about Europe is that folks like to be considered UNITED. It is comparable to the United States in the way we are united but love our individual freedoms. It somehow feels different over here. The Euros have the European Union (and are seeking a unifying constitution), they have the euro ($), and they share very similar beliefs about personal freedoms. They are united about global concerns and environmental issues.
Yet all this unity goes out the window when the 2008 UEFA EURO CUP is at stake. All of a sudden nationalism becomes CHIC, and it becomes cool to be a Nationalist.
I must say I haven’t seen this much passion (and danger) since covering Raiders football. There is an energy in the air. The streets of Innsbruck are filled with painted faces, various national flags, fans chanting their national anthems in the streets to boast a victory over another team. Its an entire street fair bordering on a riot situation. Rick stayed downtown and said it was elbow to elbow wall of people. Plenty of beer. Plenty of cheer. And plenty of police.
Last night, the Germans beat the Turks in Euro Cup competition and I believe they are slated to be in the final match against the winner of the Russia v. Spain game.
So while bottles AND curses fly through the air, we’ll just duck our heads and be glad they are fighting on the futbol field and not a battle field.
I guess the safest thing to do for us is to show true unity as well: we can cheer for ALL the teams...but depending on where we are at the bar, that might get us killed.
-Gabe
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1 comment:
Dear Griswalds, Been watching the blog since son Eric advised me of it. Good Job!
As a five trip veteran of Europe I find you are finding many of the same observations. Now lets talk about those women with the Turkish flags. Are Turks European? You didn't observe the thick ankles on the one. Jeans on the other prevents further speculation. How about the knuckle hair, not to mention the fine fragrance. If you took more public transport on a hot summer day you would notice. Have a great trip!
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