Sunday, December 6, 2009

Maybe next time


We left during the third quarter, with a significant chunk of the supporters. It was clear they were going to lose as they were 15 points down and as advised to us by a supporter who was nice enough to be giving us tips on the game (and how to say warm, or less cold), they are not a team who comes back. Apparently they lack the offensive skills.

We decided to leave to prevent the onset of hyperthermia. I took a photo that showed the temperature of the stadium was -2c and this was while the sun was up. We left at about 6.30 and the sun had set a good while ago. We saw some fans with blankets over their knees. Chile decided to steal the blanket from the father and son beside us while they were gone for food. He was not proud (no one is at this temperature).

Here is a video of the stadium before the game started. On my right was Julia from Germany and on my left was Antonio (emphasis on the T) from Chile.



We had a great time and only had a vague idea on what was happening. Mostly we were cheering when the crowd was cheering and booing when the crowd was booing. I also joined in the Cleveland Browns' version of Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi oi oi which was CLEVELAND woof woof woof.

It was fantastic and I would do it again (although with an extra layer under my jeans and a blanket). Now all I need is snow and my Cleveland experience is complete. I have been to all 3 of the sporting codes (basketball, ice hockey and NFL), met great people, found great coffee, and learned to swear in 4 languages (much to Mark's disappointment).

- 5c at the stadium now

The air is colder than the beer. There is something really wrong about that- although the longer you leave it, the colder the beer gets, the dream of every beer drinker. I have had to deglove to write this and I just lost a finger to frostbite.

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Wow

Amazing stadium, electric atmosphere and we just scored a touchdown. To top it off, the celebratory song over the stadium PA is ACDC. Rock on.

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We are off to a cleveland browns NFL match

It is about 3C and I have so many layers on I am a walking department store. It is am outdoor stadium right on lake Eire and it is going to be fricken freezing. GO BROWNS. Bad name, worse team apparently but there will be 75,000 fans there cheering the players and booing management.

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We must be close

We have not hit the north pole yet but judging by the cold and wind, we are close. If we don't survive, I want an Elvis style funeral.

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Saturday, December 5, 2009

Cleveland orchestra, Severance Hall

A very impressive building. I'm a little bit excited.

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Zero ducking degrees

And still no snow. God, why have you forsaken me?

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Friday, December 4, 2009

My pile of money

Thanks Chile

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Thursday, December 3, 2009

Ok, now it's cool

The beer bottles are in the shape of a bowling pin.

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Bowling, uncool in any country

But always fun

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42 so far

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Like a synchronised terrorist attack

Christmas decorations have appeared EVERYWHERE. I arrived back from Springfield and was surrounded by holly and Santas. Large pillars are dressed up like Christmas presents, while buildings are lit in green and every surface has been defiled- I mean decorated- like this. Ho Ho Ho

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Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Today's present from the advent calendar was . . .

German living cakes as opened by Lyudmila. They were like soft gingerbread and was really good.

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Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Ice hockey time

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Christmas just gets merrier

Thanks to Julia, we have a traditional German advent calendar. This is far better than the $2 K-Mart A4 cardboard calendar with C grade chocolate. This consists of 24 presents individually wrapped, tied together and one is taken down each day. Asad was the first cab off the rank and was more excited than my sister at a Taylor Swift concert. He was lucky enough to get German jelly bears.

Thanks very much Julia for spreading the Christmas spirit. Our little room gets brighter every day.


PS Carla, you are lagging behind in the pod decorations. We have flashing lights and now a German advent calendar. I am considering hiring a shopping centre Santa to complete the festivities.