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Premiership Football: The Experience of a Lifetime

Everyone has that one experience they’ve always dreamt of and waited what seems like their whole life for. No matter what I’ve seen or done, there has always been that one experience missing from my life. On Saturday I finally realized that dream: watching a live English Premier League match.

Being such an avid English football fan, it would be the world’s biggest crime if I went the entire semester in England without witnessing a live match. Thankfully I made sure that wouldn’t happen by attending the Fulham vs. Everton match at Craven Cottage in south London on Saturday, which, in all honesty, was nothing short of a dream come true.

The day started off with an hour train ride to London before proceeding to head to the city’s Underground. The tube, as it is known by most locals, can appear somewhat terrifying. With so many routes, so many trains, and so little knowledge of where anything in London is, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t slightly nervous about reaching my destination. Thankfully the Tube is not nearly as complicated as it appears and in fact, traveling to south London was much easier than I anticipated.

Upon arrival, I immediately stumbled upon a pub called Eight Bells. I walked in hoping to get a much needed bite to eat and to be able to converse with locals about the big match. To my surprise, the pub offered very little to eat and was filled with supporters from Everton who had traveled down from Liverpool to cheer on their beloved club. The countless stares I received because of my jersey encouraged me to search for another pub with more options for food… and more importantly, more Fulham supporters. Wearing a Clint Dempsey jersey in these parts is very much a common site. Wearing a USA Clint Dempsey shirt? Not so much. After all, he is the one who scored against England in the World Cup!

I walked along the Thames River looking for a pub when I found something else I never expected to see: Six Americans who flew in from Dallas that morning just for the game. Talk about dedication. It was nice to meet some other American Fulham fans, as well as some people who were as clueless as me about where anything in the area was. With the help of a few locals, however, we made our way to the King’s Arms Pub. The sign on the door said: Fulham and foreign supporters ONLY. We were definitely in the right place.

With just under three hours until kick-off, I was amazed at how packed the pub was. Everywhere I looked I saw people wearing Fulham jerseys, both men, women and children, all talking football and drinking pints of beer (except the kids of course). I talked to a handful of die-hard Fulham fans, some of who had only missed five home matches in the last 36 years. Now that’s really dedication.

As it neared closer to kick-off, the pub slowly began to empty out as everyone, including me and my fellow American fans, made our way down the street to Craven Cottage. There was no need for directions anymore. All we had to was follow the thousands of people heading for the stadium. And if that wasn’t enough, we could even hear the noise from the supporters who were already in the stadium. I looked at my watch and there was still 30 minutes until kick-off! Not too long later, I was inside the Cottage and walking down to my seat in the third row in Hammersmith End – the northernmost stand in the stadium and the home of the more vocal Fulham fans. Definitely the ideal place to sit for one’s first Premiership match!

Anyone who saw me could probably tell it was my first match. After all, if my eagerness to snap away at anything and everything with my camera didn’t make it obvious, the star-struck look in my eyes certainly did. In my defense though, Clint Dempsey, who is one of my all-time heroes, plays as a striker for Fulham, and is adored by their supporters as much as he is by me. I even heard several chants about him during the match, confirming my beliefs. Seeing all the players who I watch play on TV every weekend and being less than twenty feet away from some of them was absolutely surreal.

Once the match got underway, the noise only amplified and the excitement of being there only increased with every minute of play. The noise level created by the fans may have fluctuated throughout the match, but the passion of both sets of fans was there for all to see. And despite the match ending scoreless it was still a fantastic match and a phenomenal experience, every bit as amazing as I had hoped it would be. It’s an experience of a lifetime, especially when you’re a die-hard football fan.

After getting my first taste of English football, I already can’t wait to go to another match. With that in mind, I guess it’s a good thing I bought tickets for the West Ham vs. Fulham match this coming Saturday! If I’m in England, the birthplace of football, I might as well make the most of this opportunity and experience as much as I can of the sport most people in this country love more than anything.

What’s up in Swakop?

September 26, 2010 / Christiana Redman / 2 Comments

As an educational opportunity and to experience other Namibian cultures, we spent September 22-26th in Swakopmund. Swakopmund is located on the Atlantic coast and has more visible signs of European influence than Windhoek. Also, for those of you who are up on your celebrity know-how, Swakopmund is also where Brangelina delivered their daughter, Shiloh.

In Swakopmund (also known as Swakop), the German influence is everywhere. Many people continue to speak German as a first or second language. The buildings are modeled in the German style and, to my good fortune, a fabulous schnitzel is easily found. Tourists from the States, Europe, and the rest of the globe abound in this city of 86,000 permanent residents.

We met with the mayor of Swakopmund to talk about trade and how the city is run.

We spent our time during the week hearing from a few different organizations, including the Export Processing Zone, the mayor of Swakopmund, a government Environmental agency, the Mondessa Youth Opportunities, and Rossing Foundation Masters Math

Me and a friend I met at the Masters Math program we visited. She taught me how to use the program.

program. As a group, we climbed Dune 7, which is a huge sand dune. I was amazed by how much sand there was both on the ground and in my socks. We also had quite a bit of free time.

Six out of seven of the Valpo students standing on top of Dune 7, which we climbed in Swakopmund.

On the weekend, we got to choose what to do. I chose to go quadbiking through the Namib Desert with a couple friends. I don’t know if they call it quadbiking because the bike (what people in the States would call an ATV) has four wheels or because it gives you a great quadriceps workout. We spend just over two hours speeding up hills, flying over cliffs, and trying to dig me out when I got stuck. For my first quadbiking/ATVing experience, I have to say it went pretty well!

Life’s a Beach

September 26, 2010 / Christiana Redman / 0 Comments

The Date: September 18

9:00am – Wake up and pack a few things for a wonderful day of sun and sand

11:00am – Load 19 CGE students into a combie headed to Lake Oanob Resort

12:15pm – Arrive at Lake Oanob to find fewer sandy beaches than expected, but some awesome rocky underwater cliffs to jump off of. Stare in awe at the sight of water after not having seen any in a month. Slather on the sunscreen. Slip into our bathing suits. Dive in.

1:00pm – Discover another area of the resort complete with restaurant, pool, sandy beach, and fewer rocks. Settle in.

2:00pm – Order chicken nuggets from the kiddie menu. Discover that ranch dressing is a lot more difficult to describe than you’d think. Settle for ketchup instead.

2:45pm – Find a comfy spot on the sandy beach area and relax.

4:20pm – Grab some ice cream from the restaurant

4:30pm – Load the bus to head back to Windhoek. Take a nap.

Outdoor Adventures

September 23, 2010 / Amber Will / 0 Comments

The past few weekends of big cities and major site seeing have been wonderful; however, over the past few days I have felt an urgent need to do something else. I needed to be outside and go walking, rock climbing, scuba diving, surfing, curling, or anything that would make me feel accomplished of something. Obviously, only a few of those options were actually available to me. Perhaps it was the impact of all the nice weather Reutlingen has experienced lately. It was calling people to come outside.

Well, I found the perfect thing to do, two perfect things to do. My roommate and I wanted to get out of our room yesterday since it was so nice out and class ended at 10:45 that morning. An afternoon with nothing to do is not fun… I need either a plan, homework, or activity. Looking outside my window, I could see Mount Baldy (a nickname Cate and I gave the hill). It looked like a decent walk which would lead to a great view of the city. We had no directions and no boys to lead us. It was all on our own. We took a compass and guessed at the directions. After some possible trespassing, we made it to the top of the hill; we went up the steepest parts to get there too. While the pain in my legs was killer, the view was absolutely breathtaking… not only because I was literally out of breath. After a few minutes of gazing at the horizon, we made our descent down the legitimate path we found. Success number one!

Then this afternoon we decided to tackle Bad Urach. It is a city nearby that is on our bus pass, so we could get there for free. Classes ended at 11:45 this morning (doesn’t studying abroad sound great already!?), and we got on a train shortly after. Our goal was to reach the waterfall a few kilometers from the train station. This hike was easier than the previous day, but there were stairs all the way up to the waterfall, which again made my legs not happy. This view was also spectacular. We were able to stand behind the waterfall and look out at the valley below. One of the most gorgeous scenes I have ever witnessed. Success number two!

Although my feet and legs are no longer participating willingly with my activities, I am so glad I have the opportunity not only to see the big cities and touristic sites but I also can partake in outdoor excursions. On a nice day, there is nothing better than picking a direction and walking/hiking/biking. Just get out there!

Mexico: am I Actually Safe Here?

September 22, 2010 / Lydia Mertz / 1 Comment

When I first told individuals that I was going to study abroad in Mexico, the number one question was almost always about the issue of safety. The campus of the Universidad de las Americas is perhaps the safest campus I have ever visited because the campus is gated and police are everywhere throughout the campus and at all times during the day and night. I feel very safe here on campus.

Now we go to outside of campus. Behind the campus of UDLA, is the Camino Real, the famous area for the clubs, bars and restaurants in Cholula (in a future blog post, I will discuss the party life here). Because the street is so close to campus, it is constantly patrolled by police. Think of it this way: if the Camino Real was dangerous, there would be no customers for the numerous businesses that consistently make a profit from students. No danger equals business and a good time for all.

The entire campus is completely gated and police protect the campus inside and out.

There are dangerous areas and violence happens in Mexico-and in the US. A foreigner can be a prime target for attacks. Traveling in a group is obviously safe but I actually recommend going to places with a Mexican (and Mexicans are extremely friendly so you’ll make friends easily here) because they will usually have a better sense of the area and how to conduct themselves because it is their culture. However, don’t act like a victim and always, always be aware of your surroundings!

Studying abroad is glorious experience and safety issues shouldn’t be reasons not to travel to an area unless the area is too violent. However, you are safe here. Just stay smart and do your research. Additionally, remember that there’s more to Mexico that drug wars and violence that the media always talks about. It’s a beautiful and vibrant country-and you get to explore it (and to learn more, just read this blog!).

Because this is an important topic, please feel free email me with any questions/comments at lydia.mertz@valpo.edu.

Saludos!

Evenings in Granada

September 22, 2010 / John Webster / 1 Comment

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBBaCldMNdo]

So Short, Yet So Sweet

September 20, 2010 / Allie Sauber / 0 Comments

In response to my most recent post, God brought this blessing into my life: http://bit.ly/99Z2nQ

In short, I am committing to feeding two beloved children a month. Until another opportunity arises in which I can give on a more profound scale, this will be my commitment, my sacrifice, yet my greatest joy over the next few months.

“Give, and it will be given to you” –Luke 6:38

Whether you are abroad or home, I challenge each and every one of you to commit to something that challenges you; whether it is financially, emotionally, timely, or physically.

The Hourglass

September 20, 2010 / derekschnake / 0 Comments

Approaching five weeks, I already feel as though I’m running out of time. The calendar suddenly feels much smaller when you think in terms of weekends rather than days or weeks. It then gets even smaller when measured against the ambitiously naïve list of destinations compiled at the outset of this adventure.

Where the heart leads, the wallet stubbornly remains. The dollar sign—or pound sign rather—looms hauntingly in the backdrop of every travel scheme. Energy, the only currency that matters, can be hard to find if one doesn’t know where to look. The fabled virtue of patience also seems to depreciate these days, while fear of the steadfast hourglass slowly grows with each grain of falling sand. If I’m not careful stress will soon settle in, and much like sand, stress will find its way into every crack of the human consciousness.

But I do feel my priorities shifting. I feel resigned to the unshakable truth that I will not see everything I want to see or visit every destination I wish to visit. The only comfort I get is from my own fervor to make every second count and confidence that I will be back. After all, there is not much else I can do.

I think that once the end of the semester arrives, everyone will have the initial conviction to come back and experience what they missed. The challenge is to not allow that conviction to pass into nostalgic regret—a veritable list of things “I should’ve done.” Ultimately, if one makes the most of every opportunity, then there is nothing more anyone can do.

Sunset over the Thames.

Mexico City (Part II: Out and About in the City)

September 20, 2010 / Lydia Mertz / 1 Comment

View from the top of Torre Latinoamerica-maybe it’s not as grand as Chicago, it still look my breath away!

Despite a lively celebration of Independence Day and birthdays, I was able to see a lot of the Mexico City and gained an overall view of the city. On Wednesday, my friend Ciceron and I traveled to the Historic District. There was an anticipating energy throughout the city as everybody prepared for the Independence Day. We visited the Torre Latinoamerica (Latinamerica Tower). This is like the Sears Tower in Chicago; you realize the grandness of the city-it’s spectacular!

Thursday night we went to the Zocalo, the center area of Mexico City. This is the heart and soul of Mexico City and includes the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace. Every September 15th, the president gives a speech to the citizens of Mexico to thousands of Mexicans celebrating the independence of their country.

The buildings in the Zocalo were covered with bright lights-here is the headpiece of the Aztecs.

The entire plaza was decorated with colorful light designs including historical figures such as Hidalgo, Morelos and the pyramids of the Aztecs. There is nothing like the Zocalo, you can just feel the pride and energy of Mexico all in one place!
On Friday, our group went to the Museo de Antropologia (Anthropology Museum). The museum is extremely well organized with an outside plaza with the different areas for the cultures of Mexico. An excellent representation of Mexico’s history and a must for those traveling here! For more information about Mexico City check out this website: http://www.mexicocity-guide.com/.

Palacio de Bellas Artes-a famous place for the arts from around the world (and you thought Mexico was a third-world country!)

During the five days I spent in Mexico City with Ciceron and his family and friends felt like a mere two days, I got a sense of the energy of this city but of this country as well. In Mexico City, the energy is evident as the buildings were dressed in red, white and green colors but also through the energy of the people. Mexicans love life and their country. I felt so honored and privileged to be a part of the celebrations with Mexicans. Like the US, this country fought hard for its freedoms and continues to do so. The enthusiasm of the culture and people make this country very contagious…so Viva Mexico!

Challenge?

September 19, 2010 / Allie Sauber / 1 Comment

I’m praying for a challenge.

After looking at some photos of individuals participating in other study abroad programs, I’m realizing more and more that there’s something I feel is missing from my experience. After some questioning and prayer over the past couple of days, I was in a state of bafflement as to what could possibly be missing with regard to my experience. I have my boyfriend of five years, two dear sorority sisters, and some new and emerging friendships taking place. I’m even meditating on this at the most beautiful café in Reutlingen, drinking a cappuccino! What more could I want?

But maybe that’s it–I have (most) everything I could want with me in Germany. This very blessing has reaped so many benefits thus far and I thank God for them every day. However, now that I’m almost a month into the trip, I’m ready to start bringing in an element of sacrifice or challenge every single day. There have been (laundry) and will be (low-rated hostels) days that present several challenges and require of me certain sacrifices, but when the day does not call for it, I want to pursue it. Whether this pursuit is emotional or physical in nature is not of importance, what is of importance is that I am pursuing a greater purpose.

This idea became increasingly clear to me as I took a long run among paths I had yet to travel. The sun set as my body shed goosebumps and I realized how truly lucky I was to have this experience–to be able to run along these paths–to be able to run at all. It was a weird feeling to feel both blessed and guilty all at the same time. I didn’t know what to make of those feelings I was experiencing, but I do know that my feelings of guilt could be energy toward action.

They say God works in mysterious ways, and I’m willing to bet that calling me to greater challenges is all a part of His plan. I don’t know how or what this entails, but I know He prevails.

Here’s to a new perspective, and many new experiences to come!

Student Stories from Around the World