are you ready for some (english) FOOTBALL?!

chris is a huge, huge, can't understate the word HUGE football fan (umurkins: read "soccer"). his favourite team is Nottingham Forest, and he saved up the equivalent of $100 to take me to the first game of the season.

never liked watching sports before. never cared for it. it seems in the states that there's only three main arena sports with the die-hard fans: baseball, basketball, and american football. now baseball is occasionally fun to watch, if it doesn't get boring due to lack of home runs. basketball has too many scores, so the anticipation isn't exactly great. and american football stops and starts so many times with so many complicated rules that it really ends up boring me to tears.

but there is nothing like going to a live english football match. especially for me. because there's one thing i love about sports, if it's not the actual game: it's the opportunity to scream with thousands of crazy people. crowds that spontaneously combust in revalry will get me going to certain sports matches even if i don't care what's happening in the game.

but here's the catch: english football i can actually UNDERSTAND! it's non-stop action the whole time. the ball is easy to see. the rules are easy to get. the players do the fanciest footwork. and it's called football for a reason -- you kick the ball around with your foot! that's not the case with stupid american football.

the fans are more nutty and diehard, and they all showcase their fantastic accents. plus, you'll never hear "awwww RUBBISH, you bloody wanker!" at any american sports game.

always a plus.