I’m a pretty big sports fan (go Mets, go Islanders!) and I love going to games even if it is a sport I don’t normally follow. But for soccer (or ‘futbol’ as I’ve learned to call it in Europe), I just never got the ‘bug’. I played a bit in middle school, and I’ve been to one professional game (the Red Bulls) in the States, but I’ve never gone out of my way to watch a game. Until now!
The World Cup is one of those things like the Olympics or World’s Fairs / Expos that I love to support as I love to see different cultures and communities come together over a common connection, in this case: futbol. So when I had the opportunity to see Switzerland play at a house party in Switzerland, and then see Germany play at a public viewing in Germany, how could I possibly say no!?
In Switzerland I am staying with an amazing couple who I met when I was in Italy – we had just started chatting at a restaurant one night, and the next thing I knew, I was invited to stay with them if I made it to Zurich. And I did. Jacqueline and Martin were hosting a small get-together with some family and friends to watch the game, so I brought little soccer ball-shaped chocolates from the local, delicious Swiss brand Teuscher to add to the atmosphere.
We drove up to Lake Konstanz from the town of Frauenfeld where I am staying, and casually parked and walked over the border into Germany. No passport control (no stamp, boo), and no questions.