Two Football Games and St. Paddy's Day

Two Wednesdays ago (3/14), I went to a Chelsea vs Napoli game with Kelly.  It was so much fun!  I won the tickets at a Chabad event a few weeks ago, and though I had to skip class to go (sorry parents!), it was so worth it!

We started by buying some Chelsea souvenirs: a scarf for Kelly and a scarf and sweatshirt for me.  Then, we grabbed a quick bite to eat at Pizza Express.  We missed the kick off, but neither of us was too concerned with seeing it.

I guess since I'm not a big sports person, I didn't realize just how serious they take it here.  We got to our seats late, and everyone was already seated and paying very close attention (we were in a no standing zone, and here in London fans aren't allowed to take their drinks back to their seats).  I thought I was annoying the gentleman next me, 1) because I was American and a girl who didn't really know the sport, and 2) because I felt like I kept poking him with the flag that everyone had at their seats.  But, at the end of the game, which we won, he grabbed me in for a big hug, and then pulled Kelly in, too!

It was a confusing game, since they went into overtime, by about 90 minutes, and we didn't know what was going on.  So, we just assumed that soccer here was played in three, 90 minute sections.  Nope.

Then we went to a pub and chatted.  It was a night to remember!

Kelly and me in our new Chelsea scarves

Then, on that Saturday, a bunch of us went to a Fulham game.  This was also St Paddy's Day, so there was lots of 'fun' to be had!  I found a recipe online that included rum, Bailey's, and maraschino cherry syrup/juice.  Supposedly it tastes like a chocolate covered cherry.  I wasn't able to the cherry stuff, but, since it was St. Paddy's Day, I got the Bailey's.  Ahh the red hair is bringing out the Irish in me.

So we all left for the game in different groups.  I missed kick off and the end.  I really just wasn't into this game.  I guess I'm officially a Chelsea fan!

-B