It's Futbol time!

Futbol Match-FC Barcelona…

Today I took the bus from Tossa de mar back to Barcelona via the Safra bus systems. I am sad to report I have found where the dark and unattractive congregate. The metro. First, let me start by saying that I was first met by an angel. She was blonde and cheery looking and, noticing I was completely lost by the metro system, she pointed me in the right direction and made sure I got to the right place. Where ever that blonde haired blue eyed anger is at this moment I wish her well. Then, I met with the devil. As I was on the metro, a bit disorientated and maybe more trusting having just spent two days in a small little (trustworthy) beach town. But this what would have been revered as a sweet young lady, was this sticky finger little rascal. As the metro became more crowed we were shoved together and not thinking to much of it, I squished myself into a corner…sticky fingers close by. I happened to look down and I saw her hand in my purse. Doing what any mother would do, I slapped her hand and told her to quit touching my stuff. She said “what are you talking about?” and she quickly disembarked the metro, probably looking for a new victim. Ha! I was irritated. The first time of this trip. It actually felt good to be pissed off for a while. Nice emotion when I have had such a variety of the other stuff.

Anyway, after this incident, I found my way to my “hotel”. I say it in quotes because it is located at the end of an alley and the only thing that suggests it is a “hotel” is a small sign. They would be better suited to declare it a hostel….it is in a shady neighborhood but I booked it because it was less than a ½ mile from the Camp Nou Stadium. I am surviving it. Although, I have moved every piece of moveable furniture in front of the door and I checked under the bed, in the closet and in the shower to make sure no one was lurking about. O my probation officer suspicion is rearing its protective head.

I took a quick shower and then headed over to Camp Nou. As I enetered the gate, I was happy I had decided to still come. The celebration was huge. There was bands and smiles and dancing and everyone was layered in Barcelona futbol garb. The crowd was mostly comprised of families with young children. There were so many differences between this sporting event and ones I have attended in San Francisco.
They have very little food options for purchase. They offered hotdogs and sodas. They did not march around with red ropes, cotton candy, popcorn, slurpies, icecream bon bons, peanuts. And, no alcohol. Only non alcoholic beer was offered.
The crowd was very receptive when the other team was introduced. However, when Osacuna’s team member was injured, they hollered out he was a “puta”.

From barcelona

From barcelona

They didn’t have an announcer. They often broke into their own songs and started the cheers themselves. The game itself started out as very boring and I was curious why there was such an interest in soccer (there, I said it). But, when the ref called a bad call (I am guessing) the crowd got so animated that I soon learned what the attraction was. Everyone held something white and shouted in unison something in Spanish or catalan. It was crazy. After the game (which FC Barcelona lost 0-1) they had a special celebration because the team recently won some championship. I would love to say I was interested enough to find out exactly what, but I am not. I went to participate in their culture and I am really glad I was able to experience that. Behind me sat two fathers with their young (2 or 3 yrs) and those boys were so cute. At some point the speakers play “I will survive” (I am telling you their choice in music here is odd) and I am comforted because finally something in English that I understand, and these little boys bust out their moves and I am instantly amused and was able to laugh out loud, something else I have been unable to do for many days.

From barcelona

So, overall, aside from the reprimand I had to give ol’ sticky fingers, my day was very rewarding. Tomorrow I am off to Madrid. I went to a travel agency today in Tossa, trying to determine where to go next and the fella there said that I really should see Madrid I agree. Then I can wipe Spain off my list.