Sports….

It has been a very “sporty” week for me. Not that I personally did massive amounts of it, it was more an observing role. Worth every minute!!

First I went to Stamford Bridge to watch Chelsea – Aston Villa playing for the Carling Cup. First time ever at an english football match and it was quite and experience

It’s a small stadium compared to my favourite San Siro, but great atmosphere. Most of it was packed, I think it can hold about 45,000 people. I was really surprised to be sitting 4 rows from the pitch, with no real barrier….you could actually smell the grass!!! Lots of songs and 4 goals later Chelsea had won the game. The temperature had dropped quite a bit over the last couple of days and we were all covered with warm scarves, gloves and hats. But that di not damp the atmosphere at all, hopefully I’ll get a chance to go again soon.

And then there was the big event yesterday: Investec Challenge at Twickenham England – Argentina. Rugby, what an interesting sport. I have slowly learned a few rules and having Paolo in the same flat helps a bit. He’s quite passionate about it and plays it as well regularly. So, he invited me to Twickenham for this game and we headed off yesterday morning, with the “Rugby Train” from Waterloo. The stadium is massive, and we were invited to the Investec Hospitality Suite. We spent a few hours there with some free booze and food, an interesting cocktail challenge between 2 rugby players and then made our way to our seats just in time for kick-off.

England unfortunately lost against Argentina, but it was a fantastic experience. It got really cold and windy, but that didn’t really matter. After the game we headed back to the hospitality suite, more food, chats, drinks. The pub near the bridge by the station was packed with rugby fans and we joined in.

Yes, there were loads of songs and choirs as you can see. Ha ha ha ha, brilliant! So…..when is the next game???!

Next weekend I will be back in Milan, more news then. And who knows, little Beatrice may be born by then!

Tine