Saturday, November 14, 2009

A Footbal Match (soccer if your American)

A couple of Tuesdays ago I was privileged to go to a football game down in Marseille. The night started as so many nights often do, by drinking a bottle of wine in the city somewhere, this night it just so happened to be next to the Dolphin fountain in Aix. Myself and almost 12 others were pregaming for l'OM (Olympique Marseille the name of the team) game. Our school had got us a bus which was a great idea as it so happened because as we neared Marseille the traffic began to get absolutely ridiculous so it was nice to be stuck on a bus with friends. One of our teachers instructed us on the L'OM chants, " Nous sommes les marseillais, Nous sommes les marseillais, et nous allons gagnez, nous allons gagnez, Allez l'OM allez l'OM, allez l'OM allez l'OM, hohohohohohohoho" Which translates as "We are marseillais, we are going to win, go l'OM!" After a couple of unsuccessful attempts the prof in questions sat down and gave up. The crowd was now stirred up and ready to sing however, A group of girls led by Meg and Emily began to sing a song which everyone, especially drunk girls know, "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey. Then all hell broke loose as almost 3/4 of the bus broke out into the 80s rock opera.

When we finally managed to get close enough to the Stade Velodrome we disembarked from our circa 1970 style bus and headed for the gates. I procured at ripoff l'OM scarf for 5 euros, which is a pretty darn good deal, from a near by gypsy. The scarf rocks and not to mention it is also Denver Nuggets colors so I will be able to continue to warm my neck at sporting events in Denver for years to come.

The game was a completely whole new experience as far as sporting events go. We think we know what enthusiasm and pride in our team is but these fanatics bring way more than the usual to the table. The real crazies sit in the north and south stands and just chant the entire game. Not to mention: light flares on fire inside the stands, wave humongous flags, sing, clap and generally create ruckus for l'OM.

We picked a stupendous game to attend. l'OM scored a whopping 6 goals. The goals were all spread out throughout the entire so the match really had no down points at all. Team Zurich scored 1 goal but it was too little to late.

Defiantly worth it.