SIXTH!

Today I went to my first football game. Yes, I know. Pathetic that it's my first, since I played for a few years, and was convinced at one point that I would play in college and ascend to the throne of greatness with my idols Keira Knightly and Parminder Negra.

But I digress. My friend Sara and I headed over to Fulham to watch Fulham FC and Aston Villa duke it out. We got off the tube station and opted to make the 10-or-so minute walk to the pitch on foot, which wound up to be quite an experience. We decided on the way that, since Fulham was the home team, we'd probably root for them. The closer we got to our destination, the more and more Aston Villa fans began to flank us. Keep in mind we're not wearing any distinguishing Fulham gear because, obviously, we just picked our team on the way. These Villa fans are screaming the funniest team chants I've ever heard and are literally on all sides of us. We were boxed in by rabid football fans! (That picture was taken from our seats in the stands, overlooking the people coming in. See all the cops?)

Look at them tixx. Shoot.
Shortly after the picture with The Badger was taken (The Fulham mascot) these weird Japanese guys asked to take their picture with us? I don't really know what was going on, and I don't think they were hitting on us because they wanted a picture with the guys who'd gone before us as well. It was very odd.

Eventually we got out of the crowd and made it to the field, where we checked in, peed (European toilets are frustrating to flush, by the way), and picked up a couple gifts for Sara's friend and boyfriend (Two Fulham beanies, and a Fulham teddy bear for fun).

Then we proceed to our seats and take pictures with Freddie the Fulham bear, who took up residence in my purse. Kick off, lah-dee-dah. It's magnificent and I'm having a blast watching the game and how it's affecting those around me. Moms, dads, kids, all going nuts!

It gets cold very fast, so we decide to wear Sara's gift beanies because she decides she can just wash them before she gives them to the aforementioned people. Good thing, because those suckers saved our lives! Eventually half-time rolled around and we procured two enormous hot dogs on French baguette--mine with mustard, Sara's with ketchup. They were delicious...and bigger than our heads!

Then the second half begins. Neither team has scored yet, and until this point Villa has looked like it's going to be victorious. They've had the majority of possession, and generally seem to have a more aggressive offense. Naturally, they score first, just nipping it in. We were in a neutral section, and it seemed like all the Villa fans were behind us because they FREAKED OUT. Like throwing their panties on the field...yeah, jk. But they really did flip out.

There's about 20 minutes left when this happens. Maybe five minutes later, Fulham gets one in. And 10 minutes later, on a penalty kick, they get their second. Now it's the Fulham fans' turn to celebrate. Being the home team, the stadium (?) erupts in applause and leaps to their feet. Flash bulbs are going off, people are cheering, and all the Villa fans behind us left. hahaha. There were probably three rows that vacated right after that. Hilarious.

So, long story short: I picked the right team.
Now I'm sitting in the common room of Ambassador house, watching the Superbowl with Sara and a bunch of bros. Delightful.

And for the record, I DID give the hat back.