This really has been a great summer to be in England. So far, I've had the ability to witness:
1. The Diamond Jubilee
2. Euro 2012 Football
3. The London Olympics 2012
4. Wimbledon Tennis
© Tesco
This first event was fascinating for me for many reasons, but mainly because it gave me a rare glimpse of British cultural identity and pride. You can call me ignorant, but I simply wasn't aware that British people were so patriotic. I thought that it was only in good ol' America that you see such exhausting displays of jingoistic fervor.
And let's face it: no matter what your views towards the monarchy are, who can protest a four-day weekend full of alcohol-spiked lemonade, fairycakes,
bunting, delicious food, sparkly red, white and blue decorations and general high spirits?
And I believe I mentioned Euro 2012 previously, and since I have already acknowledged my descent into rant territory, let me express how superior I find soccer - and yes, we call it soccer in my parts - to every other sport. I am formerly a sportsaphobe, forced to watch nearly every soccer match with my fiancee this summer, and I have to say my views have changed. My theory is that Americans hate soccer because we hate running, and even watching people run while sitting on the sofa and snacking on nachos makes us tired. Can you think of a more physically demanding sport than running miles around a soccer field, trying to keep a ball in your team's possession? That takes physical prowess AND mental stamina. With shame I must admit that I am an American, converted to Soccerism. Basketball lacks the anticipation and capriciousness of soccer, and American football lacks the speed and swiftness.
So, thank you, Euro 2012, for giving me some hope that a foreigner can enjoy the same sort of things that make a British man beam with pride.
So, thank you, Euro 2012, for giving me some hope that a foreigner can enjoy the same sort of things that make a British man beam with pride.
