Futbol!

So, yesterday I went to the Real Madrid soccer game (futbol). This was a cultural experience. Thanks to my childhood, I love soccer (maybe not as much as my brothers, but I do, nonetheless). So, I was very excited when I found out Real Madrid was playing while I was in town. I rushed to get tickets (which was not necessary because there were plenty of open seats because the stadium is HUGE). However, much like games in the states there were vendors outside the stadium. I didn't realize these vendors served a very important purpose to the culture of the game, which I will get to in a minute. There was a frenzy of people around the staduim trying to make a buck, find their seats, and witness the commotion. I had decent seats, once I climbed the multiple stairs and found them. they weren't great, but they were good- I was about as far away as I usually am to see a Nuggets game, so I wasn't complaining. I had a clear view of eveything and they players weren't minescule. So, there are no frills in soccer (at least at these games). The lights didn't turn off (we were outside), an announcer didn't come on and make every player immortal. The players were simply announced and the game began.

At half-time, I was about to get up to grab a beer and something to nibble on (since it was 10:30, and I hadn't eaten yet- in spain, dinner is 9, so this isn't too unusual). And, everyone around me pulled out a homemade sandwich, or a sandwich they bought from the vendors outside. So, I thought- wow- they let you bring food in, pretty cool, and economical. Economical maybe, but not so great for me. Because at the concession stand they offered bags of chips, pretzels, and sunflower seeds. They also had beer, and cokes. I was a little disheartened, but figured a beer would hold me over. Until I heard an American behind me say- is it true the beer is non-alcoholic? WHAT?! I quickly turned around with- what are we at a college game?

At the end of the game, there was no beer, no food, and a loss for Real Madrid. Although, a very cultural experience. and, that crowd was decently rowdy for the lack of alcohol. Now, I know.