Footnotes from Ukraine

Tasty: when in Kiev...

Whilst Ukraine have been a welcoming host (I even received two bags of crisps on the street for free yesterday in Kiev, any country that bears gifts as nice as this gets my vote) there is one thing sorely lacking when compared to previous tournaments: the lack of variety of travelling support in each host city. 

In Tokyo, stood at central station, the place was buzzing with supporters from all over the world. From Ireland to Argentina, from Germany to Cameroon, it was a fantastic place to be as the hub of the World Cup with 16 nations based in Japan, many of which playing in the country’s capital at some stage during the tournament.

In Poland and Ukraine, though, this is not the case. The size of the two host nations, aligned with varying transport issues (there’s no bullet train here) there is not the same international feel. Sweden, for example, are based solely in Kiev, whilst Spain remain in Gdansk, for the time being at least.

I understand the logistics, I just miss the lack of an international feel when the cities are dominated by just one or two nation's fans.

A dog: this funny thing has no business being here, aside from the fact he is a cute dog, which is enough in itself

Anyway, moan over and I am returning to my crisps as my trip takes another dramatic twist (there have been more twists and turns than a twisty-turny thing so far). I have decided to become a culture vulture, taking in a monastery and some of the amazing views on offer near Kiev’s famous arc. 

Irish pub: at O'Brien's with fellow Norfolk boy (also in red) who goes simply by the name of Calvin

It is not long, however, before I revert to type to visit the Irish bar to watch football before drinking myself silly whilst singing to Oasis songs in a downstairs bar called Dockers which gets a seal of approval in terms of ambience, but a seal of disapproval on the ever increasing price of drinks throughout the evening.

Now for the long train journey to Donetsk from Kiev which will pass by much more quickly as it will be dominated by some much needed sleep.

 
Don't look back in anger: Oasis being sung at the Dockers bar in Kiev

Euro surprise

Yesterday was my first visit to the fan zone in Kiev and I wasn't disappointed. The camaraderie between the English and the Swedish supporters was excellent and I anticipate that relationship staying the same for tonight's game. It was certainly embellished by the Swedish band on show singing some Oasis classics. What ever happened to Abba?

What followed did come as a slight surprise as a middle aged woman came to me offering sex. When I declined she then said it was for money, perhaps expecting me to change my mind. I did not and I suggested she should head towards the Swedish contingent offering her services as they have more money than the English. She took heed of my advice and headed in their direction.

One disappointing footnote has to be aimed in the direction of the Official England Supporters bar where they are trying to exploit fans by charging relatively extortionate prices, three times that of just about anywhere else in the city, including the fan zone which it neighbours.