Manchester and the World Cup Semi-Finals

The sun is still out, rumors are still circling that IKEA has nearly been destroyed, and Manchester is as booming as ever. I couldn't be living in a more exciting time in Manchester.. probably even more exciting than the industrial revolution. Why? Because Manqunians go absolutely mad for the World Cup and I love it! It's a pretty big deal that England is still in the running. They haven't won the World Cup since 1966 and haven't been in the semi-finals since 1990 (that's before my boyfriend or I were even born...!). 

That being said, I'm extremely excited to head down to the bar this evening beneath our flat and cheer on England. I know it's going to be more intense than the last game by far (England v. Sweden) where every near-shot,  multiple pints went up in the air. By the end of the night, there was possibly more beer on the floor and ceiling in the bar than consumed on a Friday night at my California university. 

And for the IKEA comment earlier -- after the England win on Saturday, rowdy, drunken Englishmen evidently flocked to IKEA to tear it apart to celebrate the victory against Sweden. (Interesting choice, Gents... that $20 table will feel the wrath of the loss unlike anything else...)

There's something the pub experience which doesn't exist in Silicon Valley; there's so much unity at a bar, which I feel like we only achieve as Americans on the Fourth of July at our local block party. If you go downstairs, however, it's like 50 new besties who you can see every Friday night and come together over something as simple as the weather or football (English football, that is.).

Win or loss, I know the experience will bring memories which will last a lifetime. England's already made history - but I sure hope they make it to the finals! GO ENGLAND!