Euro 2008: Spain 1 Germany 0

The Euro 2008 championship proved to be a spectacular and profitable event even without England being involved. Of course, the best team won in the end and a well deserved party erupted all over Spain. When will it end!


The Paseo.

We decided to watch the match at Bitter & Twisted on the beach. Initially we wanted to watch it in a Spanish bar but drawing Spain in the sweep and the prospect of getting my grubby little paws on 150 Euros swung it. So after a relaxing afternoon on the beach we headed for the bar. A number of bars had switched allegiances during the tournament. Bakers bar used to sport a massive Swedish flag, suddenly replaced by the Spanish flag. Bitter & Twisted had jumped the good ship Holland and were now rooting for Spain.


Confident mood before the match.

As usual, my pre-match nerves kicked in although I was confident of a Spanish victory. Earlier in the week I was concerned that the Germans would win so I agreed to split the JDSU Prediction league money with Soft Lad. £75 to the winner. That would be mine if Spain won and Swampy's if it were Germany. A pre match deal was struck.

It seemed I had done the right thing in the first 10 minutes. Nerves had got the better of the Spanish team. However, they soon shook them off and had a number of excellent chances before Torres got what proved to be the winning goal.


Campeones y 150 Euros más!

Fiesta time! The streets were filled with the jubilant locals, waving flags and singing their hearts out. Fireworks were being set-off all over town. Cars went by beeping their horns whilst the people on the street greeted each on with "Ole", using their flags as a matadors cape.


Celebrations on la playa.

So, a great nights party. The tournament has left me with several new phrases and songs. The Spanish Televison slogan "Podemos!" (we can) was true. "A Por ellos" and "El día 29 Espana Campeon" was sung with gusto all night.

TOGS: Golfer of the Year Round 3

A disastrous round of Golf for me under the blazing hot sun. 21 points and not many goods shots to remember, although a lot of bad luck and a record number of bunkers hit!

In contrast, my playing partner John Kilroy seemed to have someone smiling down on him. Typical Man U fan, they get all the luck! By the end of the 18th hole I was contemplating switching allegiances just to get some luck next round.

Things to work on for the next round:
1) Bunkers! Find a way of playing out of them and stick to it! Stop whinging about them having no proper sand in them and deal with it!

2) Sand Wedge: Stick to using it around the greens in future!

3) Putting: If its not a tap in, mark it and walk away idiot!

San Juan 2008

Un gran fiesta en la playa! This year we went to a party organised by my school, Quorum. Plenty of Sangria and Paella!


Burriana Playa a little quieter than usual.

The first stop of the evening was H20. Sat there watching the world go by it seemed to me that it was going to be busy. However, Yasir had other views, "Solo Guiries!". It appears that a number of the locals who enjoy camping out had opted for Playaso rather than Burriana. Less rules. That certainly seemed true when we saw the beach. It appeared relatively empty compared to previous years.


The Main stage.

The one thing that didn't change was the massive queue for the free beer and sardines. The "Crisis Economica" must have hit the Guiries in the pocket. Must have been at least a 30 minute queue. We headed off to find our party.


The things people do for a free beer & sardines!

Previous years the Quorum lot have had a tent. This year there was only a parasol! Still, there was a huge barrel full of sangria and a table full of sandwiches, crisps and olives. Fran was busy preparing the paella whilst Pepe welcomed us with drinks and a chat about the football. Pepe was happy with Spain's win over Italy. Monica grinned and beared it!


Monica checks on Fran's cooking.

As it was a party with the school, Monica tried to ensure that I spoke in Spanish. We sat on the beach with Marc, who now works in the informatica centre at the school. Charlamos en espanol de la tienda y otras cosas. When Monica went to the toilet Marc whispered conspiratorially, "You can now speak in English if you like!".


Fran dishes out the Paella.

As is the custom, I went for a dip at midnight with most of the other brave souls, although their were a few who went missing in action. Monica, only bathed her hands, feet and washed her face in the sea (the bare minimum for San Juan!), whilst a certain teacher whom I will not name (pictured above!) didn't go anywhere near the water.

After the quick dip it was time to jump the fire three times. Again, a certain teacher failed to take part. His macho image swiftly fading away. The next lesson, Antonio soon taught me a new word to describe Fran, "Flojo", which can mean "loose" or "Slack", but I think it was meant in the context of being "Weak", no fuerte!

The lesson was spent describing the events of San Juan. I was quite proud that I had taken part in all the traditions. Antonio soon put me in my place though. Paella at night... Only Guiries!

Encierro de Vaquillas

An early morning trip to see the Bull run in Frigiliana. It was feria time in Frigiliana and the locals like nothing more than party all night and play chicken with a few angry bulls early Sunday morning before going for a kip. I can think of better ways to sober yourself up.


Calle Real before the run.

We chose to watch from well behind the safety barriers. I had no idea what to expect. At about 8:30 in the morning the fireworks were lit. The Vaquillas must be on the run. It wasn't long before we saw the crowd running down the calle. "Here come the idiots" I thought. I was wrong. These were the sensible ones. The idiots were a lot closer to the action.



The locals dive for cover.

At the end of the street the safety barriers brought the run to an end. Now was when the young lads from Frigiliana had there fun. Taunting the Vaquillas didn't seem the best of ideas when you've had a skin full. The Vaquillas would get suitably annoyed enough to charge. Cue a roar from the crowd and a scattering of lads as most bolted for the barriers.



A Torero ready and waiting.

Some of the lads from Frigiliana fancied themselves as budding Toreros. A few improvised with Spanish flags. A couple even sported the traditional costume complete with cape and began to perform as Jose Tomas.


3 of the Vaquillas.

There was even a spot of Portuguese style bull fighting. A brave (foolish really) soul attempted to wrestle with one of the cows. Grabbing her by the horns and attempting to ground her. He soon gave up and dived for cover as the indignant Vaquilla tried her level best to gore him against the rails.


Torero takes 5 after being caught by a Vaquilla.

There were a number of close calls although no real blood was spilt. A guy in a light blue t-shirt came closest. Having bravely tried to out stare the Vaquilla whilst inching closer and closer, he was distracted by the Vaquillas behind giving the one in front a window of opportunity. An impressive show of footwork almost got the lad out of trouble but he couldn't reach the barrier in time. He was headbutted and pinned against the rail, the horns inches away from stabbing him. He finally managed to climb the rail. In true macho style he soon was back on the calle, although a little winded.