Last night, we joined in with every other Kiwi and went to the Blues game. I must admit, I love rugby. I didn't really understand it at first, but once Natalie showed up with her trusty rugby guide, I feel very knowledgeable in the sport. It intrigues me, really. And, it isn't much like American football (well, it is similar...but not as similar as people lead you believe).
We got free Blues flags when we entered the stadium! Mom, you can tell dad to be so proud of us as we were there over an hour early. I know to be a true Gardner, you must be at any sporting event so early that even the concessions haven't opened up yet.
We were there so early because yesterday was our day of little miracles. We got to the skytower and had no plans for after, except for the game later that night. So we literally hopped on the first bus we saw (smart I know) and took a little joy ride to Parnell Road. Once we got there, we wandered around to a park to just sit and soak up the sun. Don't worry, we only got approached by one car of boys trying to get us to come with them. I thought about it for a second, but his Lebron jersey he was sporting was so last year, so I decided I shouldn't be seen with someone like him. Instead, we decided to try our luck again and hop on the next bus. We really should get an iTouch or something because these bus rides create many adventures as we don't know where we are going. Like I said, it was the day of miracles. Someone doesn't want us to get lost, I guess!
We got back to Britomart station, which was good because we kind of know this place. Now how to get to Eden Park for the game? I don't know. BUT, I do see some people wearing lots of Blue. And even two guys wearing Blues jerseys. This could lead somewhere. Why not follow them?
Yes, we followed them.
To the train station, where we got a free ride to the Stadium!
We must be living right!
Our seats were on row 6. ROW SIX. Yes, as in six rows from the bottom. How did we score these tickets? Miracles, I tell ya.
Oh hey there dad! Glad to see you could make it to the game!
I know these are blurry, but it just shows how close we were. We were right by where they come out. I'm standing up, but no zooming in....this was how close we were! (Too bad I didn't know anyone's names....)
Complete with fire to introduce the home team (and cheerleaders/dancers....I was assured by many people around us that this was NOT a traditional Kiwi thing....this is what they took from America. For some reason they really didn't want me to think they came up with having cheerleaders haha).
We had a moment of silence for the people in Christchurch and Japan.
This was "green cleats." Wish I knew his name....He's an All Black, and favourite player of the fans.
Natalie came with us too, but she didn't want to get in a picture....party pooper
No, I don't just post dumb looking pictures of myself for fun. I was trying to get this picture for Vicky. The Hurricane player in the background is one of her favourites because he is LDS. Well, used to be at least. He was in their ward in Wellington. (The Butters are big Hurricanes fans because they lived in Wellington for so long.)
Here is a better picture of him. His name is Ma'a Nonu. This was his 100th game. He is an All Black as well. People here go crazy for their Rugby. Seriously, it divides the country just as much as it unites it. The All Blacks are the saving grace because everyone likes them. But there was a diehard Hurricane fan sitting behind us and she was fighting the whole time with her husband who is a Blues fan. People came early early to the game (surprisingly we were not the first people there) and they talk about it at school (well if they win they talk about it) and at church. I think I am a fan.
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