2 weeks in Russia

mistermagic

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We set off with a mate of mine to St Petersburg via Riga. As an avid groundhopper the plan was to do the Krestovski on the 15th, Spartak on 16th and Luzhniki on the 17th. Given that I booked tickets before the draw was made I got those tickets fairly easily. That means I couldn't attend France's game against Australia in Kazan.
Air Bnb in St Pete was a dive in the middle of nowhere first evening we ask for a beer, the woman didn't understand. At that time I understood that Russians speak zero English and I mean that. Now my mate was only doing the 3 games whilst I was staying for the whole group stage. At this point I figured this was going to be a long fortnight.
First game was Morocco/Iran. Shite game. Second was Argentina/Iceland which was alright, saw Messi miss a pen and thought Iceland were as good this time around as in France 2 years ago. I'm very suprised they got knocked out. 3rd one was Germany/Mexico which was very good. Not surprised that Germany got knocked out, Dirk knows.
Now I'm by myself and flying to Ekaterinburg for the France/Peru game. Nice small town on the edge of Asia. Cold though. Saying that, this is the one and only time I didn't get to wear my shorts. The weather in Russia was glorious, bloody fantastic. Loads of Peru fans around who filmed me singing the Marseillaise and really good natured folk. Watched the Argie bashing by Croatia in a Scottish pub and they were all distraught. Had a beaming smile me and was getting pissed. All was well.
Then night train to Kazan (15-hr, quite long) which was fine. This is where I saw A LOT of Colombians. Very hot in Kazan and bloody good game (Poland/Colombia). Then plane to Moscow where I witnessed one of the worst game I ever attended (Denmark vs France). Then plane to Kaliningrad to watch England which was strange given that neither side wanted to win but alright goal.

It was nice attending my first ever World Cup. Just wish the locals spoke English. Basically I spent 2 weeks in a country where people spoke either Russian or Spanish which was a bit shit as I speak neither. Was a good do. Reckon I'll get a few games in 2 years but doubt I'll set foot in Qatar.
 

Dirk

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Not surprised that Germany got knocked out, Dirk knows.

Yeah, Dirk knows

Then plane to Kaliningrad to watch England which was strange given that neither side wanted to win but alright goal.

How was Kaliningrad, the former Königsberg, Capital of Ostpreußen? Is there anything left of its German Heritage or didn't you have time for sightseeing?

Anyway, good to have you back here.
 

mistermagic

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Königsberg was lovely. I had a much better time in the small towns than St Petersburg (only stayed 20 hours) and Moscow (Kremlin is alright, not much else to see). You can see the German heritage and feel it. Shame the Russians bombed everything by coming over. Great place but one of those you know the stadium will never be packed again. The local club is in the Russian second division so crowds will be bad.
 

CFC91

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Also was in Kaliningrad, thought it was a bit of a dump really but some nice parts. great atmosphere, friendly locals and the beer and vodka was cheap.
 

mistermagic

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Also was in Kaliningrad, thought it was a bit of a dump really but some nice parts. great atmosphere, friendly locals and the beer and vodka was cheap.
Most of it was but they kept a bit of German housing which was nice. The cathedral was a good visit and I liked the walk along the river to the ground. There are worse football trips to be done.
 

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