DCHeather's trip and match diary, thus far...

Discussion in 'Fulham FC News and Notes' started by dcheather, Oct 22, 2006.

  1. dcheather

    dcheather Administrator

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2005
    Day One:

    I’ve been in London for two and half days and even though that’s a very short time it has been very long and tiring. I arrived early Friday morning, at 5:50 am (London time), did the usual get off the plane with carry-on luggage and made may around the huge Heathrow maze to the immigration visa/security checkpoint. This is where the fun begins, I feel as though I was one answer away from being thrown back on the plane with only half of my remaining luggage. I waited in the “other” Non-EU visa passport line for about an hour, only to get thrown into what I suspect was the “shady” character line, that only contained of about 6 or 7 people at a time but moved very slowly because as each individual was questioned about half to 1 hour each. Fun, fun, fun. I think I managed to get pulled into this line because I managed to get myself between two young, male passengers that had just disembarked from Hong Kong; or immigration officials think 5'5 skinny ass, American chicks pose a threat to national security. Anyway, I finally manage to get to the immigration official’s little podium of doom, where I have to explain why I in my right mind would ever want to visit the UK. I think it’s beyond them to comprehend why anyone would want to have a long holiday in London. I tell the woman that I’m here to see some football matches and I will be staying for two and half weeks. This little explanation has now made me a terrorist suspect.
    “You’re here for 2 and half weeks to see football matches?” she says with a look of complete disbelief.
    “What team do you support?” “Fulham,” I answer. I am now the fourth command leader of al-qaeda.
    “You’re here to see Fulham?” “Yes.” She now looks at my passport more closely and sees that I have a prior UK entry stamp in my passport. “I see you were here before, what was the nature of your visit?” “Sightseeing.” This answer seems to have calmed here a little. But then continues her interrogation, “but why do have no other country’s entry stamps in your passport?” Well, I tell I prefer to visit the UK when I travel abroad, hoping a little kissing up would help me. No dice, in fact I have moved into second-in-command. “But if you visit no other countries, how would you know you prefer this country?” UGH. “I suppose you have a point.” Never kiss-up to the immigration folks, and don’t be polite or kind–it only makes them even more suspicious of you. Again, she question me for another 20 minutes about the nature of my visit. We finally get to two question that I seem to answer to her satisfaction and I get my passport stamped.
    “If you support Fulham, name their players.” I proceed to name all the Fulham players that feature in the starting line-up. “Besides Fulham, are there any other football teams you support?” “Yes, I follow DC United back home.” I have now gained entry into the wonderful UK. The trick is to be a DC United supporter. I didn’t know what I was going to do if the questions continued and had to tell Mike I had be placed on an immediate flight back to the US. “Sorry, Mike, I couldn’t name Fulham’s entire line-up from 1899.”

    After settling into my hotel room and the such (major thanks to Holiday Inn Express staff for letting me check-in early, they are very friendly and wonderful at their jobs), I met-up with American Mike at the club shop to do a little shopping and to pick-up my tickets. After the club shop, we walked to Craven Cottage’s for some coffee and little walk around the Cottage and Bishops park. Finally, we headed to the Golden Lion for some drinks and waited for MW2. Big thanks, to American Mike and MW2 for buying me food and drink, I owe you. I enjoyed the pleasure of finally meeting you two in person for the first time. And no sharing of embarrassing stories please. I have ammo, too. :lol:

    Day Two (Matchday):

    I had my complimentary breakfast and went down to Tescos to get a sandwich and drink for the coach ride up to Birmingham. I arrived at the Cottage before the coaches, so I sat down on the benches in Bishops Park and watched the kids play and I swear I saw some of the Fulham training staff working with a member of the team? No idea who they were but they seemed to be big in size and all had short, brown hair. I know, it could have been anyone.
    The coach ride up to Birmingham was uneventful, we did stop at a rest area for a half hour. This was my first and only rest area experience in the UK (that I have memory of) but they are a lot smaller than the ones I’m familiar with back home. The toilet stalls were very small and the ugliest shade of pink of I have ever seen in my life. I may have a limited experience with the rest areas in the UK, but I’m ready to declare that the rest area situation is definitely superior in the States--in case you were wondering.
    We finally made it to Villa Park and met-up with Mike, Katy, and her family before the kick-off. Everyone seemed surprised and felt a little bad that this was going to be my first Fulham match, as the team was not likely to get a result. But I felt Fulham were going to get something from the match, as they have been eking out points the past couple of matches. The game was about to kick-off and we made our way out to the seats. It had raining off and on the way up to Birmingham, but I thought the rain shouldn’t matter as Villa Park has covering over the seats. I hate being wrong, and wrong I was in assuming the rain wouldn’t matter. The heavy rain and wind was soaking us Fulham fans from the opening kick-of until about 60th minute in the second half. To top it off it was fairly chilly as well. I concentrated for most of the match on trying to keep my camera dry and myself warm. Needless to say I only have a couple of pictures of Fulham’s warm-up.
    As for the game itself, both teams had excellent chances and was clear that Fulham were playing for a draw. The Fulham away fans kept themselves in good spirits by constantly singing and shouting “Wanker,” at the ref. Also, giving Ridgewell a hard time by asking him politely to hoof the ball. Even though the game ended in a draw, I really enjoyed the match and prefer seeing a Premiership match in person--it’s unbelievable how much you don’t see on the TV. Even just sitting in the stands and taking the whole experience in with your fellow supporters is a treat in itself. I am looking forward to my first match at Craven Cottage and cheering on the Whites to three points.
     
    #1
  2. pettyfog

    pettyfog Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2005
    RE: DCHeather

    Good stuff... stay away from those dark and swarthy types, eh.
     
    #2
  3. HatterDon

    HatterDon Moderator

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2006
    Location:
    Peoples Republic of South Texas
    RE: DCHeather

    DCH: Thanks for the post. It brings back memories. And thanks for the cheering and chanting yesterday. I could have sworn I'd heard a "skinny-ass Maryland chick" amongst all the other voices.

    Looking forward to volume 2
     
    #3
  4. rumstove

    rumstove New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2005
    Location:
    Eau Claire, WI
    RE: DCHeather

    Hooray you made it! Thanks for the post.
     
    #4
  5. ChicagoTom

    ChicagoTom Administrator

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2004
    Location:
    Chicago
    RE: DCHeather

    Good stuff Heather! I am glad to hear the trip is going well and the boys got a point on Saturday. Keep the diary coming. We can all live vicariously through you over the next two weeks!!
     
    #5
  6. SCFulhamFan

    SCFulhamFan Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2006
    RE: DCHeather

    Thanks for the update, and like Don said looking to hear more on the trip.
     
    #6
  7. dcheather

    dcheather Administrator

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2005
    RE: DCHeather

    Glad to hear people are enjoying my diary. I haven't been doing much since Saturday, I spent most of Sunday in bed and catching up on some much needed rest, and of course, writting my diary. I did manage to go to my favorite place in London, today. And that would be Harrods, I could spend an entire week in their food court. I'm sure Mr. Fayed would be glad to hear that.
     
    #7
  8. RDG

    RDG Member

    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2005
    RE: DCHeather

    Pretty funny stuff.

    As I watched the video of the match, I kept thinking about how this was not a great first match for you, comfort-wise. At least they got a point, as Villa Park seems to be a house of horrors for the lads.

    The immigration checkpoint brought back memories of being the one questioned, too. Don't worry, as I've gotten older, no one cares about me anymore, and I could probably smuggle tons of stuff now. Did the immigration officer have a Brummie accent, perchance?

    Oh, and did you hit the FFC shop at Harrod's?
     
    #8
  9. TonyTX42

    TonyTX42 New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2006
    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Great entry, DCH! While it was really enjoyable to read about your comings and goings, that green glow you see emanating from the screen is my all-consuming jealousy over you getting to see the boys in person. Someday... someday...

    I can't believe you had to go through all that just to enter the country. I imagine that skinny white women are tops on the visual profile list, but damn! And asking you to name Cottagers to prove you're a Fulham fan? That sounds a bit like overkill to me.

    But anyway, looking forward to reading the next entry and, of course, eventually getting to post my own one of these days. Keep up the good work, and keep those cheer coming!
     
    #9
  10. americanmike

    americanmike Administrator

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2004
    I have to say that is the one thing that I really enjoyed when I made the trips over. After being unable to see FFC live for so long and only occasionally being able to watch it on TV, it was such a great feeling to be at a match yelling, screaming and singing with thousands of other Fulham fans. Really makes you realize why you started supporting the club.

    It was fun meeting Heather and showing her the Cottage for the first time...and also spending some cash in the club shop! Oh, and also we had the opportunity to show Heather the Golden Lion and share a pint.

    RDG is coming soon so get the camera out, it could be interesting!
     
    #10
  11. RDG

    RDG Member

    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2005
    I'll take that as a compliment!

    :3d smile:
     
    #11
  12. dcheather

    dcheather Administrator

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2005
    #12
  13. HatterDon

    HatterDon Moderator

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2006
    Location:
    Peoples Republic of South Texas
    RE: Re: DCHeather

    Thanks for the pix, DCH, and welcome back; we've been missing you.
     
    #13
  14. pettyfog

    pettyfog Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2005
    RE: Re: DCHeather

    Me too.... but not that avatar!

    Merry Christmas Heather! Hope you get what you want... or at least what you need!
     
    #14
  15. rumstove

    rumstove New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2005
    Location:
    Eau Claire, WI
    Nice pics DCH!!!!!

    BTW, Little Miss Murphy looks kinda evil. :twisted:
     
    #15
  16. dcheather

    dcheather Administrator

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2005
    Aww...why you picking on my kitty? :( She's a sweetie.
     
    #16
  17. dcheather

    dcheather Administrator

    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2005
    btw...thanks for the kind words, Petty and HatterDon.
     
    #17
  18. rumstove

    rumstove New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2005
    Location:
    Eau Claire, WI
    Now I feel bad...I'm sorry DCH and DCH's cat. I didn't mean evil evil; I meant , um, spoiled evil, yeah? :?

    i should probably stop talking now...


    um, COYWs!!
     
    #18
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