Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Our Sunday got off to a great start (well for me anyway, maybe not for Ash and Shez!) as we headed off in the sunshine to San Telmo market. Along the cobbled streets amongst the beautiful old buildings were lots and lots of diffierent stalls selling everything from paintings to shoes to gifts. My idea of heaven on a Sunday morning! We enjoyed wandering amonsgt the atmospheric streets and tasting some more of Argentinas empanadas empanadas before heading back to the hostel for a pit stop, drink and more food.
Very luckily for us Ellie, a girl I know from Grimsby had been in touch as she too was in BA at the same time, and whilst arranging to meet up for a Grimsby reunion, informed us she had some BOCA football tickets for us....for free! I hadnt done my research and unfortunately realised that we had arranged to meet at 4pm back in San Telmo. As I broke the news to the guys that we had to jump back onto the tube and walk along that same market road to meet Ellie and Simon, they werent too impressed. Particuarly when Shez got a blister on his foot and only just managed to get to the pub after waiting in the square for Ash and I to locate the place as we had trouble finding it.
Half an hour late and we finally showed up, enjoyed catching up with Ellie and Simon over drinks, eagerly excited about the game. Seeing BOCA play had been something we had all really wanted to do but was hesitant about booking a tour due to the cost so the fact that Ellie sorted us out for free was amazing. We were very lucky! For those of you that know BA will know that the ground is in one of the dodgiest areas of the city and so after persuading a taxi driver to fit all 5 of us in his cab, we headed off to the ground feeling both excited and apprehensive about what we would find. Thankfully the atmoshpere felt safe and as we entered the ground we were amazed by how many people were there already, singing and shouting an hour before kick off.
After grabbing some food we headed off to our seats, unfortunately in different areas but we arranged to meet at half time. Our seats were fantasitc, on the half way line, 2 rows up from the front. The perspex barrier with spikes on top seemed very close and didnt fill me with the most safest feeling but we were all loving the atmosphere and craziness of the place. As soon as the junior game had finished the stadium started to erupt and the `12th man` stand went for it. Drums banging, people singing, it was electric! As the game started we were hopeful for a BOCA win but unfortunately it wasnt to be. Both Ash and Shez were disappointed with their performance and the standard overall but Shez was very excited about Riquelmes appearance.
As the game came to an end we deicded to leave 15 minutes early to ensure we got out safely and to try and grab a taxi before the crowds. Our plans were soon shattered though when we were met at the exit by 4 policemen saying we had to stay until the away fans had left to prevent any trouble stirring. Even my pathetic attmepts at persuading them to let us out because I was `really tired` didnt work. Ash and Shex werent too impressed either!! Again, we were very lucky to meet a local guy who was waiting to leave too who after conversing about England and football, decided to offer us a lift back to our hostel. How come we always meet such fantastic people... This was more than a blessing as his car was literally round the corner and as we drove out amongst the fans we soon realised we wouldnt be getting a taxi anytime soon. Not good when Shez was really struggling with his foot. A great end to a great day.
- comments