I can spend hours curating elaborate travel plans and a simple slip on a sidewalk can derail them. I was minding my business walking in a park, missed a step and fell. Resulting in a broken ankle, flare up of arthritis and a blood clot. I had tickets for the FIFA Women’s World Game between England and Haiti. It was the first time Haiti qualified for the World Cup. Being Haitian, I wanted to show my support.
What an experience. I realize I am late the game, literally. I am not really a sports fan, but something about women’s soccer caught my attention. The pride of seeing my “Haitian” cousins on the field was indescribable. So many Haitians traveled to support, it was heart warming to meet them. Sadly, Haiti lost this game to England. On a fun note, I was at the hotel with the England team. On game day, I was watching the USA vs. Vietnam game in the bar, and the English team came by. It was super cool to learn about the plays from the actual experts. I even got to a photo with Jess Carter!
I loved the game so much, I changed my flights and bought tickets for the next few matches, in Adelaide and Perth. Funny because I remember saying that I would not be flying to Perth for a game. Never say never.
I got lucky with the weather in Adelaide. I took the train down to Glenelg for lunch along the water.
The next day I took a bus tour to Hahndorf and Barossa Valley for bit of wine tasting. Hahndorf was originally settled by the Germans, who brought the Riesling vines to the region. The town still reflects their German heritage.
This time they played China. Unfortunately they lost. But I did meet some my of Haitians “cousins”, as I was staying at the same hotel as the team. When I was leaving the hotel, the Moroccan Team arrived.
On to the 3rd game in Perth. When I arrived at the hotel, the Jamaican team was leaving for their game.I was able to persuade security that my “family” were all sitting together so I able to move to sit with the other fans and family of the players.
The lost was hard, you could see it on the faces of the players. But to me it was quite the adventure. They should be so proud to be the ones to bring Haiti to the world. I am so glad that I had the ability to do this trip. I enjoyed it so much more than I could have imagined.
I am officially addicted to women’s soccer. Now that I am friendly with some of the players, I feel like it’s only right to show up at their games to support them. Hmm..like I need an excuse to travel.
Until next time.