Ludwigsburg and Stuttgart

On Saturday we ran some quick errands in the morning and then headed down to the Lugwigsburg castle (more of a palace, I’d say).  It was spectacular with a dramatic sweeping lawn and fountain in front.  We had very little time there, so we just picnicked on the lawn and walked around quickly before Chris, Chris, Ryan, Katie and I were off to a soccer game in Stuttgart.  

Stuttgart vs Hannover
Chris was so excited to watch the Bundesliga (German Soccer League) play and I’m so glad it worked out because it was a blast.  The fans get so into it with constant chanting, drumming, and flag waving.  In fact, some fans are so dedicated to keeping the chanting going that they don’t even watch the game. 

It was a hot one, that day and we didn’t even try to smuggle some water in because in America, they care.  Unfortunately, when we went to buy food and drinks from the concession stand, we found out they don’t take cash, only fan cards that can be purchased for 20 or 30 euro.  Yeah right!  We found a small ice cream stand that took cash and tried to quench our thirst with a couple of orange popsicles.

Well, Stuttgart won and both Chris’ were impressed with the German play.  I was mostly impressed by the chanting and dancing.  After a goal was scored, the announcer would say something and the whole stadium would chant in response.  It would go on for a while and I wish I knew what they were saying.  Based on some of the international gestures at the other team, it's probably good that I didn't know what they were saying.  

You can tell the Germans get really passionate about their soccer teams (if you didn't already know that about Europeans) because they have the opposing team fans all fenced off.  Even during half-time, the opposing team fans concession area is fenced off from the rest of the stadium.  Funny.

Just look at us with our matching RVCA shirts.  We didn't even plan that.
We spent the rest of the evening exchanging photos, settling debts and tying up loose ends.  At 1am, we watched the BYU football game.  I was in and out for a lot of the second half, but that was the disappointing part anyway.