Div. Playoff 3/3 - Post
Nancy and I hung out for as long as we could at the stadium tonight. There was no rush for either of us as I contemplated what could easily be my last few minutes inside the Frozen Tundra - for this trip at least. After time had expired and our neighbours had all began leaving, I stood at my seat and stared for what seemed like forever.
I stared at the scoreboard, the bleachers, the 72,167 other seats and the field. I couldn’t get enough of any of it. We walked over to the other side to meet up with some of Nancy’s friends and then got as close to the sideline as we could. From there i could see up, down, left and right. It gave the best perspective of all.
The UW marching band came out to keep us entertained for the 5th quarter and rain, hail or shine they are fantastic. I really like the way they are so regimented at halftime but so free and relaxed after the game. Some were playing, some were dancing, the rest were doing Lambeau leaps and snow angels.
I often wonder what University would have been like. I did so again as I watched these kids having the time of their lives. Tertiary education isn’t a requirement back home like it is here and most employers couldn’t care whether you have it or not so most kids don’t go. The kids here though, whilst studying what it is they need for the future, seem to really enjoy the camaraderie that comes with being associated to a school like this one.
With that we were off to find some fun in a city that we knew was bursting with it. I couldn’t wait to party with 6 layers of clothing and a bomber jacket on! I called one friend, two friends, three friends and four. It seemed either nobody wanted to talk to me or they were all partying at different bars where the music was louder than their phones ringtones. (I’m going for the latter ‘cause it makes me feel better.)
As we walked out of the stadium we did a lap around the outside to make sure I hadn’t missed anything. There was the ice sculpture as pictured above and quite possibly the best picture opportunity I have ever seen of the Lambeau and Lombardi statues.
We walked toward Holmgren, chatted, laughed and danced with more strangers. We met two new friends who recognised my accent from WAPL. I took photos of cars, streets, signs and anything else i could see that was covered in snow. The four of us relived the last 5 hours as we continued on our way like old school buddies. They asked about me, i asked about them. Again I wondered how people could say that football is “just a game”.
Deciding whether we should go home or hit the loud smoky bars we started the trek to our apartment. About 100 yards in, not quite sure I wanted the night to end here, I decided to make one more call and as it turned out, this would be the call of a lifetime.
