Rugby is a ruffian's game played by gentlemen

Even if my favourite rugby tournament is the Six Nations as I've been watching with my dad since I was little, I couldn't pass the opportunity to go and see the Internationals, especially considering that it would be watching England vs the All Blacks (New Zealand).

The initial plan was to take my brother who was going to be in town for the occasion - well, because he was here over the week due to work so he was staying for 1 extra night to go to the game - but he had to go back to Madrid so I went with S, as other than my eternal companion for all types of adventures, she's a rugby lover as well.

We arrived in Twickenham with enough time to get some food and some champagne before the game - it was very chic to be drinking some pink bubbles whilst eating some South African stake and sausages in a bun - I had all the instructions and directions thanks to my friend John who is a rugby player and connoisseur of the area. We didn't have enough time to go to all the pubs he mentioned but we went to where all the tents are by the parking lot, the place where everyone gathers before the game.

Then we got into the stadium to see the ending of the warm up, hearing the National anthem (although there were a couple of issues with the microphone), and then enjoying the game. The Aborigine chant from the Kiwis was totally eclipsed by the crowd singing 'Swing low, Sweet Chariot'. England lost the game but it was a really great experience for a Saturday afternoon. I can't wait for the Six Nations now! 

 

 

DETAILS:
Rugby Union - www.rfu.com/‎

Depeche Mode

Silence is not the objective to aim for in a concert, or something to enjoy but it's one of the iconic songs from the iconic Depeche Mode. Considering that it's been a few days since the concert and that I had maybe too many beers when at it, I don't recall fully how it was. I leave you with a series of pictures that I took so you can enjoy the images (in silence or maybe putting some Depeche in the background) even if I took many more but they are no good - I could blame it to the twirls of David along the stage or simply to the movements of my hand whilst trying to take the pictures.

What I recall is that I was able to talk to my friends in a normal tone of voice when they were playing, so the acoustics where not impressive, and that one of my friends mentioned "they sound great, it's like their albums" - my reply back was that if I wanted to listen to the album I'd stayed at home and avoided the commute to Greenwich. But well, this is one of the iconic bands that you need to tell your grandchildren that you saw live.

The crowd was also quite curious as there was a mix between the fans that have been following them since the 80s - so this was the 35+ dress in dark leather - and the younger gay scene that seem to be more in tune - in every sense - with them nowadays.

All in all it was a good night, so let's drink to that (tea now as it's early in the day) and as "words are very unnecessary" I leave you to the images.

DETAILS:
Depeche Mode - www.depechemode.com/ - www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1xrNaTO1bI
(my personal favourite)