It was at my Leaving Do last week (Well, one of them. The one at the Jalori. “How nice. Acclimatisation?”said I. “Sphincter Conditioning” came the retort.) when conversation turned to the nature of my travels. The real raison d’être, the sitting on my arse watching cricket bit.
“But surely, you can just sit at home watching it on the sofa instead. What’s the point going all that way?” At stumps on Day Two of the first England v India Test Match, I found myself wholly concurring with that statement.
But then after a soothing pot of Masala Chai (Hello Ravi! Hello Kamal!) I came to my senses. You don’t follow your team anywhere and expect to do well, well, I don’t. It’s everything that goes with it.
One of my most chastening moments as a Hatters fan, and this as an impressionable, gawky teenager, was a 7-1 drubbing at the hands of Grimsby. We were terrible. Really bad. And it was cold. Bitter. And on certain days, when the wind is in the wrong direction, I swear I can still smell the disused haddock.
Yet on the way home, the detour to the fish & chip shop proved inspirational. Those fish & chips were probably the best I’ve ever tasted. It didn’t take away the bitter taste of defeat (that seems to be inbuilt in my taste buds ever since coming second in the egg & spoon race at lower school) but it certainly took the edge off it.
My fish and chips moment today came courtesy of my companions Peter & Toni. Peter’s mindless optimism and Toni’s deferential cheer. From RTW Tony and In The Know Toby (He’s found beer in Ahmedabad….) and their accompanying me in the Swanny chant. From Paul & Hannah, a delightful young couple who escape this morass of a match to head to Kerala. From hotel-mate Andy and his Northern stoicism. From Rohan, the helpful tuk-tuk co-driver and cricket student (Tonight’s homework; Which international team does Geraint Jones currently play for?).
To be here. The bigger picture.
Yes, England have made a right ol’ mess of this so far. Yes, I’ve come a long ol’ way to see this right ol’ mess.
However…. It’s not quite 7-1 at Grimsby yet.
Probably ‘4-1 at home to Portsmouth, despite leading, on my birthday, I was violently sick the next day after eating dodgy prawns’ territory but there is still hope.*
So, absolutely. I’m loving this. I’d much rather be here at the sharp end than on my sofa. And I’m definitely looking forward to tomorrow and The Miracle of Motera…..
*Yes, yes. I know, it’s the hope that kills us. Hello Welsh Andy!
12 responses to “Masala Chai, Fish & Chips. And Hope.”
Ole Wiss
November 16th, 2012 at 13:58
You were lucky lad, in my day, being last Wednesday we had to suffer our national football team lose 4-2 to Ibrahimovic (Sweden). Off to find a cardboard box in the middle of a road in the hope that I might find somebody inside who actually gives a sh*t about our once beautiful other game.
henrywisson
November 16th, 2012 at 15:55
There is no Englishman currently playing Premier League football that gives a rat’s arse about playing for their national team.
Fear of failure when they pull on the Three Lions against a comfy backdrop of being paid far too much money for representing their mollycoddling club side.
How did this mess happen? Partly it’s our fault as an over-expectant nation, partly it’s because the Premier League has waaaaaaaayyyyyyyy too much power, either way football is going to get worse before it gets better.
I will develop this theory, probably in a quieter moment on a Goan beach after a bottle or two of Kingfisher as the waves lap playfully against my scorched tootsies, and get back to you in the form of blog.
Thank you, as always Uncle, for your valuable contribution. X
Eats
November 17th, 2012 at 08:38
Wait until you see Zlatan’s goal though fella – that will stir a long lost feeling of romance for our beautiful game, in you!!
henrywisson
November 17th, 2012 at 12:21
He’s commented five times, he’s commented five times; that Paul Richard Eaton, he’s commented five times…..
Lovely to have you on board old chap if nothing else than for introducing the word ‘equidae’ into proceedings.
Hope all’s well old chap? Your valued comments are always appreciated.
Sianee
November 16th, 2012 at 14:02
I left the house this morning when England were 27-1….when I returned, we were 3 wickets down and there had only been a couple of overs left….maybe I shouldn’t leave the house again until the test is over?
Really enjoying the blog – keep it flowing
xxx
henrywisson
November 16th, 2012 at 15:46
Bless you Sis! Xx
Ravi
November 16th, 2012 at 19:12
Mmmmm proper tea x
marion panter
November 16th, 2012 at 19:53
All sounds rather lovely……………………Not quite Afternoon Tea but hey………….Love Marion.x xx x x
Eats
November 17th, 2012 at 08:36
Did someone mention Grimsby ………..??
I have a rather witty anecdote about Grimsby!!
x
Jimlar
November 17th, 2012 at 13:22
A good response today H, more like a Gary Megson 0 0 away to Port Vale.
Hope you’ve found Gin.
Loving the blog mate, keep ’em coming!
henrywisson
November 18th, 2012 at 01:59
Good on yer mate!
Phil
November 18th, 2012 at 15:38
Papua New Guinea