soccer Archives - Expedition Erika

Maletas y Muletas: A Year Playing Soccer Abroad

August 18, 2020 No Comments

A few summers ago, a friend has posted on their social media that they needed more girls to sign up for their adult soccer summer league. I had been a fan of the game for several years, but it had been a long time since I gave up the sport at the age of eight. I expressed my interest, and they were more than happy to have me on the team. We played about seven games over the course of the summer. Of course, I wasn’t the best player out there, but I was determined and really enjoyed myself while playing.

Europe, Ukraine

Kiev in Real Life

June 6, 2018 No Comments

Back in March, I entered my name into the lottery for the Champions League Final. I had no expectations of getting a ticket since I didn’t get picked for a single Euro 2016 ticket two years ago. Yet, on a cold night in Vienna back in March, I found out that got a ticket to see the Final in Kiev! I immediately called my dad. I was nervous because it was in Kiev, a city that was famous pictured for the riots just four years ago. This isn’t a typical “here’s what to do” post, but rather a “don’t believe what you hear” post about the lovely city of Kiev.

Europe, Madrid, Spain

15 Things I Love About Madrid

March 22, 2018 1 Comment

Spain has so many problems. Many government officials are corrupt, the unemployment rate is still high ten years after the crisis, and the banks run the economy. Yet for some reason, so many of flock to Spain and want to stay. There have to be SOME redeeming qualities. Actually, there are tons. I recently talked about what boggles my mind about Madrid, but now I think it’s time to talking about what makes it amazing.

Europe, Madrid, Spain

Hala Madrid: Real Madrid vs. APOEL Nicosia

September 15, 2017 No Comments

I was having a conversation with my friend about soccer last weekend and we were talking about Champions League. I thought it started later in the month, or even in October, but after checking an app, I found out that Champions League started this week! The Champions League is a multinational soccer competition among the best teams in Europe. It makes for some exciting fútbol. Real Madrid is the current reigning champion from the past two years (and the most-winningest with 12 titles), so I had to go to a game.

When I saw the game was in Madrid, I got extremely excited. I live a mile away from the stadium, so I don’t even need public transportation to get there. So I checked online and there were seats available! There were seats available in the front sections, even! Compared to the cost of American sports tickets, these were cheap. At first I thought it would be a bit weird to show up by myself, but then I thought, “Oh well, who cares?! This is an incredible chance that may never happen again!”

Madrid, Spain

Mad About Madrid

September 3, 2017 No Comments

I was sitting on the bed with that feeling like I couldn’t do it. I wanted to book the next plane home. Then, someone walked in, I wiped away the tears, and took a nap. Since then, I haven’t had any more doubts.

I’ve been in Madrid for five or six days now. After living in Catalonia for two years, I was scared in how it would be different to live in the capital. So far, so good. I’ve been lost and found my way, I’ve wandered around, I’ve learned new things. This is Madrid.

United Kingdom

Glory Glory Tottenham Hotspur

December 28, 2015 1 Comment

December 26, or Boxing Day as it is commonly known in the UK, is the day known for shopping, and of course, football. I’m not talking about passing the pigskin around, I’m talking REAL European football. I was lucky enough to get tickets to see my favorite team, Tottenham Hotspur, play at White Hart Lane, in November, and I had been counting down the weeks ever since.

Madrid, Spain

Hala Madrid: Real Madrid’s Stadium Tour

December 25, 2014 No Comments

If you know me, I’m a pretty big Real Madrid fan. I get a lot of flack from my Barça friends, but I don’t care. Hala Madrid! After settling into our apartment and grabbing some food, we jumped into a cab and headed toward the Santiago Bernabéu. A smile came to my face just by saying those words.

We stepped out of the cab and WOW. There it was. It was massive and grand and wonderful. I can’t even begin to imagine what the atmosphere is like on game days. I was finally getting to live out a dream.