I know I said back at the beginning of September when I first wrote about the Coupe du Monde de Rugby that I personally would rather go shopping than watch the rugby matches, I was being sincere! I will admit, however, that with the advancement of the French team, I’ve changed my tune and have become one of those fans! Still, as I’ve mentioned about football (soccer) and American football, I’m sort of a fair weather fan! I only watch once my team gets to the quarter-finals and beyond! (Hey! At least I’m honest!)

Anyway, tomorrow is the big game between France (les Bleus) and England. The meeting place will be at the Champ-de-Mars; the square in front of the Hôtel de Ville could no longer hold the number of fans wanting to watch the match, so a giant screen will carry the game with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop! (Be sure to bring a blanket as it can get pretty chilly.)

The match itself will be held in the northern suburbs of Paris at the Stad de France at Saint-Denis as well as Sunday’s game between Argentina and South Africa. If you’re still in a rugby mood on Sunday, and most will be if France wins (!), there’s a whole rugby thing going on at the stadium Charléty in Paris 13e.

There will also be a homage to the great tenor Luciano Pavarotti (It sounds strange to be talking about rugby and Pavarotti in the same sentence unless, of course, you live in Paris! No, I take that back! They would do the same in Italy!) anyway, back to what I was saying. The tribute begins at 18h30, (the game starts at 21h00), so come early and get settled in for an interesting evening!

Oh yeah, one last thing. Now let me put this delicately, if you’re actually attending the match, you should keep in mind that the English fans do tend to be, a little exuberant to say the least, so be careful! (I know, I know! I do have quite a number of readers from England on my blog, but you have to admit that what I’m saying is true! And I did put it nicely, didn’t I!!!)

So, good luck to everyone, and may France win! Lol!!!

Photo Credits: Flickr

Post from: The Paris Traveler

               The World Cup of Rugby being played here in Paris from the 7th of September until the 20th of October is a little hard to avoid. The only thing I know about rugby is it’s considered a tougher sport than the other two because anything goes! (I’m sure guys, and perhaps girls, out there will correct me if I’m wrong!)

Twelve matches will be played in Paris either at Le Parc des Princes in the 16e or at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis (a northern suburb of Paris). The first match today will be between France and Argentina at Saint-Denis. Tomorrow the US vs. England get their shot, as well as Australia against Japan, but none of these games will be played in the City of Lights.

                                                                                      Speaking of lights, the Lady of Paris, none other than the Eiffel Tower, is now displaying the rugby colors; a gigantic screen in the square of the Hôtel de Ville will be transmitting the games for anyone to see, and the Jardins du Trocadéro will become Rugby Town, the official village for fans, to name a few of the activities going on. For more information or to purchase tickets, you can visit the official website. I for one, if you don’t mind, will skip the games and do some serious Fall shopping instead!

Photo Credits: Flickr

Post from: The Paris Traveler

Once again we have a theme day here at the Travel & Culture Channel and the theme happens to be the NFL. Well as far as I’m concerned, neither football or American football interest me very much….that is of course unless France is doing well and there’s a possibility of them going all the way in the World Cup! Or unless the Pittsburgh Steelers are having a good year and they have a chance of playing in the Superbowl.

I know, I know, I’m a fair weather fan! I can’t help it! I can still remember the era of Michel Platini (Sorry Diego!) and Zidane’s goals defeating Brazil in the World Cup. Or when Terry Bradshaw threw that final ball with only seconds on the clock for a touchdown, and years later when no one could stop “the Bus” in the Superbowl and getting that “one for the thumb”!

Yep, if France or the Steelers are playing, I’m the one screaming and hollering like a maniac, but that said, bottom line: if they aren’t playing, then I couldn’t care less who is!

No Football Lover here!

Photo Credits: Flickr

Post from: The Paris Traveler