Each week we have a day
designated for “rest”. This is basically a forced time of relaxation away from
the duties of a World Racer, to keep us sane over the 11 month journey. The day started with breakfast then Sarah and
I headed out to get our hair cut…normally a simple task…but can turn to a
possible nightmare when Americans are let loose in a foreign country. The first
place we found couldn’t accommodate us that day and, needing to get this done
on our day off, we asked where we could find another salon. So we followed the
advice of the only English speaking person in the salon (a patron) that pointed
us “down the road, through the park, then its hidden.. so ask someone.” We made
it through the park and searched for this hidden salon, until, I forfeited my
manhood (temporarily) and asked for directions. We walked across the entire
open air market, following the man that dropped everything, abandoning his
booth, then weaved in and out of shoppers picking through vegetables, fruits,
clothing, and other junk. We continued to follow him… up the stairs of some
random, apparently unmarked building, turned left down the hallway to an
awkward room/barbershop on the right. I was in desperate need of a haircut and
was ready for anything the Romanian “stylist” had to offer. After I saw the surprisingly
normal haircut, I figured it would be the best 10 Lei (That is $3.03 USD) I
would spend all month.
That is until we hit up
the 10 Lei billete (yeah $3 tickets) “Steaua vs. Craiova” soccer game later
that day. We had been warned of fights and rambunctious behavior that we could
expect from the 23,000 fans at this rivalry game. We took, in tow, three of our
Romanian friends to enjoy the game, maybe translate in necessary, kick
someone’s butt if things got real. Luckily we didn’t have to throw down, nor
did our two 12 year old/ one 16 year old Romanian friends. Our team (Steaua-the
home team) won 2-1. It was my first professional soccer game complete with
screaming fans, flares in the stands, fans jumping up and down double fisting
the middle finger, other fans climbing the fences, and mass chants of
profanity. I unknowingly took part in a few inappropriate chants and knowingly
climbed the fence at the end of the game to prove my allegiance to Steaua (this
coupled with my new pair of Bucharesti Steaua soccer shorts made me feel like a
true fan).
