Ever since a young age, my fascination for the game of football (soccer to us Yanks) has enveloped every fiber of my being. I have been blessed to be able to see domestic matches involving various MLS or European big names like Manchester United, Real Madrid, etc. But to be able to see a game abroad in its natural habit is something else. With the grace of god when traveling abroad to England now about 4-5 years ago I was able to see Stoke City vs Aston Villa at Villa and it was an entirely different world. But this trip to England a second time around with some of my WWII Study Aboard comrades, we were able to watch one of the biggest fixtures in world football. To be able to watch Chelsea vs Liverpool at Stamford Bridge (Chelsea’s Stadium) is something out of a storybook. Chelsea just recently claimed the most points in the Premier League and have become Champions this year, so the stadium was rocking! The fans screaming and chanting the songs of their team before, during and after the game, the class and skill of the professional footballers, and the emotion and drama that takes place on the pitch is indescribable for me. The sea of blue Chelsea fans combating with the speck of red Liverpool fans was a sight within itself and rivaled the game on the field, as each tried to outdo the other with their team specific battle cries and chants. Soccer is such a vital component of culture for most every other country around the world outside of the USA, and to be able to experience the culture of the game with the people who share its passion and love like I have is truly transcendent for me as a fan. But England, in particular London, is not solely known for their fantastic football.
The fun in exploring London’s culture, for me as a theater guy, was traveling and touring the Globe Theater, where Shakespeare’s playing company performed. Shakespeare, a genius of the theater, literary and language world, is a vital part of culture around the world. His plays and productions are studied in schools across the world and performed at various venues holding thousands. Delving into the history of the Globe Theater right on the Thames River in the heart of London, it was built in 1599 by the Lord Chamberlain’s Men (Shakespeare’s playing company). The original Globe itself was destroyed from a prop malfunction in which a cannon was fired from the thatched roof to simulate an explosion in the scene of a play. The roof ended up catching on fire and the Globe burnt down, yet luckily no one was killed or injured. The second Globe, completed in 1997, is the one seen today on the river and is magnificent. The foundation itself is held together by English Oak, metal pegs and a paste of brick, goat hair and other substances to create the white walls. The poor would congregate in the center of the floor, while the seats in the theater themselves were for sale for those who could afford them. Of course, those of royalty sat behind the actors and stage so that everyone could see them. Even the though globe that stands today maybe not be completely authentic, it still holds much history and holds great cultural importance not only to London but all around the world. To be in the presence of history itself and to stand where many influential actors have stood was breathtaking and truly one of my favorite moments so far on the trip. 
