From Gdansk: Colorín Colorado, this dream ...

He spoke with Aurora, the mother of Joseph, one of the 'Player Escort' that last Sunday left the hand of Cesc Fabregas, on the nostalgia that produce our trip to Gdansk. Knowledge, once back, we were there, and that indeed was not a dream. A similar commented Michael, father of Charlie, what beautiful things fleeting and the ability of humans to stretch them to enjoy all the consequences of them. He, like so many others like Miriam, the proud mother of Alexander, could not refrain from tears when she saw her son threading into the game box. Those tears of joy, able to fill any gaps, were infected as visualized that it was real. Very real.

I write these lines with that sweet feeling of having been there, so close. Enjoying every moment as if the last question. Inside, from time to time, the flowering of a nostalgia that is no less endearing. They were three days in Poland where we had a great time, where we were treated wonderfully and where optimism reigned who has no concern not stop smiling. Simply, that was the end. Brought an end for football, that eternal excuse to be happy. In the following paragraphs I will tell you with more details than I was counting from the hotel room , what we did and what I did and probably will understand the reason for my words.

Friday June 8

The path from one server to Gdansk began Friday 8. After the relevant working day, I packed my bags and went from Reus, my hometown, to Madrid. Mounted on the AVE I came to the capital at midnight. At that time, both parents and their children and dreamed of their rooms. A server, unable to reconcile the nerves and because at five o'clock we had to get up, chose to dream, but he did it as best you are given. Awake.

Saturday June 9

Are 05:40 AM and no one misses the appointment. Tadpoles, unaccustomed to this type of early mornings, are shy. Even the sun was awake but his eyes, and those of their parents, you could see a twinkle. We took the bus for Barajas and then, after a coffee that tasted like heaven, we got on a cloud as a plane that did not want to lose. We stopped in Munich and after several hours watching the sky from above, we settled on it.

At that moment is when we step on Polish soil. A landscape according to circumstances. Very green, very natural, very peacemaker. The city of Gdansk, adorned for the occasion. It was impossible to look through the glass of the bus and not realize that there are disputed much of the tournament. Back at the hotel, left our bags without remembering all the enthusiasm lead in his pockets.

We went to a school nearby. There we expect a spectacular green carpet. Ronald McDonald was also waiting for the muchachada, that in the next few minutes would be measured at the team 'Player Escort' Italians and Poles. Parents had time to green laurels old throwing a few passes, shots, some centers and some tremendous shots. But the stars were soon to jump to the pitch. There, after the relevant hymns of each selection, plucked a stake in which were much higher than the rival .

With Alexander in goal and a line of three static but effectively made by Joseph, Celia and Charlie, the midfield were up all chances. However, we pay the initial fitting ambition 0-1. David had the tie in their boots seconds but it was Raul who managed the equalizer. The possession was ours and Andrew took second. Soon after, the Italian-Polish team squeezed, making look to Alexander before the goalkeeper fit to draw two. The 3-2 came back from the hand of Raul, who taunted opponents before beating the goalkeeper. And Elena, with a right, saw the ball hit the wood. The rout the culminating Andrew, from the penalty spot, and Diego, taking a rebound from the goalkeeper. 'Italonia' marked the final 5-3 but could not beat a team where Mario and Jaime also had an outstanding performance.

Following the successful confrontation, after shaking hands with the opposite and after the photo of rigor, bystanders enjoy a good barbecue Polish was the delight of all. That day was curious as to weather it was quite cold on arrival, which was joined by the wind. Then, on the eve of the match, began to sparkle up raining end badly. But as if to avoid damaging any plan is involved, and mixed clouds clear to reveal a bright sun that ended a very special day.

Sunday June 10

The day began early dream. Children, with the hangover of victory the day before and the whole expedition, we docked at a McDonald's near where we had breakfast, we returned to share moments with Ronald McDonald and where, again, we returned to try to luxury. From there we boarded the bus, we headed south to the stadium where it was to play the Spain-Italy and the children were there, playing and rehearsing what would be his great little moment of glory. Parents and parents were not, we went around town to take a tour, where besides the Spanish atmosphere in the old town of Gdansk, did not miss the beer of the day.

Back at the hotel, and after eating something, we move to the stadium. Painted with the colors of the Red in our face, courtesy of Miriam, and pellizcándonos in case, we reached the scene of the unbelieving party, almost levitating. A Sand-Gdansk whose surroundings, indeed , were not finished, but not marred a coliseum simple and modern. In the access control asked me if I had "water" or "sandwich" and I said no. I lied. He had a bottle of water with its own cap entered at the stadium to quench my thirst for victory.

From access to the entrance of the stadium into the stands had barely a few meters. Virtually no time to assimilate it, stepped on the place where we were to witness the great match. Michael, the father of Carlos and I saw that there was still about an hour to start, we went to the first row (our seat was in the corner) and from there to photograph a multitude of characters. They were walking field and Juanma Brown Sara Carbonero, Antonio Maceda, very friendly, or Boumsong player currently with Panathinaikos and was also sympathetic with supporters claiming it. A few meters from our unexpected habitat, marched Fabio Capello, Albertini, Prince and Princess Letizia and some other character I'd rather not remember. Meanwhile, the Italian players on their way to the locker room were more open than the Spanish, focusing on the shock, and gave us greetings and smiles.

Hitting the big time, camera in hand, the 44 players left. The twenty-two who were to play the game and its 'Player Escort', who were to live a moment that never would forget. Jumped into the grass, lined with players of the Red and while the national anthem sounded, go you know what they were thinking. His parents, from the stands, did not fit in his joy. View shed those tears was priceless. Seeing your child in a situation unimaginable.

After momentazo after completing that dream, the kids climbed into the stands, along with their parents, always under the watchful eye of Martha, the girl who translated it under the sun and who saw to it that children do not missing anything. The first half ended scoreless, but the second brought two goals. Sensations found, but hard to define. The goal of Italy did not expect, but that of Spain put things in place. The reaction could not be other than the vivid, unique because it is highly unlikely to recur. The 1-1 end convinced everyone. Surely football was at least . The perfect excuse to be happy.

Monday June 11

The next day, a light boat trip entertained by live music of a kind charming, the food at a restaurant in Gdansk and shopping at the last minute before goodbye, gave way to the plane, the scale in Munich and the return Madrid. A final review of the anecdotes of the trip, the sights, experiences and homesickness that we were going to foreclose in the coming days, they put an end to a trip where the children showed their greatness.

PS: A big hug to all who have lived this experience. A Patricia, Asier, Manuel, to each and every one of the parents, Martha and Magda and Jacek. To all and especially to: Alexander, Charlie, Andrew, Diego, Jose, Mario, Elena, Celia, Raul, David and James. We were living in Gdansk the Spain-Italy. Olé.

In NDF | From Gdansk: Draw with ... to taste glory (IV)
In NDF | From Gdansk: Today is the day! ( III )
In NDF | From Gdansk: Bienvenutti? (II)
In NDF | From Gdansk: Head for the path to a dream (I)