Off to Donetsk part One

 

 

I am at Kiev airport waiting for my flight to Donetsk for France vs. Spain tonight. The flight is slightly delayed, for about 3 hours.

This is the first of 2 round trips between Kiev and Donetsk that I will make in the next 6 days to attend 2 QFs and the Semi.

It will be a challenge.

To prepare for Spain and France, I went to the beautiful Opera House in Kiev to see Verdi's Don Carlo.



This is a tragic opera about a Spanish Prince, Don Carlo, who fell in love with a French Princess. Unfortunately, she had to marry with his father for political reasons.

In the first act, there is a beautiful duet by Don Carlo and his friend Rodriguez to affirm their eternal friendship.

As I listened to this aria, I imagined it was Xavi and Iniesta on stage. I cannot wait to
see the European Champions in action tonight. It could be a classic.

Don Carlo is Verdi longest opera so this meant I would miss the first half of Germany vs Greece.

Fortunately, there was free wi-fi in the theater so I could follow the game on the borrowed iphone.

Unfortunately, the battery went out just before kick-off and Don Carlo was about to face the Grand Inquisitor. I had spent too much battery power reading soccer articles in the first 3 hours of the opera.

Decision time. Stay to see the Grand Inquisitor or leave and see Angela Merkel in action.

I left.


 

 

My heart was for the Greeks last night. It did not seem fair that the richest country in Europe would have such a good team.

The European Union reminds me of a big dysfu ctional family and Germany and Greece are two brothers with opposite fortunes.

As one fell into poverty, the richer brother will only help if the other changes his behaviours.

Now that the richer brother had won an important battle, will he be compassionate to his less fortunate brother?

Tonight, another 2 members of the EU family meet to decide who will face Portugal next week in the Semi.

I will support the less fortunate brother tonight.

Aupa Espana.

Only 4 more hours to departure to Donetsk.

waiting at Borispol Airport, this is Sebastian.

PS: ate chicken Kiev for lunch and well, KFC is better.