Frankfurt warms up
- 9 Jun 06, 07:44 AM
FRANKFURT - What a beautiful city. Arrived on Wednesday to baking hot sunshine and a warm, friendly welcome - this will be our home for several days as Five Live covers the build-up to, and aftermath of, the first group game for England on Saturday.
On Wednesday all was very quiet indeed, with cafe and bar owners making preparations for the coming crowds. When we reached our broadcast location in yesterday morning though, it was pretty clear that those crowds were growing - and here to stay.
It all began with a group of about ten Tractor Boys in a bar on the corner around 11am, and gradually throughout the day the whole square developed a buzz about it, with fans pouring in from all sides. With an estimated 40,000 England fans expected in the city this weekend, the majority approved of the huge St George flag that covered a large part of the square late in the afternoon.
But plenty of supporters of other countries were enjoying the sunshine too - we met up with some very entertaining Mexicans, a half-German, half-Paraguayan lady who lives here, and our reporter Philo got chatting to some Trinidadian supporters whose knowledge of the English game rivalled his own!
I've taken a few snaps to help give you an idea of the atmosphere out here in Frankfurt, which is building nicely as the start of the tournament grows ever closer. Do let me know what you think of them - would appreciate any tips on how to take better pictures! And keep an eye out during Friday, as I'll be taking more pictures of Victoria Derbyshire's first broadcast from here, from 9am to 12pm...
Bye for now.
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Should it cool down in Frankfurt again go to the Mac Gowan's Irish pub on Berger Strasse in Frankfurt-Bornheim. It's the English/Canadian/Irish expats central in Frankfurt!
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Great blog. Reading all the comments while listening to Five Live on the computer helps a lot when I can麓t get to the venues. I was watching an old episode of The Fast Show the other day,one of the sketches being "The Unpronounceables". That reminded me about radio and TV commentators having problems with Polish names. Can someone pass it on that the Polish left midfielder Krzynowek should be pronounced as "CHINOVEK".
I reckon Walcott will be our best "secret weapon". Speed = fouls = red cards and penalties = goals. COME ON ENGLAND !!!!
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As an expat of Frankfurt for almost 16 years I can recommend the Fox & Hound pub on Niedenau Str 2, Frankfurt 60325
info@foxpub.de , Tel: 069 9720 2009 for some home comforts but no end of bars for more local attractions.
For those looking for a swim to while away the hot days. The Brentano Freibad and Hausen Freibad are great outdoor pools to chill out at and are found at Industriehof in the West of the city.
Frankfurt has loads to offer and not just in the form of 'bier'. Have a great time all those who are going and good luck to England.
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In case you go looking for McGowans (as advised by Andreas) it was re-named about a year ago and is now called "Mac Giolla Da" - but remains as good as ever.
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I wish I can be in Germany now. Here in America very a few people care about world cup. It sucks to not be able to share my excitement. Have fun guys for all of us out here in US.
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