Superbowl XLVI: Crazy America

It’s that time of the year again when the winners of the two divisions of American Football, the AFC and NFC, battle it out for the Superbowl. All the supermarkets are going mad with their advertising for parties that people will be throwing at home for friends and family, whilst Downtown Indianapolis is shaping up for a major party. That’s because this year the Superbowl is being held here at the Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts had a pretty terrible season, losing almost all of the games, and so wont be in the game. Instead we’re going to be welcoming the New York Giants and New England Patriots to town. Well, maybe not the Patriots, as I have learnt that they are the arch enemy of Colts fans in pretty much the same vein as Arsenal/Tottenham, Kings Lynn/Wisbech, and Justin Bieber/World.

There’s no denying the Superbowl is an incredible spectacle, and it’s going to be great for Indianapolis. I’m really lucky with timing to be out here for it and although I won’t be going to the game (more on that in a bit), I’ll be going downtown to some of the events that are being staged during the week. There are parties being thrown at most bars and clubs (my Playboy party ticket never materialised), and a number of roads have been closed off to make room for a safe atmosphere for people to enjoy themselves. There’s even been a huge zip line erected that you can have a go on for $10!  There are lots of musicians coming to play at the free concerts, including: LMFAO, Snoop Dogg, and some others that I can’t remember now.

I did consider going to the game. Not because I have any real interest in the game, but because you just know it’s going to be a great event. I mean they have fireworks at a normal game! I’m not going though, and this is because the price of the tickets. $600 – $1200. FOR THE WORST SEATS. That’s not even the price on the re-sell market; that was the cost from the official ticket people. It’s madness and made me realise how funny it is that we moan about the cost of our football ticket prices in the UK. Imagine Arsenal Box Office quoting me £400 for a ticket at the back of Wembley for a Cup Final (no jokes, please)? But, all of those seats have sold out and if you look on sites such as StubHub etc the cheapest tickets are now being sold for around $2,200. Think that’s pricey? They literally go all the way up the price scale until you reach the current priciest option. You might want to sit down first … So I guess America isn’t in recession after all.

In other news, I had to film a video diary type piece to be shown at my UK work’s Town Hall Meeting. I had trouble setting up the camera to meet what I was asked for, and the outcome is I think I look like I’ve got my own terrorist cell. Nice. Good luck to me flying in the future!

And fly I will! As in addition the Vegas trip I’m now also going skiing in Colorado in a few weeks time. It’s going to be my first time out on the snow and I’m looking forward to it. Even if I’m crap at skiing/snowboarding I can at least make the most of the snow and build a decent snowman.

A little late … but Happy New Year!

I’ve recently returned from a fantastic trip back to the UK for Christmas and the New Year. It was awesome being able to catch up with friends, and also to spend so much time with my family … I miss them when I’m out here.

Everybody was amazed that America hadn’t turned me fat, and people were even more shocked when I told them that I’ve actually lost 15lbs in the last 12 months. Ha. Having said that I have a feeling that I’m back up to Heavyweight class after the epic amounts of food that I consumed when home. My mum had really gone to town on meals and desserts, as well as cakes that would pushed in front of me with every cup of tea. We also had some great meals out, although I had to get used to not drinking all of my soft drink in one go and expecting a refill free of charge … Thanks, America!!

I realise it’s been a long, long time since I’ve written anything on here, and because of that I have given myself a huge backlog of stuff to write about that you may or may not find interesting; this could all be a waste of everyone’s time … well, tough: I’m gonna make you read it anyway.

There are plenty of topics that I need to cover. Things such as my Thanksgiving, Christmas (I have some great video of some houses that were decorated in the local area), a trip to New York for my little sister Lucy’s 21st Birthday, and of course an even more in depth update of stuff I got up to back home.

I also have another trip coming up that I’ll be able to write about: Las Vegas! I’m practicing my Rain Man impression as we speak.

Also coming up soon, Indianapolis has the Super Bowl for the pretend Football they play. I’m hoping to go downtown and experience the Super Bowl Village; it should be great fun (and cold).

Speaking of cold – I was only back in the country for a couple of days and it started to snow. Wasn’t much, but it’s still around on the ground and I’ve already managed to fall arse over tit. Every year I do it.

As I write this (other than my Rain Man impression) I’m eating some pizza, which isn’t really any good for the training I’m supposed to be starting for the Indianapolis Half Marathon in May. Eurghh. I’m also watching the Golden Globes, hosted by Ricky Gervais, and a beautiful looking Natalie Portman has just walked on screen *swoons*

I think this will have to do for kicking off the New Year, but there’ll be some new posts up soon. To all the people that told me off back home over Christmas for not blogging in ages: I’m SORRY.

Have a good start to the week.