Friday 01/07/2016 – I Don’t Believe It…HAL ROBSON - HAL ROBSON KANU

Once inside Danny was impressed by the ground and the view that we had. 

Belgium were the first to break the deadlock and at that point the only thought was “Please don’t let it be a rout with the world watching”.  That wasn’t to be.  Slowly working our way back into the game, Ashley Williams, scored the equaliser that made it game on as Cymru pushed on to get another goal before half-time.  Through the 2^nd half the Cymru started to push for the 2^nd.  That goal as a peach from none other than, HAL ROBSON – HAL ROBSON KANU!!!!  What a goal but an header from Sam Vokes made sure that it wasn’t the winner although the quality of the turn and shot made it for many THE GOAL of the tournament. 

The end of the match brought wild celebrations and non-more so than the team the spirit epitomised by Ashley Williams’ and his refusal to be substituted.  A word of thanks to the Belgian fans and their supporters band who played and applauded the Cymru fans out of the Gare de Lille.

So Danny and I made it back to the hotel and a quiet celebration watching a replay of the game.

The next day was warm and sunny so while I packed Danny sat on the edge of the balcony.  I was worried that he may fly away but the promise of dragon treats worked. 

We spent some of the morning looking around Lille before catching the train (just!!).  our train stopped at Charled de Gaulle Airport and Danny was amazed at how empty it was. 

Not too long and then we were back in our gite in Combourg where we spent a restful weekend, if it can be restful attempting to book accommodation in a city which is going to host a semi-final of Euro' 16.  Now it's we're on our way to Lyon for the match with Portugal. 

Friday 01/07/2016 – Au Revoir Danny?

The Metro took us directly to the ground with a 15 minute walk and t the first security checkpoint the heavens opened.  Quickly I finished off my water and rushed inside, only to realise that there was no Danny. 

He must be outside and there was no way that we could be re-untied as Dragon’s can only enter the Stade when accompanied by an adult.  As it was raining he had been sheltering inside my bag that meant that both Danny and my bag had become a security risk as I had left him dangling on a pair of handle bars 10m away from the checkpoint.  Would the kick off be delayed or maybe even the match postponed?  To the folk on the security gates this went beyond what they had been trained for, someone telling them that they had left a bag on the handlebars of a bicycle by the first security check.  This was how I managed to meet the Head of Security for the Stade who personally escorted me back through all the security checks out of the ground to the bicycle with my bag (and Danny) dangling from the handlebars.  We then returned by the same route to re-enter the ground, although after being giving the most thorough search yet by the steward who the Head of Security left me with him, I wonder why?   After all this getting inside the Stade was a relief.

Friday 01/07/2016 – It’s a fair cop…….

This was to be the biggest game in the history of Cymru (ok you can debate re play-off games and the '58 World Cup but this is here and now…. And my call is now!  The local press and tv were all leading with the story that up to 160,000 (one hundred and sixty thousand) Belgians were expected for the game.  The pictures show just how many were there and their numbers swelled as the day went along. 

 It was going to be a late night, a 9.00pm ko with the possibility of extra time and penalties.  Following the late night and long journey this meant a long lie in, I didn’t want to peak too early.  For lunch we had a Gallette, Danny chose it because of all the red bolognaise sauce that came with it.  Around the Grand Place the crowds were starting to gather.  Danny disappeared and I though he had been arrested when I saw him in the hands of 2 members of the Police Nationale, but it turned out he had only gone  to get directions for me to the Metro and Stade later. 

On our way back we stopped off at a bar where yesterday we had a coffee on the way to collect the tickets It was awash with Belgians and had run out of pression bier, all it was selling was bottles of Duval, an extremely potent 9% Belgian brew.  The uninitiated were probably not being too careful!! 

 

Thursday 30/06/2016 – Lille and the quarter final

Look out Lille here we come!!  The usual route Combourg – Rennes but this time direct to Lille, calling at Charles de Galle T2.  With all these early starts Danny was asleep after a coffee by the time we arrived in Le Mans, not having to change in Paris was a luxury to be enjoyed. 

We arrived at Lille Europe and the Fanzone is in between Lille Flandres and Europe stations.  As usual with Lille it was raining so we waited for the rain to abate and ventured towards our hotel – Mr Bed – which was situated above a shopping mall. 

On the way at the Fanzone Danny wanted his picture taking with the giant logo which was very impressive. 

The hotel  though was quiet, but close to bars and restaurants away from everyone who didn’t want to stay and drink more beer.  Like all the host cities we’ve visited Lille has some dramatic architecture and a wonderful Grand Place where people can meet and chat. 

After pestering me after tea I agreed that I would take Danny to the Fanzone to watch Poland v Portugal. 

There was even time for Lee Johnson to put in appearance. 

After the first 20 minutes the Fanzone was more exciting than the game.  Extra time and penalties meant that we were there much later than mine and Danny’s usual bedtime.  When we arrived back it was straight to bed.

 

Monday 27/06/2016 – Wednesday 29/06/2016 – A Tale of 2 Birthdays

Back in Combourg it was time to celebrate two birthdays. Daniel and myself.  For once there was time to relax and appreciate the countryside around Combourg (and prepare for the trip to  Lyon.  Thanks to pre-planning and the French postal service I had a plethora of cards and a beautiful cake to enjoy with Bob.

Even the predatory heron wasn't able to spoils the celebration!!

Sunday 26/06/2016 – My new friend Mr Urdd

Before catching the train Danny met a new friend from Cymru who as out for breakfast. He and Mr Urdd exchanged addresses to stay in touch and enjoyed a croissant and orange juice together.

Saturday 25/06/2016 – A walk in the park

Match day of the Round of last 16 v Northern Ireland.  Mike, Bob’s brother is arriving today by Eurotunnel and leaving tomorrow at 7.00am to make the return journey to Cardiff.  Pre-match a bus ride to the Jardin de Luxembourg and a walk around this large park in central Paris. 

Danny thought that Daniel and Joseph would like it here as they would be able to go horse riding. 

Danny was really surprised by the hidden garden, you walk through the park and then as you think you’re leaving the ‘hidden garden’ appears.

We also came across the famous poem, 'Le Bateau Ivre' by Arthur Rimbaud.

What better way to round off a walk in the park than a last-16 win 1 – 0 over Northern Ireland.