Gwlad! GWLAD!

"Gwlad" is the Welsh word for land or country, and the first words in the chorus of the Welsh national anthem. Hearing it live is a powerful experience. Especially when the team goes on to win the entire Six Nations Tournament, in a Grand Slam (didn't lose one game) victory.

The streets outside the Millennium Stadium before the game were madness. In fact, they were pretty much like the streets outside any American [insert sport here] match. People were painted, dressed in every thinkable combination of symbols (daffodils, leeks, dragons, etc.) and colors, and drinking. Heavily. The atmosphere was amazing.

There were lines two blocks long and four people wide waiting for pints. And, "like Guinness in Ireland, Brains is the beer of the nation."

This was my first live rugby game. It's fair to say I'm hooked.

 

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