Despite swearing absolute allegiance, for ever, to Sir Ferg and his Rampaging Horde, it turns out he was seen, as a kid, strutting his stuff in a Yellow Spurts shirt with Holstein on the front.

Oh dear.

And now The Gimp knows about it, so I know about it and so do you, dear reader.

As soon as photographic evidence is available it will be posted here …

So, we smile and take the wrong turn at Spandau and approach the Olympic Stadium. Park in a street, get out, stretch and wander to the food place. One Doner Durum later and I’m set. We wander off to the stadium, joking about how David doesn’t have a ticket. It’s a bit strange, a major stadium sat at the end of a residential street. Wembley Way is far better!

The Stadium is impressive in a 1930′s style. The running track indicates a prior purpose and it is impresive inside. No alcohol but free programmes is a nice touch. We find our seats and settle down. A pair of Brits sit in front but we are at the opposite end of the ground to the England fans.

The German fans seem irate before the game. They are moaning and drunk. As soon as the game starts one bloke wants to fight someone because they can’t see past his head! They jeer the England team and boo through the anthem. They seem to think that insulting the Queen will upset people. They are probably wrong.

One bloke went to the shop to buy a love doll, with holes. He brought ‘her’ to the ground, wearing a crown and sat with her through the game. He looked sad at the start, worse during the game and terrible at the end. I wonder if his Mum is proud of him?

England played very well and deserved the win. It could have been 5 or more. But we won and that is good. The journey back was quieter but fun for the Brits!

But Thursday was better. I’ve not stopped smiling yet!

Anyway, Wednesday (Mittwoch) saw England playing football in Germany, Berlin to be precise, in a friendly game. David decides it would be a good idea to attend, and I agree, so off we go and arrange the trip.

Tickets are 35 euro, which is pretty cheap, so the trip is on. The only snag is that we are in Hannover (work) and the game is in Berlin. Olaf knows a man, so the tickets are arranged and transport organised. Early to work, early to leave and off we wander to the Market Hall. Along the way we pass a pair of high ranking police officers. Dressed like pantomime versions of South American Generals they draw a smile. Stripes down the trousers, small 1930′s mustaches and braid on hats adds to the picture. So we laugh and arrive at the Market Hall. Lots of food on offer, so spoilt for choice we wander about. French, Italian, Chinese or Bavarian all offer something interesting but eventually we settle for a stall selling pre-post-Christmas Turkey Curry. Not bad at 4.50 euros including rice and a drink!

While eating, another braided jacket worn with jeans wanders past. So maybe South American Junta Chic is all the rage? And then we se a man with more white hair than a polar bear wanders past and the smiles are set! A small French cake finishes the meal and we are off outside to meet Oli and his transport!

What more could you ask for? 3 Germans, 2 Brits and an Audi. Maybe a bigger Audi would have been good? David thought so … Middle seat for most of the way there and back drew major complaints but at least he wasn’t travel sick!

So, having taken Hannover, it’s on the road to Berlin …

So, the lightning lounge is here, and growing.

If you like sport it could be a place to check out. There’s room for all (including Geordie Mackems) so drop by and see what you think!

Unfortunately trying to get this up and running has led to a drop in posting here, but I hope to get back to more regular posting from today!

So, two sites have emerged from the ashes – www.boltbunker.com and www.thelightninglounge.com

The first is a pure Sport site, with room for fun. The second is broader in scope, hoping to take some of the latter-day political unrest away from those who aren’t interested. Anyway, have a look and join in.

So, things have to change – and it seems that things are finally starting to shift.

Out go five players so far, in come another five. Another signing is due on Monday, with another departure just confirmed (Earnshaw to Florist).

So it’s all change and maybe the new shoots of hope are appearing ….