Futbol Européen???

Flares, lights, chants, "God Save the Queen." Nope, not here. Sorry, this is not Old Tratford. This is Stade de Geneve, home of Servette FC. Please take a gander at this picture to imagine how empty this stadium is. Ok, now imagine utter emptiness. Okay, now you know the feeling.

I give their die-hard fans credit, Les Garnets don't have much to cheer about. Their club was relegated to the Swiss Thrid division in 2005 after Servette's sponsor went bankrupt. Now a member of the Swiss Challenge League (Division 2), the 30,000 person stadium held a mere 1,500 for this game. Some parts of the stadium were completely blocked off and entrance was only 10 chf=very cheap entertainment in Geneve. What was once one of the most prestigious and respected clubs in the Swiss Axpo, Servette has seen better days. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

The game was not bad; well, at least the second half was good. Honestly, a decent college team in the US (or even a good high school team) could have easily controled this game from start to finish. During the second half, the opposing team's (Concordia Basel FC) keeper flipped off the Servette crowd. Naturally, all the Genevois returned the favor (including the 5-year old sitting 2 seats away from me). The keeper was carded and everytime he touched the ball for the remainder of the game, he was booed loudly, well, relatively loudly.

And, as fate would have it, the game ended in a 0-0 draw. Fun times, right?!?! Les Garnets did have a goal (from my vantage point) that was called back on an offsides call.

I find it funny that in a place where futbol is king, such a well-know team playing in a decently-sized city and in a top-notch stadium (Stade de Geneve was part of Euro Cup 2008--too bad I couldn't have been here 2 months ago...) can't draw a larger fan base. However, this mysetry just adds to the complexity that is Geneve. Les Genevois are so fiercely loyal, to their heritage, to their language, to their city, to the reformers of the Reformation (a blog post to follow) that I cannot understand the lack-of-support for Servette FC. Even the few supporters that I talked with couldn't really find an explanation for this phenomenon. Perhaps they are still embarrased by the bankruptcy and negative publicity.

Go Miami, beat Vandy! Oh, et Allez Servette!

Love & Honor,

Matt

A New Perspective on Switzerland

Bienvenue à Suisse!

Maybe being 2000m above sea level has made me a little light-headed. Or perhaps is the absolutely amazing Swiss chocolate (Cuiller) or L'Etivaz cheese. Whatever the cause, the effect has been that I have fallen... fallen in love with the beauty that is Switzerland.

Switzerland is a paradox. It is a land of modern cities, world-renowned for their progressive stance on human rights. However, the Alpine highlands of central Switzerland feel like a step back in time. Les Alpes are covered with small farms, cows with bells, chalets with flower boxes and Swiss flags. And sadly, this is the image that most people have of the Swiss. There is definite dichotomy in Swiss culture--one that the brings out Swiss pride in every citizen.

Having spent the whole first half of the week in the Alps, I am looking forward to our tours of the US Mission and the Palais de Nations (of the United Nations) tomorrow. Hiking boots and jeans to business casual in one day; I think that this sums up Switzerland. What an amazing place.

Each and everyday, I amazed at the Swiss; with their concern for others, their outpouring of humanitarian aid. And yet, the Swiss are a conservative people. Proud of their traditions, proud of their food, and proud of their nation.

So, yes, I am here. And very confused. And intrigued.

:ove & Honor,

Matt

Welcome & Adieu

So, I sit here in my room in tiny Brookville, Ohio. And my mind cannot help but run wild. In 4 days, I am leaving everything I know and headed to a place that will be very much different from SW Ohio... a place that I have spent 21 years. Over the past few weeks, I have had the chance to reflect on all of my experiences and I must say that I'm not sure if I am ready. Nothing has or can prepare for the adventure that I am about to embark on and that scares me. In fact, my excitement has grown to anticipation and nervousness.

"Hi! My name is Matt Hoffman and I am a junior International Studies major from Brookville, Ohio." If I had a nickle for every time I have said those words... However, this is my formal introduction, a big "howdy" if you will, to everyone who will read this... my friends and family, my professors and staff members at Miami, and to anyone who wants to follow me on this journey into the unknown. I welcome you to what will surely be one of the biggest challenges of my life. I encourage you all to read, to comment, to respond, to email, to facebook, to travel 4,000 miles to visit... you know, the usual stuff.

Anyone who knows me will say that my love and enthusiasm for Miami is obvious and contagious, and some might say that it verges on annoying. These same people will also realize how hard it is for me to leave a place I love so much for 4 months... a place that I missed so much over the summer that I would drive down at least once a week, even though I spent the first half of the summer on campus as an orientation leader. I will miss football, hockey, campus in the fall, my friends, and even my classes. But I know that it is finally time for me to take a chance, for me to leave the airport in a strange city and to make a place for myself. Maybe this is what frightens me the most.

So, thank you to everyone who helped me reach this point and please keep in touch. I am just a quick phone call or e-mail away. À bientôt.

Love & Honor
Matt