Having taken the day off of work, I'm tapping on my keyboard in my living room right now. Considering I have 10 days of vacation banked from 2005, I figured I could spare one day away from the office, especially when my Dad is driving in from out of town.
Dad is in town for one reason and one reason only: Because Glasgow Celtic -- the team from his hometown in Scotland -- is in town to play D.C. United. For this, my father had taken a day off work midweek to drive to Washington, take in the game with me, and then drive back to New York tonight after the final whistle.
Such are the costs of fandom. But in this case Dad and I are happy to pay. The last time Dad saw Celtic play was when he was 15 and spending a few months in Scotland with his relatives. And while Celtic has been making a regular Summer trip to America the last few years, this is the first time they've been playing anywhere near me.
While United is one of the better supported sides in MLS, that won't stop RFK from filling with Celtic supporters from around the country. Before tonight's game Celtic fans are going to be gathering at The Pour House on Pennsylvania Avenue off Capitol Hill. We may stop by before the game, as Dad delights in meeting folks from back home just to chat.
I'm taking my camera with me tonight, and I'll have a report tomorrow morning.
This isn’t the first time they’ve played near you recently. I was on hand to watch them prevail 2-1 over Manchester United in Philadelphia’s new (at the time) Licoln Financial Center. (link)
Sorry, but I can’t consider Philly as close to the Washington area.