It is Euro 08 time, and I am very excited. This is a big event, and it’s in my own country, the opening game was only about twenty minutes away from where I live. I keep being worried that I will not appreciate it enough, or that I will not occupy myself with it enough, or that I will not take advantage of everything it has to offer. And then it will be over, and the feelings that will remain all start with “I should have…”

So I am now officially announcing that I will go to at least one public viewing, I will go to at least one fan zone, and I will go into the city on the day of a game at least once. And take pictures. And post them here.

The one thing I really don’t like about this whole event is the naysayers. I mean, I get it, some people are not interested in football, and some are seriously against it for political reasons, or personal reasons, or social reasons. But a lot of them are against it because it will be inconvenient for them. Because they will have to take a different bus. Or can’t drink their beer at their pub without hordes of Czech fans hollering near their sensitive ears. Or - forbid - their favourite TV show will be pushed back because of games being broadcast on the same channel. Those are usually people who always find something to complain about, and I just don’t get it. This will most likely never happen again in your lifetime, not in your own country, and instead of complaining and bitching about it, how about trying to find out why some people really love these few weeks, and maybe - this is pushing it a little, but maybe even try to have some fun of your own?

If you can remember what fun is.