Hockey is not much popular in England but me as a Canadian am watching the Stanley cup and don't miss a game.
As a Canadian abroad, you can imagine the difficulties that I had trying to find a place where I can get a cold beer while watching the Stanley Cup playoffs. I understand that not all countries follow hockey as intensely as Canada, but I don't know how many times I have come across a cricket match back home. I don't even know a single person that follows cricket, or anyone that could even explain the rules. Regardless, I did manage to have some luck on a recent trip to London, England. England of all places, was not a country that believed to have any interest in hockey, yet if there is anything to get them all worked up it is sport. Apparently any excuse to cheer loudly, and drink a few extra pints in England is something that happens all the time; hockey not being an exception. Sure many of them were unaware of the rules, and had a very difficult time understanding some of the regulations that we believe to be common sense. Regardless, I felt somewhat of a guru, answering questions about my favorite sport. I had searched high and low at the hotels near Wembley Stadium and did not come across any establishments that were willing to change their channels for the game. Apparently Wembley hotels have some what of a reputation to live up to and follow a strict television guideline. Anyway, I found that somewhat funny and began my journey away from the hotels near Wembley Stadium. Eventually, once I had walked about 20 minutes from the Wembley hotels I came across a little pub that was willing to at least hear me out and humour me. I had such a blast, and I believe everyone else in the pub did as well. It just goes to show that asking around will bear you results.
Peter Merifield is a London-based freelance journalist with a mission to make you a better and happier human being. Drawing attention to the peculiarities of life in the modern age is all part of the package.Check out his other articles for everything you need to know about travel destinations and hotels.
