Nationalism

Patriotism is alive and well in deepest England, this can be seen, particularly at this time of the year with the flags of St George unfurling over the roofs of moving cars as we head into that phase of life that is the World Cup Finals. For some this tournament is the nadir of all that they hold sacred, for others and possibly the majority, the hope that it engenders with regard to business, prestige and nationalism is swelling over like the waves of the sea. The intensity and fanaticism that such tournaments bring to a country can be refreshing, enduring and often inspiring for all, even those that normally would not be seen watching a football, never mind a game, but it can envelop the whole country and consume and engulf innate passions in people that they would never think that they had. Such is the " beautiful game". Now for the Brazilians who spent their young years on Copocabana beach kicking a ball around; this is all very much part of their ritualistic lifestyle but for us, hard work and sheer passion tends to do it for us. As a previous traveller to Brasil, I would like to think that we might meet them in the final to test our skills against the real masters but I fear that might not happen but as a student of nostalgia I can but dream can't I? It is after all, what all our dreams are made of, ......hope, faith and nostalgia. Whether you like the game or not, the next four weeks for some will consign them to be " widows" during this time, for the rest, a glorious reflection and desire to succeed against the very best in that noble art of association football, so whatever team you are following, I wish you well and hope that this quad-annual spectacle musters up all sorts of emotions in all of us that allows us to reflect upon our own lifestyles and future prospects.