Bonjour! Exciting day here in Paris. France plays Portugal tonight in the semi-finals of the world cup. You can almost cut the tension in the air with a paté knife. While I am not a die hard soccer fan, like most Americans, I did play the sport in school and do enjoy watching it. Plus, it is impossible not to get caught up in the frenzy over here, as everyone seems to eat, sleep and breath the sport. (see above picture: "Praying to the Deity Zidane")

I am particularly anxious about who wins the game tonight as it will help to determine what I am doing this weekend. My first priority is of course for France to win, but let me explain--- I found this cheap airline, called Hapag-Lloyd Express (HLE). Its tagline is "Fly for the price of a taxi" and its airplanes are painted like yellow cabs. I, obviously, had to book a flight on this airline immediately.

I thought it would be cool to go to Berlin for the final game of the World Cup and my friend's boyfriend lives there, so I would have a place to stay. But, flights to Berlin were too expensive and the timing wasn't right. I did find reasonable fares (relatively, once taxes were factored in) to Stuttgart, where the 3rd place game on Saturday night is happening. I didn't know anything about Stuttgart, but I booked the ticket and was pleased to find out, after the fact, that the city is both a wine destination in the Black Forest region as well as a spa hub. Ahhhh...perfect. Additionally, it is the home to Porsche and Daemler-Chrystler; fitting, as I am working on this Toyota brand review while at Saatchi Paris. The Mercedes Benz musuem is apparently not to be missed. I never thought I would utter such words.

So, book the ticket I did, not thinking that Stuttgart might not be the best atmosphere if Germany loses in the semi-finals. Nor did I think about the fact that if France wins in the semi-finals then I will defoinitely want to be in Paris for the event. Apparently I still have a lot to learn. As it turns out, Germany lost to Italy last night in overtime (2-0). It was sad; for both of us. But, we will see what happens tonight. If France wins, my "cheap" ticket to Stuttgart may just be the price of entry.