We're all the same, but different...

Culture is always something that piques my interest.  A few years ago it was brought to my attention what a large part religion plays in cultures.  Today I have considered the same of sport. I wouldn't say necessarily that sport shapes the culture as religion has (maybe a micro culture) but how sport brings out the piousness in some people and how in others the sport itself is the center of their religion. 

Culture is tricky at any rate because there is little likelihood of 100% inclusiveness. Even in Canada where  hockey was born and thrives you will find people that couldn't care less aboat hockey. But it is such a facet that when I flew through Vancouver in place of the boring CNN news that I see at domestic airports they had on Hockey Night in Canada which highlighted the playoff game between the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks. It was here at a random gate I engaged in friendly hockey talk aboat the recent games, coaches etc. I felt at home of course because hockey is my favorite sport and in Portland I don't often feel this camaraderie (yet also don't seek it out). I know I'm not alone and others have experienced this with their own, but this made me love Canada more. 

At the same time the fans of Bayern Munich were celebrating winning the Champions League. For those of you that don't follow or have any knowledge of international soccer there's no real comparison in any mainstream American sports. Ha! Okay, I guess it is like every mainstream sport, but in Europe there is not just one league like in the US. Top teams from across Europe no matter the league play each other for this trophy.

So- skip to walking through Munich airport and thinking how nice so many people are wearing the scarves and jerseys, but then I remember that they just won THE big game one day previous. Many I suspect we're returning from the game in London. Again I am reminded how sport is so important to culture. I felt an appreciation for their pride of sport. I'll try to remember the next time I encounter Americans draped in the garb of their favorite team, it's cultural! Go Wings! Go Timbers!

-thanks to Siri in helping me transcribe this blog ;)