Day 8 -- Lille

Thursday, 14 September 2023

After yet another day without a working data connection, I walked to the Orange Mobile store and ended up getting a new phone. See this post for details.

Upon leaving the store I saw the Rugby Village in a nearby square. It had music, and a small rugby pitch for kids, and some booths where you can throw a rugby ball at a target and win a prize. (I tried; I failed.) They also had the Webb Ellis Cup on display. Simon will recall William Webb Ellis as the guy who is credited with inventing rugby. 

The Webb Ellis Cup

They even decorated the statue in the center of the square with a rugby ball.

The Column of the Goddess joining in the fun

Then it was back to the hotel where I could use the Wi-Fi to complete the activation of the new phone. 

I then headed out to get some food and make my way to the stadium for the France v. Uruguay match. I was aiming for Yaya's Pizza but it was really crowded. So I went across the street to Flash Burger instead. Either I mis-read the kiosk, or they changed the order to mess with the American, but the burger ended up with both a beef patty and a chicken patty. It was really good.

"Big Pepper" burger at Flash Burger Lille

I took the Metro to the match at Pierre Mauroy Stadium. (Match details here.) Then the Metro and some walking back to the hotel.

...doug