EVER
had this conversation:
Q: So where are you from?
A: Trinidad and Tobago.
“That’s nice.
“What part of Jamaica is that?”
Not anymore!
To a doting new fan base the world over, there is no more ambiguity
as to the location, culture and nature of the land and people of
our beloved twin island republic.
As much as we respect our industrious Caribbean neighbour, the two
dots on the world map that make up Trinidad and Tobago are as identifiable
as the North Star at the moment.
And to that I say “Let it shine.
“Let it shine. Let it Shine’!”
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Germans supporting TnT.
Supporters outside the stadium.
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The pride emanating from our country today must surely rival that
of the day the Union Jack was lowered and the red, white and black
was raised for the first time.
And boy has it been raised several times in the last month.
The Trinidad and Tobago flag is everywhere.
The pride is everywhere.
The passion is everywhere, and not just amongst Trinis.
The Germans have fallen in love with us, the English and the Swedes
now respect us and the rest of the world wants to embrace us.
All over Germany the story remains the same -- Trinbagonians are
being mobbed for any and everything Trini. Soca Warriors merchandise
is harder to come by than a legal Peter Crouch header.
When I first walked into a sports store in Nuremberg and could
not find any TnT memorabilia, I thought, oh no, it’s more
of the same.
They’ve forgotten us.
But that was not the case.
As the shop attendant explained, it’s not that the stores
did not have TnT merchandise but that all that they had was sold
out!
While walking through downtown Munich, a Brazilian (well, so I
thought) decked off in full Brazilian gear approached me, only
for him to shout “Wa’s de scene, Trini?”
Apparently he, a Trini, was himself in a sports store when a Brazilian
approached him and begged for the Soca Warriors shirt off his
back in exchange for his Brazilian shirt, cap and bag.
The Trinbagonian obliged.
The fact that this request came from a fan from the best footballing
nation in the world speaks for itself.
Back in Nuremberg, while walking with a friend, a German man stopped
us, eager to talk football and to express his admiration for the
Soca Warriors and his new-found love for Trinidad and Tobago.
“The way you guys fought, it was incredible” he said.
“Your being here has been the highlight of the World Cup.
“I went to the Carnival (held in Nuremberg before the game)
and oh my goodness … can we have one of those every week?”
he pleaded with a big smile on his face.
The conversation continued and our new German friend took us for
an authentic German meal -- sausages and potato salad German style.
“The best sausages in the world,” he quipped.
Such was the warmth extended to Trinidad and Tobago nationals
by our host country as instances like this were commonplace.
All thanks to the deeds of 23 Trinbagonians, one Dutch and the
thousands of travelling Trinbagonians who shared the spirit of
our wonderful country with the world.
Trinis -- be proud.
Soca Warriors -- Thank you.
The conversation now reads:
Q: So where are you from?
A: Trinidad and Tobago.
“Oh wow. Can I come?”
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