Day Three

This is the day we had been waiting for. Steve had worked hard to nail down tickets for the Giants / Jets game in Jersey. We were pumped for what promised to be a great event as the two home teams squared off head to head at Giants Stadium. It would be our first NFL Game and first time in New Jersey, a completely new experience.

• Day 3
  • Giants Stadium / NY Giants / NY Jets - We departed Fairfield at about 10:30 am and took our usual route until we ramped up to the George Washington Bridge which crosses from Manhattan to New Jersey. Quite a piece of infrastructure, with a combined 14 lanes of upper and lower deck traffic. Upon touch down in New Jersey (about 11:30) we headed for Giants Stadium. A brief trek as the crow flies, but we got held up in Game Day traffic and only through Steve's driving and the help of a stranger did we make kick-off on time. Part of the issue was the removal of several thousand parking spots for the construction of a new stadium. Thanks to Steve, Eric has video of the kick-off! Steve went to park and arrived several minutes after us. We had great seats in an area with some excellent fans. They were incredibly knowledgable about the game and were almost family like in their conversations. Not to detail the game, but we were treated to a clash that had lots of scoring, interceptions, a kick-off return, field goals (hits and misses) home team come back and as loud a crowd as I've ever sat in. The roar of 75,000 fans was definitely impressive. Peter made a great friend in the seat behind, and actually came home with his hat. Great guy, doing missionary work for the Giants. He really kept Peter on his toes and helped him keep interest in the whole event. At the end, the final score was Jets 24 - Giants 35. The day was undoubtedly self-indulgent, and a treat from start to finish. Not something I could afford very often, but Eric and I both agreed it was well worth the experience. I caught myself, several times, just staring and smiling at the spectacle itself. I couldn't get the "Ancient History" course I'd taught several years prior out of my head. New age Gladiators I figure. Traffic was just as brutal on the way out, but thanks to some sandwiches/drinks/snacks Jen had packed in the morning we held the course. Unforgettable day.

Evening Planning: The plan of attack for Monday morning was to make a few purchases and head for Canada. We weren't sure if it was going to be a one day or two day excursion, but we had built in time for either circumstance. A couple of ales and off to bed!