Everyone is being mighty civil to one another, wandering around and wishing each other luck. But as self-proclaimed 'Mad-Alex' demonstrates, most of these well wishes are followed by a rather spiteful: 'But not today'.
Craig (aged 31) is from Middlesbrough in England. He's come four thousand miles to support England at the World Cup. Whilst he's getting used to the Russian customs, he's brought a few English ones along with him too.
Having hit the dancefloor a little too enthusiastically last night, he was reprimanded by the hotel staff in Nizhny Novgorod for trying to eat his cereal without his shirt on.
No shirt, no shoes, no cereal. In this particular hotel, there are certain rules to abide by.
I had been searching for someone to film putting their shirt on all morning, after my confirmed fans turned me down. Shirtless Craig seemed like the perfect candidate. Here he is, putting on his mandatory breakfast shirt. It's a silent movie due to foul language.
#TopsOn! pic.twitter.com/ZpP23l2Ucn
— Maud Start (@Maud_SputnikUk) June 24, 2018
Ok now we're dressed, it's time to fuel up. But where to go and eat? In Nizhny Novgorod, there are three traditional English Pubs. Guaranteed, today these pubs are seeing more English people pass through their doors than ever before. This morning, The British Embassy (so-called because it will sort out all your woes) is crammed with English fans drinking beer and eating breakfast. Luckily, they can get a taste of home; the restaurant offers a traditional English breakfast. Max (aged 28) told me that breakfast was included at his hotel, but they were serving peas and fish, so he came here instead.
A #Russian take on the traditional #EnglishBreakfast. Seems legit; beans, eggs, sausage, foil wrapped potatoes and pints! #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/W8M3TL0Qg5
— Maud Start (@Maud_SputnikUk) June 24, 2018
That is pure dedication, and it's all so that they can cheer on their beloved England, as they go head to head against Panama today.
But if the taxi fare is not bad enough, Jonno arrived to find his tickets weren't in his wallet like he thought they were. A text from his wife confirmed the worst: the tickets are at home on his breakfast table in England.
Here's to hoping Team England has better luck than some of their fans!
Perhaps those breakfast beers are justified.
READ MORE: 'We'll Buy IKEA': England Fans Taunted German Team Ahead of Key World Cup Match
