Vettel Wins in Korea

Sebastian Vettel won the Korean GP with a very comfortable margin. He had a great first lap in which he overtook Hamilton (who started from P1 today) and he did not loosen the grip on the victory even for a second after that. But I was really impressed how happy Seb was at the end of the race that he finally managed to get the fastest lap in the race this year. I mean: he has 10 victories, he is already a double world champion even though he is only 23, he guided Red Bull to their second constructor's title. Why would he need the fastest lap so badly? Because this is who Vettel is. Yes, he is a very nice and polite lad but underneath he is a real champion and a fighter.

Watching the post race interview, I remembered why I like the guy so much. At some moments he reminds me of Schumi a LOT but there is also something else - his attitude - he really seems so nice to everybody around the grid. And he is really positive. Schumi always had a little bit of an attitude - when he was younger, he was just too much into the race and too invested in winning. He is different now; he seems to be genuinely happy just being on the track. When he was still fighting for the world championship, just participating was never enough. It seems for Vettel, however, even a small opportunity to prove himself and make the fans happy means a lot.


This also takes me back to the game last night - Ajax's reserve goalie had the same attitude - he was just satisfied to be out there, in front of the fans. It is really great to see that it is not only business, that these certainly well-paid champions are driven by something deeper than money: by a real love for the sport. Those are one of those moments that make every tear, every time your heart stopped during a game or a race totally worth it. Thank you for the smile Seb and keep it always :)

On Living in the Netherlands Part 1

I am starting a list of things I find curious about the Netherlands.
1) Trains
Ok, tonight in the train there was a guy playing a guitar and half of the train car was either singing with him or chearing. People here are so friendly and open that it is hard to believe sometimes.
2) Weather
I know that it rains a lot but because of the rain you get to appreciate every second of sunshine more.
3) Football Games
At the start of the game the players throw flowers at the public. How Dutch is that?

Ajax - AZ Alkmaar

I think I fell in love today. The stadium, the fans, the game. Yes, I know it was not a victory, just 2:2. But this is how I would imagine the perfect game - so many emotions! Ajax had the most amazing comeback - they were 0:2 down in the half time but came out for the second half as a completely different team. I can't recall when was the last time I felt so nervous during a penalty. But it was worth it: just to see the explosion of joy on the stadium. The feeling you get when your team scores and you are on the stadium, it does not compare to anything. It's pure hapiness for a few brief seconds. I think my heart stopped around six times in this game: not only for the two goals, but aslo when Ajax hit the post (twice!) and after that when AZ had two chances to score in the second half.
I hope Vermeer gets better soon but the reserve goalie Jasper Cillessen also did a very good job. He saved an almost certain goal in the last minutes. I expect to hear more about him in the future.
Ajax - this team has a real spirit. All the players are so young but you can see that they are fighters. I haven't felt like this towards a team since 2002. I am probably falling in love with the giants from Amsterdam.