40 years on, a kick in right direction for England

“It’s just a way of helping kids who otherwise haven’t got a chance”, said CJ, the fast-talking limo driver who, even as we spoke, was accepting donation on his mobile phone. “We drive this around and people see the big names who are supporting this and they dip their hands in their pocket. It goes to this organisation (CLIC-Sargent) that helps kids with cancer.” And 40 Years On? That’s the song — the tile referring to 1966, when England won the Cup — recorded for this tour, the proceeds going to charity. Forty years on England may not be able to repeat that feat but here’s one kick — Kika — in the right direction.

Flat World strikes again

WHEN Australia play Croatia on Thursday, the players may find it difficult to remember their allegiances. Three Croatia players were born and raised Down Under, five Ozzies — including their skipper Mark Viduka — come from the Balkans. Team Australia Football is comprised of non-English immigrants to a far greater degree than its cricket equivalent; Greece, Croatia, Italy are all part of the ultimate rainbow team.

Those aren’t the only acquaintances being renewed in Germany. In another match tomorrow, Zico squares up with his compatriots — as will Alex, the “Japanese” midfielder”. In Cologne yesterday Sven-Goran Eriksson had his second successive World Cup match against Sweden. And, depending on today’s results, volatile Mexico coach Ricardo La Volpe could face Argentina in the next round. The Flat World strikes again.

Fragrance of Cologne

I DIDN’T have a hamburger in Hamburg and haven’t yet had a frankfurter in Frankfurt but I did try on some eau-de-cologne in Cologne. The name, obviously, means “water of Cologne” and it is still sold at the eponymous address of the most famous brand, 4711 Glockenstrasse. The perfume — for want of any other description — was first given to a young couple, the Muelhens, as a wedding gift by a Carthusian monk. Actually, he gave them the recipe for “aqua mirabilis”, which in those early days was drunk as much as applied on the skin. Herr Muelhen turned it into a business out of 4711 Glockenstrasse, where the shop stands even today. It sells many kinds of lotions but the most famous is still the “4711”, with its green and red bottles. There is a fountain in the shop with the water pouring out in a constant stream; you can wash your hands in it, sip it, or simply lean close and sniff it.