After four days crossing America by train, I finally arrive in San Francisco.

There are ferries crossing the bay, cable cars climbing impossible hills and the Golden Gate Bridge emerging through the fog. But before I’ve even checked into my hotel, a chance encounter with a man in a Germany shirt sends me in an entirely different direction.

One conversation becomes another. A recommendation leads to a beer garden in Hayes Valley. Suddenly I’m surrounded by German supporters watching their World Cup match, sharing stories about Hamburg, Berlin, Sheffield Wednesday, Japanese-American communities and life in one of America’s most fascinating cities.

This episode isn’t really about football. It’s about what happens when you follow curiosity instead of a plan.

And, naturally, it ends with currywurst and a stein of beer in California.

Host: Rob Shaw Cameron

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FAN48 – The World Cup Fans Podcast
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