The GayGames in Cologne are over. It feels a bit like Ash Wednesday right now. First you've been eagerly awaiting the festive days, then you've spent a week criminally neglecting work, the gym, shopping and the like, you've partied and drunk a lot, constantly met new people, hardly slept, your flat looks like shit - and suddenly it's all over. I'm exhausted and a little wistful about it. Just like after carnival. I'm left with the feeling that somehow I didn't really savour the whole thing.
Although I can't complain. I volunteered (if that word even exists) every day from Monday to Saturday. On Thursday and Friday I went to watch the swimmers, footballers, handballers, synchronised swimmers and track and field athletes, went to the opening ceremony, partied almost every evening in Schaafenstrasse, attended the Gala Ball on Friday and went to the Closing Ceremony in the Tanzbrunnen yesterday. You can hardly get more than that!
The games have given me many wonderful and atmospheric moments. When the GayGames flag was handed over to Cleveland yesterday evening with the stirring song "Du bes de Stadt" (De Höhner), it was pure goosebumps. Although a lot of things were not right at the beginning, in the end everything was just right. The athletes will take home a Cologne that has once again surpassed itself in its openness, tolerance and Rhineland hospitality. That's why I love my adopted home of Cologne...
Besides, I haven't flirted this much in years! I'll miss all the beautiful men who enjoyed the games day and night. Hopefully we can keep that carefree approach to each other in the pubs and on the streets for at least a few weeks. That was sooooo good for me!
So today I'm going to finish off with a classic Ash Wednesday programme and do another round in the sauna. Perhaps a racy South American, sweet Asian or athletic Scandinavian would like to say goodbye to me in person after all. As my last compulsory act, so to speak. And then, in a few weeks' time, the freestyle is a must: After so many bodily fluids, I'll probably go back to the health department to check for syphilis and the like. Who knows what little souvenirs the guests have left behind.
But you, dear reader, will no longer find out the result. This is where my GayGames column ends. Perhaps we'll see you again at the Eurogames 2011 in Rotterdam. Because, as with carnival, the saying goes: After the session is before the session!
One last thing from Hätze: GayGames Alaaf!
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