When we initially got matched about a month ago, my Secret Santa (apotre) was quick to message me to let me know that it may take a while for my gift to get here, as it was coming from overseas. This, in itself, was downright exciting. I love getting matched with people from outside of the U.S. When he mentioned that he saw that I liked soccer scarves, I knew I was in for a treat.

Apotre mentioned that his team was playing in the Champions League that upcoming Wednesday and invited me to join /r/soccer if I hadn't already. When I responded, I offered "bonus points" if his team was Galatasaray, as they were the only one of the four teams playing that I had never heard of. When he responded that his team was, indeed, Galatasaray and that I should expect a gift from their official store, I was floored...and, seeing that my Arsenal were soon to exit the Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich, I was very much exited to start rooting for GSK!

In the time between the package being mailed and finally getting here, I have managed to get to watch a couple of Galatasaray matches on TV and found myself actively cheering them on as they defeated Schalke to advance to the CL Quarter Finals.

Tonight, after it spent what I assume was a few days in customs purgatory, I received a package from Istanbul, Turkey. Upon opening it, I found a bag from the official GS store. Inside that bag, an incredibly awesome Galatasaray hat and scarf. I think they're frickin' awesome and I fully intend on wearing them at my local soccer pub on April 3rd when GSK takes on Real Madrid!

Thank you, apotre, for your awesome generosity. You made this exchange really, really awesome and I've enjoyed our discussions leading up to this! Go Galatasaray!