Monday, June 27, 2016

Having a Ball

Americans aren't generally as soccer-conscious as Europe and many other parts of the globe, so some of you may not even be aware that the European Cup is going on right now.

Trust me, it would be hard NOT to be aware of it over here.

Not that there's a lot of commercialization about it...at least not in local shops. But the local bars have TVs set out, and when there's a game on, it's hard to miss it. Everyone crowds the piazza with drinks or gelati in hand, chairs are clustered around the televisions, and flags are at the ready.

When something is about to happen, there is the crowd murmur, leading to cries of rage or delight, or alternatively decrescendoing to silence. The stereotypes of Italian manners come to the fore, though: lots of shouts of "Mamma Mia!", hand gestures galore, rambunctious embraces when goals are scored, and really no holds barred when it comes to expressing your emotion of the moment. And, yes, emotions run high.

All in all, it is really a delightful experience to spend $2.20 for a glass of prosecco and a nice bowl of roasted almonds and crowd watch...even if you're not a soccer fan.

Love,

Alexandra

p.s. Did I mention that upon winning, there is a parade of cars hooting loudly throughout the city?

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