Bard and I walked through the streets, barely noticing that they were deserted. Suddenly we heard a collective roar and were amazed to see doors opening and men pouring into the street yelling and hugging each other in excitement. This was very curious so we went into the closest shop, a little ice cream store. The small store was packed with men of all ages, gathered around a television. As we watched, the goal was replayed on the TV and everyone yelled in an excitement again. Bard pulled out the jersey we had just bought, number 10, Francesco Totti, who had just scored the first goal for Italy and all the men in the store cheered in delight, clapping him on the back. It was the World Cup. and we were Italian now too.
During our honeymoon, 4 years ago, we joined Italy and England in futbol fervor as we spent time in both those countries while their teams were competing for victory. When Italy won it's first game hundreds of people poured into the street in front of our hotel, carrying their flags and breaking into a spontaneous singing of the national anthem. We took pictures of them draping flags over the shoulders of statues that litter the streets of Rome and joined the elderly couple who ran our hotel as they watched the game in the breakfast nook with their family. We laughed at the English press as they crucified their own team on national television and moved quickly into the London underground as a mob of Brazilians started celebrating in the square after their victory. There is really nothing to compare this experience to in the US. Sure, our teams claim victory over national teams, but to have victory over the world, well. I doubt we'll ever be part of that thrill again, but after four years, I remember it like it was yesterday.
This World Cup I've watched mostly with Evelyn and laughed at her as she yells at the TV, "C'mon guys, c'mon soccer ball!" A totally different experience, but just as delightful. As Bard and I celebrated with those men in that tiny ice cream shop, we never dreamed where we would be a quick four years later. A different house, different jobs, a toddler, and a baby on the way. My life has changed in more ways than I can possibly express. I don't know how it's possible, but I think I love Evelyn more every day. Bard is an incredible husband and an absolutely great father. Oh, and I love him too!
2014 World Cup will take place in Brazil. Where will we be then? Impossible to say, fun to dream.
