World Cup and Whirled Peas

Seems Americans have suddenly become enamored with the game of soccer (known around the world as football - but not here) and for the past two weeks (seems like months) these fans have invaded every nook and cranny of the restaurant. Sweet Christ on a cracker, today is the final game between Espana (Spain to us Muricans!) and The Netherlands.

Unlike Super Bowl fans, who are loud, obnoxious and rude, American soccer fans are just obnoxious. Oh, and demanding.  Maybe it's genetic.  Maybe because you can actually see the players, their bodies, facial expressions, and graceful moves, that the game has become more alluring.  After all, what do you see of an American football player? Part of the face, teeth guard, helmet, pads, spandex and attitude - all of which make the over-paid player look more like a tank going to war, than an athlete playing a game. And you wouldn't know who was under all that heavy drag but for their names stitched onto the back of their Jersey...what fun?

Soccer players have fine-tuned bodies and are light on their feet, while football players are clunking around, some weighing over 300 pounds. Grace and agility over dumb brute strength. I'll take the former, thank you very much.

Anyhoo.

Since the game started at 2:30 pm EDT, I had to deal with these crazies from 1 o'clock until the end of my shift at about 4:30 pm. By that time many were so drunk they had to close one eye to keep the tv screen in focus; as I left the pitchers of margaritas were still flowing...Good luck with that, OK?

I am home making supper and enjoying a festive martini as I write. It's going to be a wonderful evening. I plan to watch "An American in Paris" which I haven't seen in a few years. Truth be told: I fell in love with Gene Kelly at age 8 when I first saw this picture. But, please, PLEASE, don't tell anyone.  Let this be our little secret, OK?

Anyway, Cheers!

And so it goes.
*