Resistance is Futile

While I imagine the world cup is barely a blip on anyone's radar 'cross the sea.  Here, it defines everyday life. Since we're so close to the Netherlands, not only do we witness German World Cup celebrations, but Dutch ones as well, especially since the Orangemen are tearing it up: undefeated  and currently leading their group. This weekend marks the end of the preliminary rounds with both Netherlands and Germany poised to move on to the elimination round. (FWIW --USA will likely move on too, assuming they hold it together against Algiers after a rigged call earlier this week).

Anyway, on Thursday  I picked up C from Kindergarten and found him playing Goalie on the Fussball field. Those German kids know what's up. They know it makes sense to put the kid in the net who is nearly taller than the kid-sized goal. Besides which, having not grown up breathing Fussball, Colin doesn't understand the intricacies of the game as much as his playground compatriots (Soccer is serious business, even at 5) but he does understand not to let the ball past him and that when he's in the goal, he's allowed to use his hands. Then, on Friday I arrived to find all the teachers dressed up in patriotic soccer garb and the kids marching, singing, and  chanting in the gym, waving homemade German flags, with faces painted with German colors. Coincidentally, on Friday B was dressed in red and white striped shirt with navy blue pants, and even though the USA really isn't a factor on the world soccer scene, I can only imagine the local population assumes we are as Soccer crazed as they are and I wonder if they think I dressed Brandt as a flag in order to represent. Hmmmmm?