The Night Italy Won the World Cup

It seemed that the entire country was holding its breath in anticipation that day. In Amalfi a silent energy pulsed through the streets, cafes, and houses as its in habitants waited to see if the night would be spend in celebration or mourning. By nightfall, you could feel the tension in the ari and the only sounds that could be heard were the faint voices of tv announcers and an accasional groan or sigh of spectators. Italians take futbol very seriously, and to watch a game of such importance requires undivided attention. No drinking. No talking. And if you eat, don't chew too loudly.

Classic!

Carolyn, Eef, and I didn't know these rules. I had arrived at Willy's (illegal) hostel in Amalfi the day before, and we had decided that we were going to make a night of it. Italy became our new adopted team and we couldn't wait for hte party to begin. We were full of energy and excited for the craziness to come. It was a champagne night. Each with a bottle in hand, we tripped our way down the 250 stairs from the hostel to the main road. As we walked the five kilometers down the road into town, our laughter echoed down the cliffs, carrying our giddiness out to sea. As I threw back slugs of that bubbly sweetness that had previously gotten me into so much trouble, I giggled with the sheer delight of it all. Mopeds and cars honked as they passed us by. 'Italia! Italia!' By the time the three of us finally made our way into Amalfi, we were still laughing hysterically anf floating with on the bubbles. But it soon became obvious that the Italian way of watching games was not exactly what we were used to from home. Undetered, we bought another bottle of wine and had an Eef, Carolyn, and Lacey party in the square. We were the loudest people around, and we didn't care one bit! While the entire country watched the World Cup finals in concentrated silence, we laughed our way through a bottle of limoncello. I do remember seeing a couple of plays on a tv in a nearby cafe, but when Italy kicked that last shoot out goal, I was drunkenly running to the beach with Carolyn and Eef in tow. When we arrived on the scene, everyone was screaming and hugging. This was what we were waiting for! Viva Italia! Viva Italia! We won! We won! I was mesmerized by the craziness of the crowd who only moments before had been zombies. Then Carolyn grabbed my arm. 'Let's go swimming!' I paused for a moment, remembering that my underwear was see-through, but shrugged and pulled off my pants. It was dark. The three of us ran into the water shrieking with delight. Pretty soon we were joined by others who had shed clothes, also taken over by the excitement. Fireworks went off overhead as I found myself in the arms of Luigi, the cute waiter I had met at a less drunken stage of the night. We kissed and laughed and screamed, filled with the excitement of the night. It was one of those moments that you can't believe is actually happening - but it was, and all my senses were alive.

Me, Carolyn, Eef, and Boring Girl in the square

Back on shore, however, reality smacked us right in the face. Eef's purse had been snatched with all her money, her cards, phone, and camera inside. The mood changed instantly to one of desperation and chaos. We were too drunk and the happy crowd now seemed just a little menacing. I didn't want to let go of the exhileration I had felt just moments before, but I was swept up in the drama of the situation. With the help of more sober friends we managed to get back up the stairs and into our beds without anymore trouble. Eef's earlier hysteria subsided and we all gave way to blissful drunken sleep. After all everything always turns out for the best in the end, and what a fabulous night it had been. It was a night to remember. A champagne night. Viva Italia!

Moving to wine...

The beginning of a champagne night...

We are officially drunkity drunk drunk!