Wednesday, July 05, 2006

World Cup Fever

First it was the Africa Cup of Nations, now it's the World Cup. I know I miss American football, but nothing beats the World Cup. I remember watching it for the first time many years ago with Maggie's Mom and another person (who shall remain nameless), at a restaurant in Chincoteague, VA where my family used to vacation. We were in the middle of nowhere and we found ourselves at a restaurant/bar just to watch the World Cup. None of the local yahoos seemed too interested except for the three of us. I went because I didn't have anything else to do that day and in the end I was a soccer, or should I say, football, fanatic.

Hassan and I have been watching as many games as we can, but since it is more of a pay per view event here, we've missed out on many of the games. We were unable to watch the US game, ok, we caught a bit of it at a cafe, but had to leave. We were sorry the US lost, but continued on watching other games anyway.

The momentum of each game brought with it its own fan base. Many of the Egyptians here cheered for Ghana, Tunisia and France. I watched last night's game at home with Mira - we found the game after much searching on the satellite where it was broadcasted for all to see. Hassan was with his boys watching the game in Faisal.

I bought Mira a small needlepoint kit last night and she and I stitched our own projects for the entire soccer match. I was impressed with Mira's endurance in stitching during the entire game, even though she sang an Egyptian song for 2 hours (boosie wa wa) -- it's about a boo boo. The girl is very sexy and dresses quite revealing by anyone's standards, but Mira likes the little baby in the video. Yeah, the men probably like the baby too -- not.

Tonight we hope to go to Lilly Park, which is a large cafe/restaurant/small amusement park for kids, to watch France and Portugal. We will need to get there very early to get a table. I can't remember what game it was two weeks ago, where people were sitting in the grass watching the game. At least I know they'll have fresh hot cappuccino in the cool 82 F degree evening.

Ma'salaam,

~Marian

11 comments:

Marian said...

I look forward to seeing the pix. Honestly, I do not miss any of the storms/rain/tornadoes/hurricanes, anything at all. I'll take the stinking hot temperatures w/o humidity any day. However, I do miss the coolness after a rain as the steam rises from the streets. I miss you too :)

Anonymous said...

Ah, the World Cup; I remember that afternoon in Chincoteague very well. Talk about being strangers in a strange land, that was the three of us watching the game. I'm glad to know Mira has an affinity for stitching like her Mom; just keep her away from lifetime cardinal projects :) I'm one to talk, I need to finish my wedding announcement w/ doves from many years ago. Hugs to all, Maggie's Mom

Marian said...

Yes, it was a lifetime ago. Don't worry about the x-stitch project w/ your wedding announcement on it. You have lots of time. If Maggie is anything like Mira and Frances, she would be too fascinated with the floss and needle. Love, Marian

Anonymous said...

Hi Aunt Marian! I worked and saved my money all winter to be able to pay for an exchange trip to Germany. I stayed in Cologne for 2 weeks while the World Cup was going on. It was sooo wild. Every time Germany won a game, there were parties in the streets. Give Mira a kiss for me. xoxo Frances

Hajar Zamzam Ismail said...

Sounds like fun.
Sports and stitches etc.

Safa said...

reading your blog is like a breath of fresh air....you describe things the way I look at them. The old buildings, gargoyles, candles....fateer. I didn't quite understand if Hassan is your husband or not? About the candles.....I went down to Attaba with my 14 yr old daughter and we bought wax and made all our own! It was fun....we even experimented with adding scents. But nothing beats the toffee candle we bought from Hyper 1..........we are still experimenting here.......come visit me.....

Marian said...

Hey Frances! Sounds like you have a lot to share -- do tell! I am glad you posted on my blog, but even more glad you got to experience Germany during the World Cup. I bet it was an outrageous experience -- something you will be able to tell your children. It's definitely a major "feather in your hat" so to speak. Please email me with your blog address -- I want to read it. Hugs and kisses to all -- and a special Happy Birthday to your Dad!!!! Love, Marian

Marian said...

Hajar - Yes, nothing is better than sports and stitching.

Marian said...

Safa - I think you and I have a lot in common! Attaba is a great place to shop -- be sure you wear comfortable shoes - but you know that right? Yes, Hassan is my husband. We've been married 13 years and still going strong, Alhamdulillah. Mmmm, scented candles, it is a different type of fragrance than the bakhoor (incense here). Although there is great bakhoor here. Ma'salaam.

Safa said...

actually, I wasn't talking about the bakhoor....we added those essential oils to the wax.....there were a TON of them there to choose from....even name brand perfumes!! I could walk around there all day.....my hubby gets bored in 5 mins....

Anonymous said...

Looking for information and found it at this great site...
Maternity clothes order books Prevoir maternity clothes clothes maternity petite uk maternity clothes rv awning maternity clothes brands Wholesale jewelry sterling choker maternity nursing clothes insurance email marketing Small trendy maternity clothes How did the women in the 80s dress