Why's everyone suddenly so loud?

After Germany won their third EM game against Denmark, thus advancing themselves to the quarterfinals (which they won against Greece), the people in Mainz were totally pumped! I watched that game at the Eisgrub Bräu with friends, and as we exited the pub after the game, we found the streets lined with cars, young people hanging out of the car windows and sun roofs, yelling, waving flags, and being generally elated. The car horn honking continued for at least an hour after the game had been won. Germans are, in general, very reserved in their actions and expressions (as contrasted to Americans who get reallyexcitedabouteverythingomg!). However, when it comes to soccer, Germans like to get wild, and it's so much fun to see!

I didn't watch the quarterfinal game against Greece. I know, I know, horrible of me. Instead, I went for a swim for the first time in about 2 months, knowing the pool would be nearly empty. Walking the mile from my house to the pool was like getting a preview of the world post-zombie apocalypse. It was empty. No cars driving down the road. No pedestrians. Nothing. I'm surprised I didn't see tumbleweeds rolling down the street. And I was right-- the pool was nearly abandoned, which was awesome. And the minute I left the pool, I knew Germany had won because I could hear the car horns blowing from way down in the middle of the city. It makes me wonder how soccer victories are celebrated in other countries, and it makes me really want to see Germany win their semifinal match up. This place is gonna go berserk.

I have a little video clip of the car horn celebrations after the Denmark game, but it doesn't seem to want to load. I'll try later.