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.

Casper on the Rhine River

Found:

Casper, Wyoming in Mainz, Germany. It's a small world.

Berlin: Wrapping things up

I got to spend last week in Berlin. With one month to go until the end of my program, all 75 of us who have been living throughout Germany this year gathered for an end-year seminar. The week was complete with day-long cultural discussions, sharing our experiences and how to bring home with us and spread what we have learned, a day at the Bundestag and US Embassy, site seeing, theater-going, beer drinking, dancing, and soaking up our time together. The next time we see each other, we will all be on a plane heading back to the States. There is officially less than a month until this adventure is brought to a close, and it has been quite the ride. Here are some pictures of the week together in Berlin:

Berlin: EM'12, Germany versus The Netherlands

As previously mentioned a few days ago in this post, I watched the EM 2012 Germany v Holland soccer game from amongst the crazy Germans at the Hyundai Fan Park in Berlin which is set up at the Brandenburger Tor. It is so nice to see Germans decked out in ridiculous Germany gear and getting rowdy in support of their country. As Americans, we often don't realize how cool it is that our culure incorporates massive amounts of patriotism into everyday life. I highly doubt I'll see another game throughout the tournament in a setting quite like that. The best part of it was having about 15 other Americans with me who have been here for a year, just like me. With a little face paint, some flags, and of course German leis, we celebrated the extravaganza in style.

Gracia and Clayton getting flags in their proper place- the cheek

Joe doing a great job being a Germany fan

Diana and me waiting for kickoff

Diana, Geoff, and Jennifer

Americans in Deutschland

The Dutch players are hott. Am I right? Or am I right?

DEUTSCHLAND WINS

Ron only wears partial sunglasses at night

And, I am by no means a skilled videographer, so bear (bare?) with me here...

The fans after Germany scores goal #2 (nummer zwei):

The after-party