weltmeisterschaft madness

The WM is now but a hazy memory; all the t-shirts and flags are now half price and the tourists have gone home. But will the (partial) renewal of Germany's sense of national pride be long lasting?

I cannot answer this question, but what I can do is share with you, dear listener, the visual stills which make up my WM experience.

Above: Bochum Stadium, where I watched Italy defeat Germany on the big screen.

Considering I normally couldn't 'give a rats' about soccer, once in Germany I was surprised to find myself caught up in WM madness. Back in Melbourne, even though I knew it was very 'unAustralian' of me, I failed to stay awake and watch any 'historically significant' matches. Sadly however, Australia was knocked out of the comp very soon after my arrival in Deutschland. I soon learnt the German expression for penalty kick (elf meter), because the Germans were just as outraged as I about the ridiculous penalty which handed Italy victory on a velvet cushion. With golden tassels. Das war kein elf meter!











Above: Karina and Marc at Bochum Stadium, and the 'Mötley Crüe' - my backpacker mates from Köln with whom I celebrated the WM - Paul (Wales), Rita (Ireland) and Christina (USA).











Above: a stretch of pubs along the Rhein in Köln, where I watched Germany win 'the bronze medal', and the subsequent fireworks.










Above: Italians celebrate the WM win on the streets of Köln, and some random Italians who were more than happy to have their photo taken.










Above: the ceiling of the Hauptbahnhof (main train station) in Köln. Krass geil, oder?